Refugee Employment Specialist (Internal Applicants Only)

JFCS Pittsburgh  

Since 1937, JFCS Pittsburgh has been pushing what’s possible in human services—combining compassion, innovation, and a relentless commitment to dignity and justice. We partner with people across the region to navigate life’s changes and challenges, ensuring that no neighbor has to navigate these difficulties alone.   

We proudly serve job seekers, refugees and immigrants, individuals with disabilities, people experiencing food insecurity, those seeking mental health support, youth, and older adults. Through meaningful support and compassionate care, our goal is to help every person feel valued, empowered, and able to reach their full potential.   

At JFCS, your work matters. You’ll join a team of passionate problem‑solvers and strategic thinkers who care deeply about people and aren’t afraid to rethink the way support is delivered. Here, creativity is encouraged, compassion drives every decision, and your impact is felt immediately in the community.   

If you want your work to spark purpose, connection, and meaningful change—JFCS is where you can make it happen. 

Position Summary  

JFCS is committed to assisting refugee families so they are on the path to building economic and family self-sufficiency.  

 

We are seeking a Refugee Employment specialist to help on our team. The Refugee Employment Specialist will assist adult refugees, within their first five years in the U.S., find jobs within designated timelines.  The Employment Specialist will also assist job-seeking clients and their families with case management or other related duties.   

 

Duties and Responsibilities 

Pre-employment Activities: 
 

-Assess employment needs of clients 

-Create/implement individualized job plan, budget and resume with each client 

-Provide job counseling (managing expectations), job search and job development assistance to clients 

-Communicate frequently with refugee team about client progress 

-Assist in new employer development 

-Contact employers on behalf of clients 

-Plan, develop curriculum, organize, coordinate, and leads job-related workshops for clients  

 

Job Placement Activities: 

-Assist clients with job applications and follow-up as needed 

-Attend and/organize job fair events with or on behalf of clients 

-Prepare clients for interviews, ensures transportation to interview and provides post-interview communication 

-Upon hire, assist with pre-hire requirements, transportation planning and onboarding 

 

Post-employment Activities: 

-Follow up with employed clients according to required schedule and program requirements 

-Act as liaison with employers, available to trouble-shoot problems, especially as they relate to cross-cultural issues 

-Assist clients with upgrading to better paying/career-oriented jobs as allowed by program priorities 

 

Other Activities: 

-Provide case management to job seeker or his/her family as part of family self-sufficiency plan 

-Maintain accurate written and electronic records in accordance with funding and agency requirements 

-Prepare case notes on all contacts with or on behalf of clients as soon as possible  

-Participate in departmental staff and planning meetings 

-Attend employment meetings and refugee resettlement conferences as needed, local, regional and national 

-Participate in staff development and training opportunities provided by JFCS 

-Assume other responsibilities as assigned related to refugee services and JFCS employees in general. 

Qualifications 

-Experience working with refugee/immigrant populations and a general understanding of workforce 

-Team player; ability to communicate with case workers, interpreters, employers 

-Excellent organizational skills 

-Experience in providing direct client services  

-Ability to promote program to employers 

-Bachelor’s Degree or relevant life experience  

-Fluency in a non-English language is preferred, but not required. Current high need languages include Arabic, Nepali, Swahili and Dari 

-A valid PA driver’s license and access to a vehicle 

Competencies  

-Belief in the importance of creating an inclusive local workforce 

-Passion for helping individuals achieve independence through education and work 

-Commitment to providing culturally competent services in client’s preferred language  

-Enthusiastic, creative and empathetic 

Physical Requirements: 

-Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 

-Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.