Jewish Vocational Service (JVS) is a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization founded in 1949 to welcome Holocaust survivors and returning World War II veterans looking to rebuild their lives in Kansas City. Today, JVS welcomes refugees and immigrants from around the world who are fleeing persecution in search of safety and opportunity. JVS embraces, encourages and empowers our newest neighbors in their journey to self-sufficiency. Offering an extensive array of services in community integration, health & wellness, and workforce development, JVS is Kansas City's premier immigrant-and-refugee-serving organization.
JVS offers a number of benefits to employees: health, vision and dental insurance, short-term disability, 403b plan including 3% employer contribution, paid holiday, sick and vacation time, and opportunities for professional development.
Section 1: Overview and Purpose of Position
The JVS Refugee Career Pathways program promotes economic self-sufficiency for refugees
and immigrants with barriers to achieving their career goals by connecting them with training
and resources and job search support. The Career Pathways Case Manager will work directly
with clients in order to provide the following services:
● Assistance in creating personalized career development plans
● Access to the classroom and work-based learning opportunities
● Career coaching and mentoring
● Connections with educational opportunities, apprenticeships, and on-the-job training
● Re-credentialing and credential recognition
● Vocational English language training
● Job search, application, and retention support for career advancement/job upgrade.
Section 2: Qualifications (skills, education, experience)
● Bachelor’s degree in Rehabilitation, Psychology, Social Work, or another related field.
● The degree may be substituted with a high school diploma or GED and five years of work experience in the field.
● Experience in providing case management and employment services.
● Minimum 2-3 years working with immigrant populations and/or low-income populations required.
● Previous experience working with refugees is strongly desired.
● Bilingual is strongly preferred
● Valid Driver’s license and proof of insurance
Section 3: Responsibilities/Duties
Client Focused
● Complete intake and assessment forms for all clients referred to the Career Pathways program
● Assist clients with navigating the educational system if training or a degree is required for the desired career path
● Communicate and coordinate with other JVS staff to ensure the timely and high-quality provision of services
● Ensure clients are aware of program activities and requirements and understand their rights and responsibilities
● Provide service with awareness of differences based on the diversity of populations served and tailor services to meet client needs
● Meet with clients on a regular basis to identify and address client concerns and barriers to achieving their career paths.
● Participate in the development and implementation of classes geared towards job readiness skills and career development.
● Provide on-site job analysis, consultation, and recommendations for the work site and job modifications when appropriate
● Collaborate with other existing workforce development programs to promote best practices in support of diversity, equity, and inclusion
● Determine appropriate services to be used with clients to obtain a job upgrade and retain new employment for a minimum of 90 days.
● Provide accurate and timely data entry of all action plans, progress notes, and other documentation in a timely manner for each program participant.
External Relations
● Assist with marketing the program to the community and outside referral sources.
● Become familiar with job market trends and community employment opportunities, sharing information with persons served and other staff members as needed.
● Market individual program participants and JVS programs to employers throughout the community using JVS materials and on-site personal interviews with employers.
● Assist employers and educators in identifying, modifying, and eliminating barriers to the employment and advancement of persons served.
Section 4: Skills Needed
● Ability to work effectively in an environment that is multicultural and multilingual
● Ability to work a flexible schedule
● Excellent interpersonal skills
● Knowledge of employment and/or specific client populations
● Knowledge of occupations, job skills, and labor trends
● Must have competent oral, written, and interpersonal skills.
● Strong time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines and prioritize tasks.
● Strong computer skills and proficiency in Word, Excel, Access, and internet-based communication.
● Ability to develop and maintain positive working relationships with internal staff, refugee clients, community leaders, and community partners.
Section 5: Working Conditions and Physical Effort
The position requires some flexibility in schedule, with some weekends and/or evenings
required. Approximately 75% of the job will be completed in the office with occasional travel
to client homes, community events, public service providers, and other service locations as
necessary. Use of your personal vehicle is necessary with mileage reimbursement.
Salary Range: $35,560 – $43,380
A note to Potential Candidates:
Studies have shown that women, trans, non-binary individuals and BIPOC are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single qualification listed in the job description. Here at JVS we are dedicated to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job. That candidate may come from a background less traditional to our field of work and that is okay. JVS strongly encourages you to apply, even if you do not believe you meet every qualification described.
Please submit your resume to recruit@jvskc.org