Economic Empowerment Specialist

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

IRC Background: The IRC in Northern California was established in 1975 in response to the needs of the growing refugee population. Over the past 40 years the IRC has resettled nearly 60,000 clients in Northern California. Originally focused on reception and placement, the IRC provides a range of services including economic empowerment, immigration, community gardening, and case management for victims of trafficking. IRC’s Economic Empowerment programming focuses on connecting individuals to employment opportunities in an effort to lead them down the path of self-sufficiency. This is accomplished through a combination of employment services, financial education and coaching, and access to public benefits and income support.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. 

This position has an end date of September, 30, 2029. 

Job Overview: The Economic Empowerment Specialist (EES) supports Limited-English-Proficient CalWORKs, RCA, CalFresh Employment & Training (CFE&T) clients participating in the Alameda County LEP, VESL, and Employment Services (ES) Programs. This position is responsible for completing county-mandated intakes, orientations, appraisals, assessments, self-sufficiency plans; enrolling clients into VESL and/or ES activities; coordinating activities and reporting with project partners such as adult schools and social adjustment agencies; monitoring monthly participation; and submitting accurate and timely reporting to the county.

The Specialist provides one-on-one job coaching, employment preparation, and resource navigation while ensuring full compliance with IRC and county program requirements. The role requires strong communication and coordination with Alameda County Employment Counselors, partner schools, and IRC internal departments.

Major Responsibilities:

Client Enrollment & Intake

• Conduct Introductory Calls followed by Orientation, Appraisal, and Assessment (Intake) appointments for all referred LEP/VESL/ES clients.

• Collect and record all required onboarding documents, assessments, and county-specific forms.

• Determine and enroll clients into the appropriate activity track (VESL, ES, or dual enrollment) based on English proficiency, goals, and county criteria.

• Maintain timely and accurate case notes in both the IRC database (ETO/Caseload system) and the Alameda County database (CalSAWs or other required platforms).

Ongoing Case Management & Monthly Monitoring

• Conduct monthly follow-ups with all active clients to verify program participation, collect attendance, and address barriers.

• Communicate regularly with Alameda County Employment Counselors regarding client participation, progress, and any compliance concerns.

• Ensure monthly attendance reports, CASAS scores, and activity verifications are submitted to the county on time.

• Provide clients with referrals and resources within IRC (Immigration, Financial Coaching, Health & Wellness, etc.) and to external community-based partner agencies including adult schools, community colleges, workforce programs, and other service providers.

Employment Support

• Provide one-on-one job coaching, including workplace expectations, resume development, job search skills, mock interviews, and career navigation.

• Coordinate and lead job readiness workshops aligned with LEP/ES program expectations.

• Identify appropriate job opportunities and guide clients through the hiring process when they are job-ready.

• Support retention services by following up with employers and clients to address post-placement issues.

• Maintain relationships with local employers and community partners to create pathways for training, volunteer work experience, and employment opportunities.

VESL Coordination

• Refer clients to VESL programs at adult schools and community colleges based on location, English level, and client preference.

• Coordinate VESL activities and other services with adult school, social adjustment and other partners and ensure clear and consistent communication with them.

• Coordinate CASAS testing appointments and ensure scores are properly submitted to IRC and county staff.

• Follow up on monthly attendance from adult schools/community colleges and ensure compliance with participation requirements.

Travel & Field Work

• Travel regularly to IRC’s main and satellite offices—Castro Valley, Fremont, Hayward, Oakland, Livermore, or others as needed—to conduct client intakes, assessments, and in-person meetings.

• Conduct occasional home visits or field-based appointments when programmatically required.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Ensure accurate and timely completion of all county and IRC reporting requirements.

• Maintain organized digital and physical files in compliance with IRC and county audit standards.

• Monitor clients with county-mandated participation requirements and ensure any non-compliance is communicated and documented appropriately.

Team & Cross-Agency Collaboration

• Coordinate closely with IRC’s Economic Empowerment team, VESL referral partners, and community-based social adjustment agencies for clients with additional needs.

• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and required county coordination meetings.

• Assist in onboarding and supervising programs for interns and volunteers.

Other Duties as Assigned

• Support special projects, pilot initiatives, and cross-department collaboration as needed.

Key Working Relationships:

Position Reports to: Early Employment Supervisor.

Position directly supervises: Interns and volunteers.

Internal and/or external contacts:

Internal Contacts: Economic Empowerment team, Immigration, Financial Capability, Health & Wellness

External Contacts: Alameda County Employment Counselors, adult schools, community colleges, employers, AJCCs, and community-based service providers

Job Requirements:

Education:

• Undergraduate degree in a relevant field or equivalent experience.

• Minimum two years of direct services experience preferred.

Work Experience:

• Experience completing intakes, orientations, assessments, or case management in a social service, workforce, or educational setting.

• Strong understanding of job search processes, workplace norms, and employer expectations; familiarity with the East Bay job market preferred.

• Experience working with immigrant, refugee, or LEP populations.

• Strong organizational and time-management skills, with the ability to multitask and manage deadlines.

• High digital literacy (Outlook, Microsoft Office Suite, Teams, Box/Dropbox, and web-based databases).

• Strong communication skills, verbal and written.

• Fluency in English required; bilingual abilities in Dari/Farsi, Pashto, Spanish, Arabic, Tigrinya, Russian, or Ukrainian highly preferred.

• Valid driver’s license, reliable insured vehicle, and willingness to travel throughout Alameda County.

Working Environment:

• Hybrid environment including office, remote work, and field-based client meetings.

• Weekly travel to satellite offices across Alameda County.

Compensation: ($26.00 - $27.00). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements

US Benefits: We offer a comprehensive and highly competitive set of benefits. In the US, these include: 10 sick days, 10 US holidays, 20-25 paid time off days depending on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $143 per month, dental starting at $6.50 per month, and vision starting at $5 per month, FSA for healthcare and commuter costs, a 403b retirement savings plans with immediately vested matching, disability & life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program while is available to our staff and their families to support counseling and care in times of crisis and mental health struggles.

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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