At the International Rescue Committee (IRC) in Salt Lake City, we strive to provide a breadth of programs and services developed to meet the expressed needs of the refugee and new American families we serve. The emergency response effort to support hundreds of Afghan evacuees arriving to Utah coupled with a broader increase in refugee resettlement nationally has led to exceptional growth at the IRC in Salt Lake City since October 2021.One program is evolving and expanding quickly to meet the growing needs of our newest neighbors: our employment services. A year ago, IRC’s local employment services were overseen by one staff member and dedicated volunteer support. Now, Omar Alsalim, employment services supervisor, is building a team to increase opportunities for all employable adults arriving to Utah.   

Three people hovering over a windows computer. One person pointing. Two people looking at the screen.
The IRC in Salt Lake City works to expand employment services to support a growing number of newly-arrived refugees and new Americans seeking employment in Utah.
Photo: James Roh

Employment services offered by the IRC in Salt Lake City focus on early employment, ensuring families achieve economic stability and financial self-sufficiency within the first six to eight months after arriving. Early employment efforts provide foundation support to help employable adults better understand U.S. employers, navigate the application and interview process, and receive ongoing support with employer-employee relationships. Currently, Omar works with individuals to develop a service plan, where individuals will discuss their hopeful plans and set goals for the first three months, six months, as well as their long-term goals. This discussion also includes the relevant experience individuals may possess, the types of work they may be interested in, and the type of work they may not be well-suited to complete.  

From there, Omar, his team, and supporting volunteers will assess where individuals may be best suited and begin supporting employment searches while including the individual to seek out employment using community connections they may have. The IRC in Salt Lake City works with a variety of sectors to help individuals find suitable employment, including a mix of entry-level and skilled employment opportunities at retailers, wholesale suppliers, warehouses, restaurants, hotels, customer services and more. Omar works closely with employers and potential employers to help them understand the benefits of hiring refugees and new Americans, answering questions they may have, and providing ongoing support when language barriers or cultural nuances arise.  

While families work hard to become self-sufficient and employable adults search for jobs, a fixed amount of federal funding—based on the number of individuals in the family—is made available to help cover essential expenses like rent, utilities, and transportation during the first eight months after arrival. Individuals are also required to participate in regular employment readiness trainings, known as Job Club at the IRC in Salt Lake City, where essential skills are taught and practiced, including filling out applications, building a simple resume, practicing interviews in English, and understanding the cultural differences of U.S. workplaces.  

Omar, originally from Iraq, arrived in the U.S. in 2012. He is a dedicated humanitarian advocate, previously working for International Relief & Development overseas in Jordan, before moving to the United States. Prior to joining the team at the IRC in Salt Lake City, he worked with Catholic charity organizations.  

A man with sunglasses standing with a horse feeding it hay outside.
Omar Alsalim, employment services supervisor at the IRC in Salt Lake City, is working to build a team of employment specialists to support newly arrived refugees with job readiness skills.
Photo: Omar Alsalim

In his new role, Omar’s main goal is to help all newly arriving refugees and new Americans to find a job.  all of our asylum, immigrant, and refugee clients find a job.  “I feel that I can make a difference in this role, I come from personal experience of coming to the United States,” said Omar.   

The families and individuals arriving to Utah have many gifts and talents to share with the community. Many are educated, with degrees or licensing from their home country. One of the greatest challenges is supporting individuals when their past experience or education may not be transferrable to U.S. employers.     

“I always tell my clients my story”, said Omar. “I came to the United States with a master's degree in organic chemistry, my first job here was working as a porter for a furniture store. I worked hard and got promoted to sales, and in June 2013, I was the lead seller in the area!”  Omar helps individuals realize that their first job in the U.S. does not have to be their last job. He works to provide hope for a positive future here in Utah.  

Expanding employment services at the IRC is critical to long-term success of the families served, and central to Omar’s efforts: “I love working for the IRC, and I am passionate about this program because I have been through it. I know how much it means to find that first job.” 

The IRC in Salt Lake City welcomes prospective employers in and around Salt Lake County to learn more about employing newly arrived refugees and new Americans. Learn more by emailing us at [email protected].  

Hoping to join the team? There are currently positions open within the IRC’s employment services program. Learn more and apply today by visiting Rescue.org/Careers.