Employment Counselor (New Arrival Services)

Location:  Hybrid between office/ sites in the Seven County Metro and virtually from home
Status: Full-time, 40 hours/week, some nights & weekends
Salary: $23.00-$25.00/hour
Benefits: Health insurance (100% of premium covered for employee), life insurance, short-term disability insurance, approx. 180 hours/year of paid time off, 10 paid holidays, and regular employer-paid training opportunities
Reports to: Program Manager, Asadullah Zazai
Posting Close Date: Open until filled 

Languages: English and one of the following languages: Spanish, Dari, and/or Pashto 

Position Description: To identify and enroll RPO-eligible clients job placement services that ultimately assist them in finding living wage employment. Provide on-going workforce skill development and bridging services to secure long-term employment. 

Duties & Responsibilities:  

Reach Program Enrollment Targets (25%):  

• Recruit & enroll program eligible participants 
• Connect with community to inform them about program opportunities for initial job placements or job upgrades 
• Meets enrollment targets set by funders 
• Enters RPO-eligible clients and their entire household into MRIS 
• Measure (All): Recruit & enroll program eligible participants (those seeking employment or job upgrades), meeting 100% of quarterly and annual enrollment outcome benchmarks as identified in grant contract/s 

Reach Program Outcome Targets (30%):  

• Support client’s pre-placement supports including but not limited to: 

• • finding job openings 
  • Filling job application 
  • interview coordination 
  • interpreting/scheduling interpreting for onboarding 
  • Taking to drug testing 
  • support with transportation arrangements 

• Teach work readiness skills through one-on-one coaching OR leading small group pre-placement orientation workshops. Work readiness includes but is not limited to:  

• • application best practices 
  • resume writing 
  • interviews skills 
  • employer expectations 
  • employee rights 
  • understanding benefits, taxes, and paystubs 
  • Strategies to advance your career once employed 

• Work with currently employed clients to seek job upgrades: 

• • 20% increase in wage OR 
  • increase in hours to at least 32 hours/week OR 
  • shift from temporary to permanent work 

• Provide job retention supports by checking in with newly placed participants on their 7th, 30th, and 90th day after placement 

Complete, Accurate, and Consistent Documentation and Data Entry (25%):  

• Data is updated regularly and in a timely manner 
• Maintain complete and accurate client files and maintain all documentation required by funders and KOM data policies including but not limited to: 
• retaining copies of eligibility documentation 
• signed consent for release of information 
• proof of employment via first paystub or employment verification form completed by employer 
• Status Update forms sent to RCA and MFIP workers monthly, etc.) 
• Enroll and document client progress: 
• outputs and outcomes in MRIS  
• Employment placement and follow-up in Apricot 
• Document all interactions with client or on client’s behalf in case notes in all required databases (MRIS and Apricot) 
• Upload all paper forms (release of information, immigration eligibility documents, employment verifications, status update forms, etc.) into Apricot EDS 

Contribute to Expanding Employer and Partner relationships (10%): 

• Research and connect with metro-based employers 
• Attend all regular consortium/partner meetings 
• Communicate and coordinate with KOM’s Job Developer to identify and fill areas of need 
• Attend funder required meetings and trainings 

Contribute to Organizational Success (10%): 

Team player and supports overall KOM Organizational goals  

• open minded 
• positive attitude 
• supports organization, leadership, and mission 
• cooperates/mutually supportive 

Minimum Qualifications:  

• Able to speak, read and write fluently in English and languages of newly arrived RPO-eligible populations 
• Demonstrated knowledge and ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds 
• Open communication and good listening skills   
• Able to work independently and build long-term relationships with clients and employers 
• Valid driver’s license with reliable vehicle, proof of insurance and clean driving record. Must be willing to use personal vehicle to provide transportation for clients 
• Experience using computer software such as Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, email, internet browsers and maintaining records using database software 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• 1-year experience in employment services, human resources, coaching, job training, or other case management work 
• Understanding of immigrant and refugee employment experiences and needs 
• Knowledge of Twin Cities employers offering employment opportunities and job advancement to immigrant populations 

To Apply:   

Email a resume, cover letter, and three professional references to humanresources@mnkaren.org.   You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application.  

The Karen Organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants and employees will be considered for employment and advancement without regard to gender, race, ethnicity, national origin, age, religion, disability, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other basis protected by applicable laws. This policy applies to all employment practices and terms and conditions of employment, including, but not limited to: promotions, transfers, compensation, terminations, training, and participation in KOM-sponsored benefits or programs. Employees and applicants should raise any concerns they might have regarding possible discrimination or harassment with KOM’s Co-Executive Directors.