Career Advisor

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.

POSITION: Career Advisor

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Coordinator 1 / Specialist 2; Grade 7

WAGE: Starting at $52,488 per year

FLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS: IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St Portland OR 97220,

Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Temporary until 9/30/25

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Refugee Career Pathways (RCP)

SECTOR: Refugee Services

REQUIREMENTS:

Driving required occasionally. Must possess a valid driver’s license, have verification of current auto insurance.

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
The Refugee Career Pathway Program is designed to support refugees in achieving self-sufficiency by providing information, guiding them, supporting and connecting them with training, skills development as well as creating career pathway opportunities aligned with their qualifications and experience. The program offers services such as career counseling, job readiness training, career mapping, credential evaluation, financial support and connection with employers to help refugee transition into their chosen career field in USA.

Position Summary
The Career Advisor will provide individualized and group career coaching, job search support and professional development guidance to highly skilled refugees. This role involves assessing clients’ skills, experience, and career goals while helping them understand the local job market, employer expectations and industry-specific requirements. The Career Advisor will also support clients in developing resumes, cover letters, LinkedIn profiles, as well as connecting them with network opportunities and employers.

Essential Functions

• Provide one-on-one and group coaching to assist clients in career planning and job search strategies
• Assess clients’ qualifications, transferable skills and professional backgrounds to develop personalized employment plan
• Guide clients in resume writing, interview preparation and provide other job search activities to enhance their skills
• Provide information to clients on job search techniques, workplace culture, and professional communication
• Build partnerships with employers, recruiters, and industry professionals to facilitate job placements
• In communication with RCP Career Coaches support clients in gaining credential recognition, licensing, or additional training opportunity
• Organize or attend networking events with clients to connect them with potential employers and develop the networking skills
• Track and record participant activities and outcomes in data management system
• Collaborate the plan and activity steps with Career Coaches

Secondary Functions

• Issue and document support services to assist clients with overcoming barriers to successfully complete trainings or fulfill career plans
• Monitor progress towards outcomes and generate quarterly progress reports using quantitative data and narrative summaries
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and volunteer activities to support program goals
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree required
• Experience: 3-4 years of experience in a related field required
• Experience in career coaching, employment services or workforce development, ideally working with immigrants or internationally trained professionals.
• Strong understanding of local job market trends, hiring processes, and credential recognition pathways
• Knowledge of job search strategies, labor market trends, and employer expectations in various industries

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Ability to work well in a team setting and independently
• Ability to be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employees in an effective manner

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
• 3% match for student loans or college savings
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values based initiatives.

How To Apply

• Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
• Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
• For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application.

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.