Career Navigator

For more than 100 years, the International Institute of New England (IINE) has created opportunities for refugees and immigrants to succeed through resettlement, education, employment support, and pathways to citizenship. With locations in Boston and Lowell, Massachusetts and Manchester, New Hampshire, IINE welcomes and serves thousands of individuals and families annually, including people displaced by political instability, violence, and climate crises; survivors of human trafficking; and unaccompanied children joining family members in New England. As one of the oldest and largest organizations in the region, IINE plays a leading role in shaping public understanding and support of our newest neighbors.

At IINE, our people are united by a shared belief in the dignity, resilience, and potential of every individual. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment where diverse perspectives are encouraged, and every employee can grow professionally while making a meaningful impact in the communities we serve.

A dynamic and, forward-looking, non-profit, IINE seeks mission-driven, solutions-focused candidates who are experts in their respective fields. Successful candidates will join a committed team of professional staff and volunteers who are devoted to welcoming and serving refugees and immigrants.

Overview

The Career Navigator provides intensive employment support and case management to refugees and immigrants, helping them achieve their career goals and identify sustainable career pathways. This role assists clients with workforce orientation, soft skills development, coaching, and job placement. Responsibilities include developing curriculum, instructing courses, and ensuring clients complete skills training programs. The Career Navigator also conducts outreach to generate participant leads and supports employer placement relationships.

This position is temporary and scheduled to end on April 30, 2027.

• Department : Employment Services
• Status: Full-time; Non-Exempt
• Position Format: Hybrid
• Location: Manchester, NH
• Pay Rate: $25.32/hour

Responsibilities

• Conduct informal interviews to assess candidates’ aptitude for the Biofabrication industry.
• Recruit program participants through internal and external channels, such as career centers, community organizations, and training vendor fairs.
• Determine applicants’ eligibility for training programs by verifying work authorization, calculating annual income, and administering English proficiency tests.
• Recruit and enroll participants in the Career Services Program, and develop individualized Career Development Plans based on each client’s existing knowledge, skills, and experience.
• Conduct bi-weekly one-on-one check-ins, in person or remotely, with each participant for at least one hour to review progress and address barriers to their Career Development Plan.
• Coordinate referrals as needed, such as to the HiSET program (MyTURN), Manchester Community College for certificates or training, and the BioFab Apprenticeship program.
• Facilitate internal and external referrals to address barriers to program completion, such as public benefits, immigration legal services, family case management, employment services for family members, and childcare.
• Provide short-term transportation support for workshops, employer interviews, and external appointments.
• Develop or update materials and lead specialized workshops and study halls tailored to participant needs, such as Driver's Ed, Work Orientation, Financial Literacy, and FAFSA or tuition applications. Maintain a participant program completion rate of at least 90% for each instructional cycle.
• Place all program graduates with local employers in accordance with contract requirements.
• Provide post-placement support to ensure job retention and document any changes in employment status.
• Coordinate with community partners to ensure a smooth transition into supplemental services through external referrals.
• Collaborate with the Career Services Manager to develop and maintain employer partnerships through outreach by telephone, email, and in person, identifying and expanding suitable employment opportunities for clients.
• Coordinate employer job shadowing opportunities.
• Maintain weekly case records for all services provided, in accordance with Institute guidelines and funding requirements.
• Offer ongoing support and supervision to workforce development interns and volunteers.
• Attend staff meetings.
• Perform all other duties assigned by the supervisor.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Experience with Best Plus and TABE language assessment certification and testing is preferred.
• Strong counseling skills required.
• Strong computer skills required.
• Excellent organizational, verbal, written, and interpersonal skills required.
• Ability to prioritize tasks in a fast-paced environment.
• Proficiency in additional languages is preferred.
• Must be highly organized, detail-oriented, flexible, and able to manage multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Ability to work well under pressure and remain calm in stressful situations.
• Ability to work collaboratively with staff, clients, service providers, and others.
• Ability to evaluate and interpret information to make sound, independent decisions.
• Demonstrated commitment to the human rights of refugees, immigrants, and asylees required.
• Access to reliable transportation.

Education & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Counseling, Education, or a related field is preferred.
• At least two years of experience in job development or employer engagement is preferred.
• At least one year of adult teaching or tutoring experience is preferred, especially with immigrant populations is preferred.
• Experience in curriculum design is preferred.

Work Environment Conditions

• Occasional travel to IINE Offices.
• Occasional travel to client homes and surrounding towns.
• Occasional night and weekends events and work.
• Exposure to bright, overhead office lighting, use of office technology such as laptops, printers, mail machines, and other in-office equipment.

Physical Demands

• Occasional lifting, pushing, and pulling materials (boxes, equipment) of 50 pounds or more.
• Continuous sitting (or standing) at a desk for long periods of time.
• Occasional driving to and from IINE offices as needed.