Workforce Specialist

IRCO•Portland, OR

14h•Hybrid

About The Position

This position is responsible for helping program participants to establish short- and long-term career goals, gain the necessary skills to improve employability, assist with job search and employment retention. The Workforce Specialist will support job seekers providing career development services and ensure progress towards their self-sufficiency. This role includes regular client and community outreach to ensure they are aware of and connected to services under the program guidelines.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience
Minimum 2 years of work experience
Must possess a valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours.
High level proficiency in written and spoken English and one of the additional languages (Amharic, Burmese, Haitian Creole, Oromo, Rohingya, Somali, Swahili, and Tigrinya) are preferable.

Nice To Haves

Experience with pre-employment activities and job search development preferred
Knowledge and/or experience of vocational and/or placement counseling for our target populations
Knowledge of the local job market and concerns of employers
Knowledge and experience working with clients of varied backgrounds, opportunity status, and English levels
High level proficiency in written and spoken English and one of the additional languages commonly used by clients and community members, including, Swahili, Haitian Creole, Somali, Tigrinya, or Amharic is preferable.

Responsibilities

Conduct proactive outreach to eligible clients via phone calls, emails, community visits, and individual referrals to promote available program services.
Maintain accurate records of outreach efforts, responses, and follow-up actions.
Complete initial intake to determine a 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 an 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 participants (by phone/by email/in person) on a regular basis to ensure 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 participants.
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.
Collaborate with internal teams and partner agencies to identify and connect with clients who may benefit from available employment services.
Attend community events as needed to promote program offerings and enroll participants.
Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

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 accounts