Refugee Services; RES) Operations Specialist

Refugee Employment Services (RES) Operations 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.

Position:
Refugee Employment Services (RES) Operations Specialist

Job Class/Grade:
On Call/Hourly/Grade 10

Wage:
Starting at $25.74 per year based on experience

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

Hybrid schedule/On-site

Number of Positions: (1)

Program(s):
Refugee Employment Services (RES)

Sector:
Workforce & Refugee Services / Workforce

Requirements:
English fluency required, bilingual in Somali, Dari, Ukrainian, Russian, Spanish, Arabic is preferred

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 work directly with employers to match clients to jobs that our business partners have available.

RES envisions a future where every refugee is empowered with the skills and support needed to thrive in their new community.

Position Summary The Refugee Employment Services (RES) Operations Specialist offers essential clerical and data management support to the RES Coordinator and the team. The Refugee Employment Services program delivers a range of comprehensive employment and training services, including reducing barriers to employment, job search assistance, placement, retention strategies, and career planning.

Essential Functions

• Track completion of the steps in the program from referral to case closure.
• Ensure effective communication between team members and completion of assignments in a timely manner
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date records in the Apricot
  360 database, including data entry and management
• Review various immigration documents to determine program eligibility
• Assign client cases to Workforce Specialists based on caseload distribution, language skills, and ethnicity
• Track referral requests; maintain lists of received, pending, and assigned cases
• Regularly communicate with workforce specialists and other internal and external case workers regarding client needs and case updates
• Gather and compile professional-level correspondence and documentation, ensuring confidentiality where required
• Maintain accurate records of participant activities, program outcomes, and compliance documentation
• Verify that client data complies with organizational policies, funder, and other regulatory requirements
• Compose and type correspondence, reports, forms, organizational charts, and spreadsheets for the leadership team and program partners; draft reports for the funders
• Assist Program Coordinator in developing and updating program materials, forms, and resources to reflect changes and improvements
• Perform various office and administrative tasks
• Assist in scheduling meetings, appointments, or operational activities, ensuring all relevant parties are informed
• Support the RES leadership in managing special projects as assigned, including tracking progress and reporting on outcomes

Secondary Functions

• Adhere to IRCO and funder policies and procedures
• Assist team members when necessary and perform other tasks as assigned

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in relevant field
• Minimum 2 years of office support experience
• Professional customer service and telephone etiquette skills required
• Ability to type 40 words per minute
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite including Word, Excel, Access, and Outlook.
• Must be outgoing, personable, creative and excited to work in a multi-cultural, multi-lingual environment
• Excellent writing and language skills
• Must be able to communicate information and ideas in written and video format
• Must be able to photocopy, scan, email, and organize files and materials
• Must be able to compose and type reports, forms, organizational…