Employment Specialist - 2025736

Are you a person of compassion? An advocate for justice? Someone who stands up for the rights of the vulnerable and speaks out for the marginalized, the exploited and the forgotten? Do you believe in our calling as Christians to welcome the least of these and love our neighbor?

If you answered ‘yes’, to any of the above, World Relief, and millions of people around the world need you.

At this pivotal moment in time, we are rapidly expanding and growing our team to meet the increasing needs of our world. We are looking for people who want to use their gifts and talents to make a real and tangible difference in our world and the lives of the suffering.

If you’re looking for a purpose-driven career in which you can grow your talents, while also standing up for the rights of the vulnerable, we want you to join us today.

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is to boldly engage the world’s greatest crises in partnership with the church. The organization was founded in the aftermath of World War II to respond to the urgent humanitarian needs of war-torn Europe. Since then, for 80 years, across 100 countries, World Relief has partnered with local churches and communities to build a world where families thrive and communities flourish.

Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community strengthening and resilience, and refugee & immigrant services and advocacy.

POSITION SUMMARY

This is a limited-term position funded through a grant agreement until 6/30/27 and contingent upon funding extension.

ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide individualized workforce coaching, including pre-employment counseling, assessments, and career guidance based on participant needs, English level, and work readiness.
• Deliver job readiness training through one-on-one and group sessions, covering resumes, interviews, job search strategies, and workplace expectations.
• Support job placement by matching participants to appropriate opportunities and assisting with applications, interviews, and onboarding.
• Develop individualized transportation solutions to ensure reliable access to employment.
• Provide retention and follow-up support, including ongoing coaching to address workplace challenges and promote job stability.
• Promote career advancement by helping participants identify goals and connecting them to training, credentials, and career pathway opportunities.
• Engage employers and community partners to build relationships and align job opportunities with participant skills.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with program and grant requirements.
• Collaborate across teams, programs, and volunteers to coordinate services and support participant success.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Mature and personal Christian faith
• Committed to the mission, vision, and values of World Relief
• Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities
• Able to affirm and/or acknowledge World Reliefs Core Beliefs , Statement of Faith , Christian Identity and National Association of Evangelicals' For the Health of The Nation document
• Strong interpersonal, relational, and cross-cultural communication skills, with the ability to effectively coach, motivate, and empower individuals from diverse backgrounds to achieve personal and employment goals.
• Ability to communicate clearly with individuals of varying English proficiency levels and adapt coaching approaches to meet different learning styles and work histories.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment with flexibility, organization, and attention to detail.
• Effective problem-solving, critical thinking, and conflict resolution skills, including the ability to advocate for clients with employers when needed.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, the U.S. labor market, particularly in the Chicagoland area, and trends affecting refugee and immigrant jobseekers.
• Understanding of or sensitivity to the refugee and immigrant experience, including trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team; bilingual or multilingual ability is strongly preferred. - maintain a valid driver’s license and meet MVR eligibility requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications
• At least one year experience in an office environment