THIS POSITION IS A SERVICE MEMBER ROLE EMPLOYED BY THE FEDERAL AMERICORPS PROGRAM.

This position is not an employee of the International Rescue Committee (IRC) and is not eligible for IRC benefits. Service members who accept a role for placement at the IRC are eligible to apply for an IRC staff role once the service term is complete. This position will complete 900 hours of service within 12 months while receiving a living stipend via the federal AmeriCorps program. The total living stipend received over 12 months is $12,321 via biweekly payments of $473.88. Upon completion of the 900 hours of service, the member will be eligible to receive an Education Award of $3,697.50.

AmeriCorps Program Overview:

Are you looking to make a difference in your community? Salt Lake County's Most Vulnerable Populations AmeriCorps Program focuses on reducing systematic inequities. AmeriCorps service members help bridge the gap and reduce barriers for a variety of vulnerable populations including but not limited to; youth, individuals experiencing homelessness, and those involved in the Criminal Justice System. AmeriCorps is a voluntary civil society program supported by the U.S. federal government, foundations, corporations, and other donors by engaging adults in public service work, with a goal of helping others and meeting critical needs in the community. "The program is often seen as the domestic Peace Corps."

IRC Background:

Founded in 1933, the IRC is a leading nonsectarian, voluntary organization providing relief, protection and resettlement services for refugees and victims of oppression or throughout the U.S. IRC resettles approximately 10,000 refugees per year and provides numerous program services to assist the refugee from their arrival through citizenship. In Salt Lake City, the IRC opened its doors 1994 and has since grown to serve approximately 2,000 refugees annually through nearly 20 different programs.

Scope:  

The Early Employment Navigator AmeriCorps service member will work alongside the Extended Case Management (ECM) team to provide focused support for newly arrived employable adults who face barriers to accessing and achieving employment that will ensure financial self-sufficiency for themselves and their household. The Employment Navigator will primarily work with adults enrolled in the Refugee Cash Assistance program to navigate early employment resources, provide 1:1 technical assistance, produce resumes and other job application materials, and facilitate group learning with a focus on employment in Utah. Additionally, the service member will provide interview preparation support and offer first day of work success planning, including transit orientations, educating on workplace norms, and ensuring adults have necessary workplace supplies. Finally, the service member will research and engage potential employers alongside the ECM and employment team as well as supporting community volunteers to expand early employment services.

Key Responsibilities:

•            Provide one-on-one support to newly arrived refugee adults as they navigate initial employment, including program intake, job searches, resume building, skills checks, and service referrals.

•            Facilitate classroom-based learning for employable adults, including expansion of existing materials and working with an interpreter to ensure understanding of materials.

•            Collaborate with ECM caseworkers and other employment-focused team members to ensure effective case management.

•            Conduct transit orientations for individuals learning to navigate public transit as a means of maintaining employment.

•            Research, plan and execute engagement of employer partners with potential to expand existing network of employers friendly to newly arrived refugee adults.

•            Oversee relevant community volunteers support program delivery, as relevant.

•            Meet expectations of the AmeriCorps service opportunity in compliance with all federal rules.

•            Participate in all relevant team meetings, staff meetings, and AmeriCorps trainings and calls, etc.

•            Support general office logistics, such as office support and front desk, as applicable and feasible.

•            Maintain professionalism, customer service, and IRC Way ideals when working with the community.

•            Other reasonable tasks and projects as assigned.

Learning Objectives:

•            Develop a unique understanding of the complex barriers and solutions to employment access for newly arrived refugee adults in Utah.

•            Expand knowledge of employer networks in Utah, including development of materials to engage and sustain employer partnerships.

•            Improve one-on-one instructional tactics and strategies while deepening understanding classroom-based facilitation.

•            Improve understanding of tactics and strategies of a job seeker navigating current employment market conditions, especially for those with low or no English skills.

Key working relationships:

Position Report to: Extended Case Management Supervisor

Position directly supervises: Community volunteers, as relevant.