Career Pathways Specialist

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. This position is reliant upon funding and may be subject to modification or termination based on resource availability. POSITION SUMMARY: As Career Pathways Specialist (CPS) you will work side-by-side with young adult immigrants to discover their career pathway, equip them with needed skills to succeed, and promote entry into employment within their chosen field. The CPS coaches immigrants to enter their career of choice by helping them clarify their interests and goals, preparing them for vocational training opportunities, finding funding opportunities for training, career coaching, and developing and maintaining connections with a variety of external stakeholders.  ROLE & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Lead implementation of the Illinois Youth Investment Program at World Relief, including project management of program components which includes coordination with internal program areas and external program partners such as employers, training schools, volunteers, and other community-based partners.
• In coordination with the Career Pathways manager, support the completion of program management responsibilities such as reporting program performance, reviewing program delivery, program expense tracking, and implementing program improvements as needed.
• Build and manage an individual caseload of young adult career pathways clients receiving in-depth services.
• Coach clients as they discover their career interests and opportunities, helping them build a detailed plan to accomplish their goals.
• Using career coaching curriculum, guide clients through foundational elements of building a career in the US. 
• Work collaboratively with other members of the Workforce Development, Immigrant Family Services and Adult Education Departments to creatively address barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Build strong industry knowledge in key industries for training and employment opportunities (healthcare, advanced manufacturing, Information Technology, education)
• Lead implementation of Career Exploration activities, utilizing a virtual reality simulator for clients to explore and build familiarity with specific career paths
• Facilitate virtual/in person Career Readiness workshops to teach key skills related to securing employment in the US, in collaboration with Employment Services team and Children and Youth team
• Satisfy documentation and reporting requirements in accordance with grant standards.
• Develop contacts and relationships with new employers to increase interest in hiring WRC clients as well as maintain and strengthen existing employer relationships.
• Maintain accurate case files and client notes for program participants.
• Coordinate outreach initiatives aimed at providing immigrant communities in the Chicagoland area with information regarding employment and career advancement opportunities.
• Coordinate with churches and volunteers serving WRC clients seeking employment.
• Attend department and office-wide meetings.
• Other responsibilities as assigned.

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 Evangelicals For the Health of The Nation document
• Minimum of 1 year working in non-profit setting
• Strong active listening skills and ability to facilitate (or learn to facilitate) an effective career coaching session
• Cross-cultural work competency
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both verbal and written
• Desire to serve and empower the Church to impact vulnerable communities 
• Ability to work a flexible schedule including occasional early mornings, evenings, and weekends
• At least one year experience in an office environment
• Valid Driver’s License and good driving record 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in project management or program management roles
• Experience in direct service role with participants in a social services program
• Knowledge of in demand career fields and frameworks for career coaching
• Strong emotional intelligence and ability to build rapport with diverse individuals
• In -depth knowledge (or willingness to build) of various career paths, industries, and job market trends in the fields of healthcare, advanced manufacturing, information technology, TDL, and education. 
• Proven experience in job search strategies, resume writing, and interview preparation.
• Ability to assess clients’ strengths, weaknesses, and interests to guide career decisions
• Expertise in goal setting techniques and creating actionable career development plans
• Ability to use and interpret career interest tools
• Excellent problem-solving and decision-making abilities
• Proficient at public speaking and representing your organization
• Strong organizational and time management skills