Workforce Specialist

Description

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 o.org.

Workforce Specialist

Specialist 1/ Grade 8

Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

Non-Exempt;
Professional; 8864

IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St Portland OR 97220

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

1.0 FTE;
Full-Time with Benefits

(Limited duration through September 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable)

3

Refugee Employment Services

Refugee Skills and Employment Services

High level proficiency in written and spoken English and one additional language (Amharic, French, Haitian Creole, Somali, Swahili, and Tigrinya) is 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.

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.

• 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…