Integration Counselor

The IRC is launching two new European-funded projects that integrate Mental Health and Psychosocial Support (MHPSS) and employment support components in the Milan metropolitan area:

• The IT Bridge Project focuses on promoting the development of youth with a migrant background, particularly NEETs, in Italy and Spain. It aims to increase their employability through industry-aligned bridge programming integrated with holistic support services tailored to the IT sector.
• The WISE Project adopts a trauma- and gender-sensitive approach, pairing MHPSS with employment services supported by technology-driven solutions. The project aims to create a comprehensive support system for refugee women from Ukraine in Italy and Bulgaria, enhancing their employability, skills-job matching, lifelong learning, and access to the labor market. It also helps them navigate social and public services while improving their mental and psychosocial well-being.

Job Overview

Are you ready to begin an exciting journey that combines empathy, innovation, and professional development? We are looking for a dedicated and compassionate Integration Case Worker to join our team in Milan and support IRC Italy’s integration and economic empowerment programming. The role will contribute to the implementation of the IT Bridge and WISE projects.

Under the supervision of the Economic Wellbeing Manager and in collaboration with cultural mediators, local partners, and external collaborators, the Integration Case Worker will play a key role in improving beneficiaries’ psycho-social well-being, socio-economic integration, and financial independence.

Major Responsibilities:

Responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 

• Conduct field outreach activities through meetings, presentations, face-to-face interactions, and distributing materials to engage prospective beneficiaries.
• Perform comprehensive assessments to identify individuals’ needs, strengths, challenges, and employability levels, and develop tailored integration plans.
• Apply and adapt AI-based tools to match beneficiaries’ skills with local job market demands, providing targeted employment support and career mentorship.
• Identify suitable vocational training and employment opportunities, assisting beneficiaries throughout the hiring and enrollment processes.
• Provide personalized support during job placement and post-placement phases to ensure a smooth transition.
• Design and lead structured and unstructured psycho-social group activities to foster empowerment and well-being.
• Conduct group and individual job readiness training, including cultural and workplace orientation, job search techniques, mock interviews, and CV/cover letter preparation.
• Lead vocational language workshops tailored to the IT sector.
• Regularly update mappings of relevant local services.
• Collaborate with local services and agencies, making referrals and signposting beneficiaries as needed, while accompanying them and conducting follow-ups to monitor progress.
• Assist in coordinating online and in-person meetings and organizing a Transnational Forum with collaborators and policymakers.
• Participate in multidisciplinary teams, case conferences, working groups, thematic training sessions, and team meetings.
• Ensure strict compliance with all reporting requirements, including maintaining secure databases and timely case-noting of delivered services.
• Perform additional duties assigned by the supervisor to support and enhance IRC programs.

Reporting Lines

This position reports directly to the Economic Wellbeing Manager, IRC Italy.

Working Environment

• This position is based in Milan.
• Responsibilities involve a mix of standard office work, remote work, and field time within the service delivery area.
• Occasional weekend and/or evening work may be required.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, social sciences, psychology, education, economics, law, or a related field.
• At least 2 years of experience in case management, job counseling, or job search processes, with a proven track record of successfully guiding clients.
• Experience working with refugee or migrant populations.
• Solid understanding of the Italian labor market and relevant services, including public employment and vocational training programs.
• Understanding of protection, mental health, and psycho-social issues.
• Proven ability to meet goals, work under deadlines, and thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.
• Fluency in English and Italian (spoken and written); knowledge of Ukrainian, Russian, Arabic, French, Spanish, Dari, or Farsi is a plus.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and online databases.
• Experience with international development or Europe-funded programs is an advantage.

Standard of Professional Conduct: IRC and IRC workers must adhere to the values and principles outlined in the IRC Way – our Code of Conduct. These are Integrity, Service, Accountability and Equality. In accordance with these values, the IRC operates and enforces policies on Beneficiary Protection from Exploitation and Abuse, Child Safeguarding, Harassment-Free Workplace, Fiscal Integrity, Anti-Retaliation, Combating Trafficking in Persons and several others.

Commitment to Diversity and Inclusivity: IRC is committed to building a diverse organization and a climate of inclusivity. We strongly encourage applications from candidates who can demonstrate that they can contribute to this goal. 

Equal Opportunity Employer: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, sex, gender, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status. We will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment. Please contact us to request accommodation.

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