Workforce Development Among Philadelphia’s Newest Members

Submitted By: Dennis Mulligan, Executive Director, Nationalities Service Center

While there are many ingredients to a successful acculturation for refugees and asylees seeking to rebuild their lives in Philadelphia, obtaining employment is a major component of this transition. Some of our clients have had professional experience in their home country but have little understanding of the nature of work in the U.S. Others have had little opportunity to access education, training or employment in their home country because of civil war, discrimination or long term residence in a refugee camp. Despite the range of skills, experiences and education levels, all of our clients must take entry level positions and build a U.S. work history.

Philadelphia business leaders are keenly aware of the contributions immigrants have made to the economic development and growth of their business, the City, State and Nation. NSC has developed strong partnerships within the Philadelphia business community to facilitate the integration of refugees and asylees into the regional economy. NSC continues to work with its clients and employers that hire them in order to ensure that the working relationship is a long-term success. NSC’s employment counselors continue to assist in professional development of our clients and serve as resources for employers should any issues arise.

NSC’s Social Service department works with newly arrived refugees and asylees to help them get started by fostering self-sufficiency through early employment. Our programs and services help divert refugees and asylees from accessing public cash assistance by providing modest stipends, cash bonuses for achieving ESL/Literacy and employment goals, intensive case management assistance and job placement. Case managers work with each employable client to address any barriers to employment such as language, literacy, health condition, transportation, and child care. NSC’s Job Club program provides information, strategies and support for obtaining and succeeding at a job. The goals of the meetings are to teach: how to complete a job application, how to conduct a job search, how to interview for a job; how to dress for the workplace, the culture of work in Philadelphia, setting short and long term career goals, reading your first pay stub; budgeting your earned income and tax planning.

These new Philadelphia residents bring with them the drive to make it in the workplace and become contributing members of our community. They want to be given a chance and the opportunity to find a job. One’s dignity reinforced with employment and relative financial stability is important in helping our clients achieve self-sufficiency and begin the path to social adjustment.

Nationalities Service Center (NSC) is a non-profit organization which provides social, educational, senior, interpretation and translation, and legal services to immigrants and refugees in the Greater Philadelphia area. Our mission is to help immigrants and refugees participate fully in American society. We implement this mission by:

• protecting legal rights;
• strengthening families and promoting self-sufficiency;
• eliminating barriers caused by language and cultural difference; and
• promoting public awareness of the benefits of diversity in American society.

For more information on refugee resettlement or employment preparedness services at NSC please contact Betsy O’Neil, Employment Counselor at boneil@nscphila.org or 215-893-8400.