Career Support Specialist

Position Title: Career Support Specialist

Supervisor: Director of Employment Services

Status: Full-time up to 35/hrs per week; hourly, non-exempt $23.77-27.34/hour

Organizational Description:

Journey's End Refugee Services, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and seeks to employ the best-qualified personnel without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, citizenship, age, sex, sexual orientation, marital status, or any other reason prohibited by law.

As a refugee resettlement and immigration services provider for the Western New York region, we work to provide refugees with the resources and support they need to become successful, active, and contributing members of the Western New York Community.

Job Description

The Career Support Specialist supports JERS’ mission to empower refugees, immigrants, and other newcomers in achieving economic stability and long-term self-sufficiency. This role guides clients—especially internationally trained professionals and individuals pursuing high-demand occupations—through the credentialing, licensing, and vocational training processes needed to advance into sustainable career pathways. The position ensures that clients can meaningfully access education, professional evaluation, and certification opportunities that align with labor-market needs and JERS’ commitment to delivering high-quality, culturally responsive services. In addition, the role will support the development of volunteer career mentors in collaboration with the Director of Employment and related outreach efforts. This position is grant funded, with the potential to extend.

Primary Responsibilities

Client Assessment & Career Planning

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to understand clients’ prior education, professional experience, licensure history, and training needs.
• Develop individualized credentialing or training plans that align with clients’ long-term career objectives and program requirements.
• Identify barriers to success (documentation access, English language needs, transportation, childcare, financial constraints) and coordinate appropriate supports through JERS programs and community partners.

Credentialing & Licensing Navigation

• Guide clients through foreign degree evaluation, document retrieval, translation, and verification processes.
• Research and clearly communicate New York State licensing requirements for regulated professions, including nursing, engineering, teaching, social services, skilled trades, and other high-demand fields.
• Support clients in preparing licensing applications, exam registrations, and supplementary materials.
• Maintain current knowledge of credentialing pathways, workforce regulations, and flexible alternatives for internationally trained professionals.

Training Support & Educational Navigation

• Assist clients in identifying, applying to, and enrolling in vocational training, certificate programs, apprenticeships, and community-college pathways.
• Coordinate with ESL instructors, bridge programs, and digital literacy providers to ensure clients access the academic preparation required for successful program completion.
• Partner with training providers and academic institutions to monitor client progress, address challenges, and maintain consistent communication.

Documentation, Reporting & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes, progress tracking, and outcome documentation in JERS data systems and funder-required platforms.
• Ensure compliance with federal, state, and local program guidelines, including Office of Refugee Resettlement and Bureau of Refugee Services requirements.
• Support monthly, quarterly, and annual reporting by providing accurate credentialing, enrollment, and completion data.

Partnerships & Community Engagement

• Build and sustain relationships with licensing boards, education providers, workforce development agencies, employers, and community partners.
• Collaborate closely with Director of Employment Services, Transitional Case Managers, and ESL staff to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Participate in outreach events, workshops, orientations, and community meetings to promote JERS services and connect clients to opportunities.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, human services, workforce development, or a related field; equivalent experience will be considered.
• At least one year of experience in case management, workforce development, career coaching, adult education, or refugee resettlement preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to learn and communicate complex licensing and credentialing processes.
• Excellent communication, fluency in English, documentation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse cultural backgrounds using trauma-informed, strengths-based, and client-centered approaches.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and database systems.
• Exhibited ability to build rapport and develop relationships with the Ukrainian Community. Knowledge of culture and language a plus

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with internationally trained professionals or navigating credential evaluation processes.
• Familiarity with New York State licensing requirements and workforce systems (WIOA, apprenticeships, community college pathways).

Work Environment

• Standard office environment with in-person client interaction required; hybrid work may be available based on program needs.
• Occasional local travel to partner agencies, training providers, employer sites, and community outreach events.
• Ability to engage in extended periods of computer-based work and client consultations.