Send Resume to: cwshr {at} churchworldservice(.)org
or mail to: Church World Service
Attention: Karen de Lopez
P.O. Box 968
Elkhart, IN 46515
or fax to 574/266-0087

Deadline to Apply: Until Filled
Service Term: 09/01/2009 – 08/31/2010

Primary Purpose:

As an AmeriCorps member, the part-time AmeriCorps Job Developer assists refugees in the process of job search and placement in an effort to assist them in achieving economic self-sufficiency and effective resettlement as quickly and expeditiously as possible. This position will be responsible for identifying job opportunities, assisting clients in completing job applications, set up interviews with potential employers, accompany clients to interviews, and follow up with employers until a decision is made.
Please note this position is thru the AmeriCorps ACCESS Program. The incumbent needs to work 900 hours over the term of September 1, 2009 thru August 31, 2010 and will receive a stipend from AmeriCorps for the time served.

Essential Duties:

• Welcome and orient refugees to the community by offering support and employment services to refugees to help them reach financial self-sufficiency in the United States.
• Develop resource materials and orientation curriculum that supports the establishment of long-term financial self-sufficiency.
• Empower refugees to formulate realistic yet ambitious employability plans.
• Identify job opportunities suitable for clients, assist in filling out applications, set up interviews with potential employers, accompany clients to interviews, and follow up with employers until a decision is made.
• Responsible for developing and maintaining a current pool of employers such as companies, agencies, etc. that could offer employment opportunities and/or job training to the clients.
• Offer interpretation and translation services to refugee clients, as well as transportation to interviews and appointments as necessary. (Compensation is paid by CWS for mileage when using personal vehicle.)
• Provide individualized job development and job placement services to program participants. Develop plan of action and counsel clients in areas such as job interview skills, expected behavior on the job, and proper hygiene.
• Advocate on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies.
• Work with clients to remove barriers to employment
• Assist clients with identifying training programs related to their career goals and make referrals.
• Responsible for coordinating job development activities with assigned Case Worker/Case Manager.
• Offer transportation to interviews and appointments as necessary.
• Document all contacts and services in client case files and maintain case note logs. Record clients’ employment-related progress in case file, including compliance, job offers, all placements, job retention, follow-up on placements, and possibilities of upgrades. Complete all required reports.
• Keep informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to refugees, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.
• Perform all duties in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Undertake other duties as assigned.
• Work varied hours, including some night and weekend work.
• Must have valid driver’s license and suitable vehicle for transporting clients.

Qualifications:

Education: High School Diploma or GED by end of program year.

Experience: Computer literate with proficiency in Microsoft Office (Excel and Word); Superior written and verbal communication skills, Fluency in a language in addition to English is desired. Because this position will transport refugees, a valid, clean driver’s license is required as well as the applicant must be 17 years of age or older and be eligible to work in the U.S.

Competencies:

Communications: Listen carefully to assure clear understanding of instructions and requests. Communicate a positive, professional image of CWS, demonstrating respect, empathy and integrity. Ask appropriate questions in seeking explanations needed to perform job. Support “transparency of information” by sharing information and ideas with others to support effective performance. Understand staff roles and procedures and prepare standard reports to track job progress or activities. Recognize the particular needs of partners and use established channels to respond to those needs. Understand and be able to use appropriate technology to communicate with others inside and outside CWS. Respect and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information within parameters defined by supervisor and/or CWS policy.

Constituent Relationships: Understand who stakeholders are and be responsive to their needs. Facilitate interactions and serve as a resource in relations with stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to issues of concern to stakeholders. Recognize and be sensitive to cultural, ethnic and religious issues.

Job Knowledge: Understand the mission and values of CWS and faith-based organizations and how they apply to their work and relationships with others. Understand the work performed and how it supports CWS in achieving its goals. Understand how to work multi-culturally with sensitivity and integrity. Be able to use and willing to expand learning of applications or technology to perform job duties. Apply a depth of knowledge within area of responsibility to implement assigned activities. Interpret CWS’s policies and procedures for staff and stakeholders, keeping the “human” side in sight.

Leadership: Take responsibility for performance of own job duties. Model behaviors consonant with CWS’s mission and values. Demonstrate sound judgment in performing all duties. Recognize and use individual strengths to enhance work performance. Recognize areas of weakness and seek assistance to improve performance. Take initiative within area of responsibility. Respect the skills, needs and schedules of others in performing assigned duties and responding to others. Contribute ideas for implementing CWS’s vision and strategic plan.

Problem Solving: Identify problems in procedures that affect program work and recommend changes in systems or procedures to address them, and then implement approved changes. Know whom to consult for assistance in solving non-routine problems. Exercise creativity in resolving problems and trying new ways of doing things. Know how and when to apply technical solutions to problems. Share results of problem solving experiences with others. Remain flexible in responding to organizational priorities.

Program Planning and Management: Anticipate work flow and take proactive steps to balance work priorities. Gather, analyze and make use of information and resources necessary to complete work. Successfully balance multiple activities, in support of program or departmental goals. Manage contacts with internal and external stakeholders to ensure flow of information and coordination of efforts. Verify the accuracy and quality of own work and the work of others.

Resource Building and Stewardship: Recognize resource building potential in all interactions and be responsive and professional in providing information. Use financial and material resources provided by CWS to their best advantage, including business equipment and supplies. Demonstrate concern for natural resources in carrying out work activities. Make the most of own time and resources to maximize stewardship to CWS. Demonstrate respect for one another in work relationships.

Teamwork: Understand what a team is and what it does. Demonstrate a willingness to work on a team. Understand own role on the team and how it fits in to the overall results to be produced. Contribute skills, knowledge and ideas to team discussion and work. Accept accountability for assignments made within the team and for producing results on time. Keep team leader and members informed of work status. Demonstrate awareness of what other teams do and how their work affects own team. Recognize and respect the importance of work performed by colleagues. Understand organizational priorities and be willing to set aside own tasks to assist others to complete high priority tasks.

Other Skills:

Fluency in a refugee language is strongly desired. (Preferred languages are Karen, Burmese, Arabic, Nepali, Vietnamese or Montagnard although other languages will be considered.)

Superior written and verbal communication skills are required.

The successful candidate must be computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel and Word) and internet applications required.