Workforce Specialist

IRCO • Portland, OR

3d • Hybrid

About The Position

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. The Refugee Employment Services (RES) Program prepares refugees for career success by providing comprehensive employment and training services including Pre-Employment & Work-Readiness training, resume support, barrier reduction, job placement, retention, and career planning services to help individuals integrate into the workforce and achieve self-sufficiency. The program staff work directly with employers to match clients to jobs that our business partners have available. Refugee Skills and Employment Services (RSE) envisions a future where every refugee is empowered with the skills and support needed to thrive in their new community. 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
• High level proficiency in written and spoken English and one additional language (Amharic, French, Haitian Creole, Somali, Swahili, and Tigrinya) are preferable.
• Must possess a valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours.

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 level
• High level proficiency in written and spoken English and one of the additional languages commonly used by clients and community members. Amharic, French, Haitian Creole, Somali, Swahili, or Tigrinya are 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 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.
• 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.
• 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Full-time with Benefits
• 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

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree