Workforce Specialist

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: Workforce Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

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

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

Hybrid schedule (at least 3 days in office remote work)

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Temporary until 9/30/2025 with possibility of extension

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (2)

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Refugee Employment Services

SECTOR: Refugee Services

REQUIREMENTS:

High level proficiency in written and spoken English and Spanish preferred

(Consideration for other common refugee language, including, Arabic, Burmese & Rohingya, Dari & Pashto, Haitian Creole, and Somali)

Must possess a valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours

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
For decades, IRCO has been dedicated to assisting refugees in Oregon in finding employment opportunities. In 2021, IRCO expanded its services to include a new resettlement site, providing support to newly arrived refugees and parolees as they make Oregon their new home. Through a combination of resettlement and employment services, IRCO aims to facilitate a smooth transition for individuals seeking to rebuild their lives in a new country.

The Refugee Employment Services (RES) Program, in partnership with various refugee resettlement agencies in Oregon, works to create pathways to employment and training for newly arrived refugee and immigrant clients. By collaborating with these agencies, IRCO can offer a comprehensive range of services designed to help individuals integrate into the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency.

Position Summary
This position is responsible for helping newly arrived refugees and refugees under 60 months in the United States obtain employment. The Workforce Specialist will assist job seekers to obtain employment and/or career development services to achieve long-term self-sufficiency.

Essential Functions

• Conducts initial intake to determine participant’s eligibility, assessing participant’s needs and collecting information to create an Individual Employment Plan
• Refer participant to English Assessment, Mass Transit Training, Childcare Training and Pre-Employment English Training
• Develop Employment Plan to determine what skills the client has and what issues need to be addressed before the participant can be work-ready and employed
• Communicate with participant (by phone/by email/in person) on a regular basis to assure that the participant is working towards employment goals and that all employment issues are being addressed
• Make sure that the participant is aware of non-cooperation issues and fully understands their rights and responsibilities
• Monitor client’s mandatory participation in program activities to maintain program eligibility
• Maintain case notes and progress reporting
• Communicate with outside service providers to coordinate services for the participant
• Conduct job marketing and job searches for participants
• Consult with employers regarding hiring concerns; develop strategies to retain clients in jobs
• Train and orient newly hired clients on behalf of the employer and provide on-site training specific to employer’s general policies and procedures, benefits, safety policies, and other areas that will assist in the retention of a client
• Inform and communicate regularly with ODHS Family Coaches, resettlement agencies’ Case Managers, and other organizations, institutions and program partners on participant’s activities, progress, challenges, and job placements

Secondary Functions

• Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently
• Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employers effectively
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to clients
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization
• Ability to listen for understanding and assist in problem solving
• Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise reports
• Be punctual, demonstrate good attendance, and work flexible hours to meet client availability
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use computer for a long period of time
• Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
• Knowledge and/or experience of vocational and/or placement counseling for our target populations
• Knowledge of the local job market and concerns of employers
• Experience, knowledge, and ability to work with immigrants and refugees from various cultural, religious, and social status backgrounds with limited English
• High level proficiency in written and spoken English and Spanish preferred (Consideration for other common refugee language, including, Arabic, Burmese & Rohingya, Dari & Pashto, Haitian Creole, and Somali)
• Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience with pre-employment activities and job search development preferred

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks.
• Duties are mostly comprised of routing & repeated tasks.
• This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards, or obstacles. There is very little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable.
• Stable work schedule with no fluctuations

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.