The International Rescue Committee (IRC) has announced a new employment opportunity for a Career Development Specialist within its Connect2Work Program in San Diego, United States. The position is part of IRC’s broader mission to support displaced populations and opportunity youth through structured pathways that promote education, employment, and long-term economic mobility.

The role is based in a hybrid work environment across San Diego County and is expected to run through July 6, 2027. It is a full-time position that focuses on direct service delivery to young people facing multiple barriers to employment and education.

Program Overview: Connect2Work Initiative

The Connect2Work Program is designed to support opportunity youth aged 16–24, including refugees, immigrants, English learners, foster youth, justice-involved youth, parenting youth, and individuals experiencing homelessness.

The program uses a trauma-informed and culturally responsive framework that integrates workforce development services with personalized career coaching. It aligns with the Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Youth Program Elements, ensuring structured and measurable pathways toward employment and education.

The Career Development Specialist plays a central role in delivering these services and coordinating stakeholders such as employers, training providers, schools, and community-based organizations.

Core Responsibilities of the Role

The Career Development Specialist is responsible for providing end-to-end workforce development support, combining case management, coaching, and employer engagement. Key responsibilities include:

Conducting outreach, eligibility screening, intake, and participant enrollment
Developing Individual Service Strategies (ISS) for each participant
Providing ongoing career coaching and monitoring progress toward goals
Connecting participants with supportive services to remove barriers to employment
Delivering job readiness training including:
- Resume development
- Interview preparation
- Job search strategies
- Workplace professionalism
Supporting participants in securing internships, apprenticeships, and employment opportunities
Assisting with education and training enrollment in secondary and postsecondary programs
Monitoring participant progress in education and credential attainment
Building partnerships with employers and training providers to expand opportunities
Coordinating hiring events, job fairs, and work-based learning programs
Maintaining accurate case documentation and reporting outcomes in compliance systems
Ensuring adherence to WIOA standards and IRC performance requirements

The role requires consistent engagement with participants through both one-on-one and group-based service delivery models.

Required Qualifications and Competencies

Candidates applying for the position are expected to meet specific educational and professional requirements. While a bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field is preferred, practical experience is highly valued.

Minimum requirements include:

At least 3 years of experience in human services or workforce development
Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations
Strong communication and interpersonal relationship-building skills
Demonstrated ability to work in multicultural environments
Strong organizational and multitasking capabilities
Proficiency in Microsoft Office tools and digital case management systems
Fluency in English; additional languages are an advantage
Valid driver’s license and access to a personal insured vehicle

The role emphasizes adaptability, cultural competence, and problem-solving ability, particularly when working with vulnerable populations.

Working Environment and Employment Conditions

The position operates in a hybrid work structure, combining remote work with regular in-office presence in El Cajon and City Heights offices. Fieldwork across San Diego County is also required.

Standard working hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., although occasional evening and weekend work may be necessary depending on program demands.

The compensation range for the position is between $23.00 and $26.80 per hour, depending on experience, skills, and internal equity considerations. Additional benefits include healthcare coverage, retirement plans, paid leave, and employee assistance services.

Recruitment and Selection Process

The IRC recruitment process typically includes multiple stages designed to assess both technical expertise and alignment with organizational values. These stages include:

Initial screening with recruitment staff
Interview with hiring managers or program leadership
Final assessment panel evaluating role-specific competencies
Reference checks prior to offer issuance
Background verification after conditional selection

Applicants are expected to demonstrate alignment with IRC’s core values of integrity, service, equality, and accountability. The organization also places strong emphasis on safeguarding, ethical conduct, and professional standards across all operations.

Conclusion

The Career Development Specialist position represents a significant opportunity for professionals in workforce development and social services to contribute to meaningful change. Through direct engagement with opportunity youth, the role supports long-term economic empowerment and community integration in one of IRC’s key U.S. service locations.

The position reflects IRC’s continued investment in trauma-informed, client-centered programming that addresses structural barriers to employment while promoting inclusive workforce participation.

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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the organization offering this opportunity. For any inquiries, please contact the official organization directly. Please do not send your applications & CVs to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails, we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.