Job Developer

About the Organization

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) serves more than 5,000 immigrants and refugees each year from over 110 countries. We provide comprehensive services in immigration law matters, community transition and integration, access to health and wellness, language access and proficiency, and job readiness training for immigrants and refugees. NSC’s mission is to welcome and empower immigrants to thrive in our communities and pursue a just future. Our vision is that all immigrants achieve a life of safety and stability, sustainable opportunities, and meaningful community connections.

Program Summary

The Employment Team is dedicated to providing specialized assistance to resettled immigrants and refugees in their pursuit of employment, aiming to foster financial security and independence. Our team concentrates on essential aspects such as resume writing, conducting mock interviews, and achieving retention goals to facilitate the establishment of sustainable careers. Functioning as intermediaries between employers and clients, the Employment Team is committed to ensuring successful job placements. Additionally, our services extend to achieving job upgrades, and attaining long-term career stability through building long-lasting employer partnerships.

Position Summary

The Job Developer plays a critical role in supporting newly arrived refugees and immigrants in achieving economic self-sufficiency through employment. This position combines direct, client-centered support with employer engagement and partnership development. The Job Developer works closely with clients to set realistic employment goals, match job opportunities to their skills and qualifications, and guide them through the job search and onboarding process. At the same time, the role involves identifying, developing, and maintaining relationships with employers to expand NSC’s job placement network. This includes aligning employment opportunities with clients’ skills and language levels and addressing any workplace challenges related to cultural or language barriers. Reporting to the Manager of the Employment Team, the Job Developer must demonstrate compassion, proactive outreach, and strong communication skills. The position supports NSC’s Employment Team by ensuring tailored job readiness services, employer collaboration, and compliance with program and funder requirements.

Essential Functions

1. Cultivate and maintain strong partnerships with employers to create job opportunities for refugees and immigrants, including those with limited English proficiency, through strategic networking, outreach, and participation in hiring events.
2. Identify and secure employment opportunities aligned with clients’ skills, qualifications, language levels, and career goals, while setting realistic expectations for enrolled clients.
3. Collaborate with clients to develop individualized career plans, set employment goals, and pursue job upgrades or long-term career advancement.
4. Provide comprehensive job readiness support, including resume development, interview preparation, job application assistance, and facilitation of job readiness workshops and Job Club.
5. Use motivational and persuasive techniques to help clients understand the importance of early employment and to support both client engagement and employer buy-in.
6. Act as a liaison between clients and employers, addressing workplace concerns related to cultural adaptation, language barriers, and job performance.
7. Accompany clients to job interviews and provide training on transportation logistics and interview preparedness to ensure their confidence and success.
8. Actively engage in field outreach by visiting new and potential employers, conducting in-person meetings, and maintaining strong relationships with existing partners to meet job placement targets and ensure a steady pipeline of employment opportunities.
9. Maintain accurate and timely case notes and client records in the database, tracking job placement progress and retention in accordance with funder and program requirements.
10. Collaborate closely with employment team members and case managers to coordinate services, meet shared program goals, and participate in regular team meetings.
11. Support the onboarding, supervision, and training of interns to contribute to the growth and effectiveness of the employment team.
12. Perform other duties as assigned to support evolving program needs and organizational priorities.

Knowledge/Skill Requirements

• Basic understanding of NSC’s mission, vision, values, programs and services.
• Ability to effectively use standard office equipment.
• Possesses strong interpersonal skills as demonstrated by compassionate, courteous, cordial, cooperative, and professional interaction with diverse groups of co-workers, external business partners, employers and the community.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills and effectively communicating with individuals and groups.
• Knowledge of basic client management procedures for determining eligibility, assessing needs, identifying resources, making referrals, following up, and documenting client interactions and proactively supporting clients’ pursuit of goals.
• Ability to effectively interview and engage a client in appropriate programming.
• Ability to effectively conduct one on one advocacy and/or educational presentations.

Experience, Education, and Licensure

Minimum Experience: 2+ years of Career Coaching or Job Developing experience is preferred. Working within the refugee and immigrant community is a plus. Bilingual skills are preferred, with preference given to Swahili, French and Arabic Languages.

Minimum Education: BA/BS degree from an accredited college or university in a related field of study or 1 + experience in a related field.

Licensure: Valid driver’s license with access to reliable transportation is required.

LOCATION AND HOURS

This is a full-time, in-person position based in our Philadelphia office with potential for hybrid work as team needs allow. Our regular hours are Monday to Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm, and this position requires working occasional evenings and weekends.