Minnesota Council of Nonprofits
Employment Counselor
Minnesota Council of Nonprofits, Saint Paul, Minnesota, United States, 55199
Job Title:
Employment Counselor
Department:
Employment and Career Services, Workforce Development
Supervised by:
Senior Director of Workforce Development
FLSA Status:
1.0 FTE
Salary Range:
$52,000 - $55,000
Anticipated Start Date:
Immediately
Organization Description Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, ready to welcome refugees and immigrants. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, and helping them secure jobs, buy homes, become United States citizens, and become valued members of the community.
Purpose The Employment Counselor provides individualized employment and career advancement services to refugees, asylees, and other eligible immigrants participating in the Employment and Career Services (ECS) and EARN programs. This role supports clients in securing permanent employment in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area—often their first job in the United States—and in advancing along career pathways to increase wages, stability, and long‑term economic mobility.
The Employment Counselor works closely with clients shortly after arrival to support rapid job placement and continues to engage with previously employed clients to support job upgrades, retention, and transitions into career pathway training. Clients in these programs also receive coordinated financial, housing, and transportation supports, requiring close collaboration with internal teams and community partners. A key emphasis of this position is providing ongoing job upgrade and career advancement support to clients already placed in employment.
Key Responsibilities
Client Services & Career Counseling
Provide culturally responsive, strengths‑based employment counseling to newly arrived and established immigrant clients
Support employable adults in identifying employment goals, addressing barriers to employment, and accessing appropriate community resources
Deliver intensive orientation to U.S. workplace culture, expectations, and norms
Support job retention, wage progression, and transitions into career pathway or training programs for employed clients
Assist clients with financial orientation, including opening bank accounts and understanding payroll and benefits
Employer Engagement & Job Placement
Build and maintain relationships with local employers to create employment opportunities for immigrant clients
Match client skills, experience, and interests with appropriate job opportunities
Support clients in navigating job applications, interviews, hiring processes, and onboarding
Ensure clients have reliable transportation plans and are able to arrive at work independently and on time
Program Coordination & Documentation
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, service records, and outcomes in the CRM/database system
Coordinate and participate in bi‑monthly Institute employment team meetings
Attend required weekly, monthly, and quarterly staff meetings
Collaborate with internal teams providing housing, transportation, and financial assistance
Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals
Job Qualifications
Commitment to the human rights, dignity, and economic well‑being of refugees and immigrants
Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multicultural environment; take initiative; work independently; and manage multiple priorities
Problem‑solving skills and the ability to independently address client and employer‑related challenges
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Twin Cities labor market, hiring practices, and application procedures
Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or diverse populations preferred
Bilingual proficiency in English and one or more of the following languages preferred: Amharic, Arabic, French, Karen, Kiswahili, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish
Experience using Microsoft Office and database/CRM systems
Additional Requirements
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle
Willingness to transport clients as part of service delivery
Employer or human resources contacts are a plus
Physical Demands
Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
Driving as required for client services and employer engagement
EEO Statement International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans apply. IIMN is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
To Apply Submit your application at https://iimn.org/careers. Applicants will be asked to include a cover letter and resume. No phone calls or walk‑ins please. Position is open until filled.
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Employment Counselor
Department:
Employment and Career Services, Workforce Development
Supervised by:
Senior Director of Workforce Development
FLSA Status:
1.0 FTE
Salary Range:
$52,000 - $55,000
Anticipated Start Date:
Immediately
Organization Description Founded in 1919, the International Institute of Minnesota (IIMN) offers New Americans quality services that support their journey to stability and success. Our comprehensive offerings include refugee resettlement, English education, workforce and leadership development, college preparation and immigration and citizenship assistance. We are a diverse team of knowledgeable and encouraging advocates, ready to welcome refugees and immigrants. We support thousands of families and individuals each year by providing English classes, and helping them secure jobs, buy homes, become United States citizens, and become valued members of the community.
Purpose The Employment Counselor provides individualized employment and career advancement services to refugees, asylees, and other eligible immigrants participating in the Employment and Career Services (ECS) and EARN programs. This role supports clients in securing permanent employment in the Minneapolis–Saint Paul metropolitan area—often their first job in the United States—and in advancing along career pathways to increase wages, stability, and long‑term economic mobility.
The Employment Counselor works closely with clients shortly after arrival to support rapid job placement and continues to engage with previously employed clients to support job upgrades, retention, and transitions into career pathway training. Clients in these programs also receive coordinated financial, housing, and transportation supports, requiring close collaboration with internal teams and community partners. A key emphasis of this position is providing ongoing job upgrade and career advancement support to clients already placed in employment.
Key Responsibilities
Client Services & Career Counseling
Provide culturally responsive, strengths‑based employment counseling to newly arrived and established immigrant clients
Support employable adults in identifying employment goals, addressing barriers to employment, and accessing appropriate community resources
Deliver intensive orientation to U.S. workplace culture, expectations, and norms
Support job retention, wage progression, and transitions into career pathway or training programs for employed clients
Assist clients with financial orientation, including opening bank accounts and understanding payroll and benefits
Employer Engagement & Job Placement
Build and maintain relationships with local employers to create employment opportunities for immigrant clients
Match client skills, experience, and interests with appropriate job opportunities
Support clients in navigating job applications, interviews, hiring processes, and onboarding
Ensure clients have reliable transportation plans and are able to arrive at work independently and on time
Program Coordination & Documentation
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, service records, and outcomes in the CRM/database system
Coordinate and participate in bi‑monthly Institute employment team meetings
Attend required weekly, monthly, and quarterly staff meetings
Collaborate with internal teams providing housing, transportation, and financial assistance
Perform other duties as assigned to support program goals
Job Qualifications
Commitment to the human rights, dignity, and economic well‑being of refugees and immigrants
Bachelor’s degree preferred; equivalent relevant experience will be considered
Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship‑building skills
Ability to work effectively in a fast‑paced, multicultural environment; take initiative; work independently; and manage multiple priorities
Problem‑solving skills and the ability to independently address client and employer‑related challenges
Knowledge of or ability to quickly learn the Twin Cities labor market, hiring practices, and application procedures
Experience working with immigrants, refugees, or diverse populations preferred
Bilingual proficiency in English and one or more of the following languages preferred: Amharic, Arabic, French, Karen, Kiswahili, Oromo, Somali, or Spanish
Experience using Microsoft Office and database/CRM systems
Additional Requirements
Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, and access to a reliable vehicle
Willingness to transport clients as part of service delivery
Employer or human resources contacts are a plus
Physical Demands
Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
Driving as required for client services and employer engagement
EEO Statement International Institute of Minnesota values a diverse workplace and strongly encourages women, people of color, LGBT individuals, New Americans apply. IIMN is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will not be discriminated against because of race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, religion, national origin, citizenship status, disability, or any protected category prohibited by local, state, or federal laws.
To Apply Submit your application at https://iimn.org/careers. Applicants will be asked to include a cover letter and resume. No phone calls or walk‑ins please. Position is open until filled.
#J-18808-Ljbffr