Career Navigator

The International Rescue Committee (IRC) responds to the world's worst humanitarian crises, helping to restore health, safety, education, economic wellbeing, and power to people devastated by conflict and disaster. Founded in 1933 at the call of Albert Einstein, the IRC is one of the world's largest international humanitarian non-governmental organizations (INGO), at work in more than 40 countries and 29 U.S. cities helping people to survive, reclaim control of their future and strengthen their communities. A force for humanity, IRC employees deliver lasting impact by restoring safety, dignity and hope to millions. If you're a solutions-driven, passionate change-maker, come join us in positively impacting the lives of millions of people world-wide for a better future.

This position is represented by the OPEIU union and subject to the terms and conditions of a collective bargaining agreement. 

This position has an end date of June 30, 2029.

Job Overview:

The Career Navigator develops, places, and monitors paid and unpaid work experience opportunities (such as internships, job shadowing opportunities, apprenticeships etc.) for out-of-school youth enrolled in the IRC's Workforce Innovation and Opportunity Act (WIOA) Out-of-School Youth (OSY) programs. Work Experience (WEX) is one of the 14 required WIOA youth program elements and gives OSY participants ages 16–24 a planned, structured, first-time or early work opportunity to build work habits, soft skills, and occupational exposure. The Career Navigator identifies and secures worksites with employers, schools, and community organizations; matches youth to placements aligned with their Individual Service Strategy (ISS) and career interests; negotiates and executes worksite agreements; and monitors youth safety, attendance, performance, and payroll throughout the work experience. This position works closely with Employer Engagement Supervisor, Job Developer, Workforce Development team, Financial Capabilities team, employers, and the local Workforce Development Board to ensure placements comply with WIOA regulations and deliver a meaningful, well-supervised work experience for every participant. The Career Navigator exercises independent judgment in resolving complex worksite, compliance, and participant issues, and serves as a subject matter resource on WEX requirements for program and partner staff.

Major Responsibilities:

• Identify, develop, and maintain a pipeline of subsidized and unsubsidized Work Experience (WEX) worksites with employers across a range of industries and occupations and with a focus on high quality sectors such as healthcare, IT, transportation etc.

• Negotiate and execute WEX Worksite Agreements with employers that define job duties, supervision, schedule, wage (if subsidized), duration, and learning objectives, in accordance with WIOA regulations and local workforce board policy.

• Collaborate and coordinate with the Employer of Record (EoR) regarding WEX placements, wages and schedules.

• Assess each participant's job readiness, interests, and ISS/career goals, in coordination with the assigned Case Manager, to match youth to an appropriate WEX placement as well as collaborate across teams to support participants' transition toward unsubsidized employment, training, or education.

• Conduct new-hire orientation with youth and employers covering workplace expectations, safety, attendance, and program rules, including prohibitions on overtime and hour limits/caps per participant.

• Monitor each WEX placement through supervisor check-ins, and participant progress reviews; document observations and independently address and resolve performance or conduct issues as they arise.

• Track hours, placements, and outcomes for each participant against program limits (e.g., maximum allotted WEX hours) and WIOA performance measures, and maintain accurate records in the required state case management system (e.g. CalJOBS) and IRC program databases.

• Recommend improvements to WEX processes, tools, and employer recruitment strategies.

• Build and sustain employer relationships and serve as the primary point of contact for worksite supervisors throughout the work experience.

• Participate in Program team meetings, partner meetings, funder meetings and required WIOA/grant trainings.

• Other duties as assigned to support work experience development, placement, and monitoring goals.

Key Working Relationships:

• Position Reports to: Employer Engagement Supervisor
• Internal Contacts: Employer Engagement Supervisor, Job Developer, Workforce Development team, Financial Capabilities team, Economic Empowerment Program Manager
• External Contacts: Worksite employers and supervisors, local Workforce Development Board and American Job Center staff, schools and training providers, community-based organizations

Job Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in social sciences, human services, business, or a related field preferred, or equivalent combination of education and experience; experience with federally funded youth programs preferred.
• At least 2 years of progressively responsible experience in job development, employer relations, career counseling, case management, or youth workforce programs; direct experience with WIOA work experience, on-the-job training, or subsidized employment strongly preferred.
• Experience working with out-of-school youth with barriers such as school dropout, foster care or justice system involvement, homelessness, disability, or pregnant/parenting status strongly preferred.
• Working knowledge of WIOA and the WIOA youth program elements, or ability to learn program regulations and local workforce board policy quickly.
• Demonstrated ability to build relationships with employers and negotiate worksite agreements that balance employer needs with participant learning goals.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail for worksite agreements, timesheet processing, payroll coordination, and case file compliance, with the ability to independently manage multiple placements and competing deadlines.
• Working knowledge of applicable labor laws and basic workplace safety standards.
• Strong interpersonal, written, and verbal communication skills; comfortable engaging employers, youth, and families.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office; experience with a state workforce case management system (e.g., CalJOBS) a plus.
• Fluency in English required; proficiency in one or more languages spoken by the local client population strongly preferred (e.g. Spanish, Dari).
• Valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel locally to visit worksites and meet with employers and youth.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends to accommodate youth and employer schedules.

Working Environment:

• Combination of office-based work and fieldwork, including regular local travel to meet employers and clients and to attend partner and community events. Travel will include mainly Alameda and Contra Costa counties with occasional travel to other counties.

• Standard office equipment is used in a typical office setting.

• Some evening and weekend work might be required.

Compensation: ($29.10 - $30/hour). Ranges are based on various factors including the labor market, job type, internal equity, and budget.  Exact offers are calibrated by work location, individual candidate experience and skills relative to the defined job requirements

Professional Standards: All International Rescue Committee workers must adhere to the core values and principles outlined in IRC Way - Standards for Professional Conduct. Our Standards are Integrity, Service, Equality and Accountability. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Safeguarding, Conflicts of Interest, Fiscal Integrity, and Reporting Wrongdoing and Protection from Retaliation. IRC is committed to take all necessary preventive measures and create an environment where people feel safe, and to take all necessary actions and corrective measures when harm occurs. IRC builds teams of professionals who promote critical reflection, power sharing, debate, and objectivity to deliver the best possible services to our clients.

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Benefits: IRC offers a comprehensive and competitive benefits package. Highlights include 10 paid sick leave, 10 U.S. holidays, 20-25 generous paid time off based on role and tenure, medical insurance starting at $163/month, dental starting at $6.50/month, and vision starting at $5/month, flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care, and commuter), a 403(b) retirement savings plan with employer match (immediate vesting) along with a non-elective employer contribution based on age and years of service (3-year vesting), disability and life insurance, and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering confidential counseling and support services for employees and their families.

Equal Opportunity Employer: IRC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. IRC considers all applicants on the basis of merit without regard to race, sex, color, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, disability or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Why Choose the IRC?

Work that has meaning: Every day at the IRC is a chance to make a difference through a purpose-driven career. Whether you're working directly with communities or providing support behind the scenes, you will be part of a dynamic team that is always innovating, scaling, and testing new and better solutions to ensure the best possible outcomes for the people we serve.

Global scale, dynamic workplace: At the IRC, we believe that the dynamic, global make-up of our team is our strength. When you join us, you're not just starting a job—you will be part of a global organization positively impacting millions of lives in over 40 get to work with colleagues from all around the world—working across time zones and regularly exchanging different ideas, perspectives and insights. You’ll join a team that is dedicated to fostering a supportive environment to create a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and heard.  

Challenging work, innovative solutions: We’re committed to excellence and innovation, and pride ourselves in setting industry-leading standards while practicing evidence and data-lead strategies. Come challenge norms, shatter conventions, and pioneer change while working on real, nuanced and complex issues we face in the world today.  

Community centered: We’re an empathetic community that truly cares for one another. Our comprehensive safety and security initiatives ensure a safe work environment, while our continuous learning and development programs provide ongoing opportunities for personal and career advancement.

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Our Typical Recruitment Process

The interview process typically includes three rounds, though the number may vary depending on the role and level of seniority. It usually begins with a conversation with our recruiting team to learn more about you and your goals. This is followed by an interview with a hiring manager or business stakeholder to explore your background and provide more insight into the role. The final round focuses on assessing your role-specific expertise and may be conducted as a panel interview to evaluate your cross-functional strengths. Before extending an offer, we generally conduct reference checks, and after an offer is made, a standard background check is completed. While we strive for consistency, the process may differ based on the role, business unit, location, job type, legal requirements, and other factors.

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