Workforce Specialist at The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization

Maywood Park, Oregon, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

16 Apr, 26

Salary

48600.0

Posted On

16 Jan, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Career Development, Job Placement, Client Outreach, Employment Services, Communication, Analytical Skills, Interpersonal Skills, Organizational Skills, Problem Solving, Flexibility, Confidentiality, Training, Community Engagement, Record Keeping, Job Marketing, Client Support

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Description 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 (Limited duration through September 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable) NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1) APPLY AT: www.irco.org STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S): Refugee Employment Services SECTOR: Refugee Skills and Employment Services REQUIREMENTS: 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. Must possess a valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of an 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 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 works 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. Position Summary 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. Essential Functions 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. 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 to 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 the 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. Requirements Education & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience Minimum 2 years of work experience PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: 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. 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 routine and 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. Hybrid work schedule 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 packages 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 accounts 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 State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.

Responsibilities

The Workforce Specialist is responsible for helping program participants establish career goals and improve employability through job search and retention support. This includes outreach to clients, maintaining records, and collaborating with employers and service providers.