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 at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                Career Development 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

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:              1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:    (1)

APPLY AT:                               www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                  Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                        Refugee Employment Services (RES)

SECTOR:                                  Refugee Skills and Employment Services / Workforce & Employment Services 

REQUIREMENTS:                   Must possess a valid driver’s license and 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 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.

Position Summary
The Career Development Specialist, like Workforce Specialists in RES, will help program participants to establish short and long-term career goals, provide career coaching and connection to training, and assist with jobs search and employment retention. Additionally, this role will specialize in helping participants connect to training to advance their careers. The Career Development Specialist will assist participants with certification or recertification to allow participants to practice their profession in the U.S. They will provide connections to WorkSource and other resources to pay for training. They will strengthen existing partnerships with employers, training providers, and educational institutions while cultivating new collaborations to expand and enhance ramps to career pathways. The Career Development Specialist’s caseload will consist primarily of participants who are ready for and interested in training and advancement opportunities, but they will work with other RES clients as needed.

Essential Functions

• Complete initial intake to determine participant’s eligibility, assessing participant’s needs and collecting information to create an Individual Employment Plan
• Provide career coaching including basic skills development
• Facilitate an ongoing career/employment plan with participants, including assisting the client in a plan to support themselves while receiving vocational training
• Educate participants on career training and certification options
• Assist participants in enrolling in training and applying for scholarships
• Learn and maintain knowledge of short-term and longer-term vocational training and educational opportunities 
• Provide partner referrals and facilitate access to WorkSource centers 
• Coordinate vocational and on-the-job training service delivery, collaborating with local community colleges and WorkSource partners 
• Assist customers in navigating certification or recertification that can qualify them to practice their profession in the U.S.
• Assist participants in finding employment in their target occupation
• Maintain accurate documentation and track and record participant activities and outcomes
• Maintain case notes and reporting
• Conduct proactive outreach to eligible clients via phone calls, emails, community visits, and individual referrals to promote available program services
• Refer participant to English Assessment, Mass Transit Training, Childcare Training and Pre-Employment English Training
• 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
• 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
• If needed, 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
• Provide transportation to clients in personal vehicles as needed for clients to participate in certain employment-related activities. Career Development Specialist must meet IRCO and funder standards for driving record and vehicle condition.

Secondary Functions

• Actively participate in relevant network meetings, training, regular internal IRCO meetings, and community engagement events and presentations.
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree required 
• Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3) 
• Experience in career coaching, employment services or workforce development, ideally working with immigrants or internationally trained professionals 
• Strong understanding of local job market trends, hiring processes, and credential recognition pathways 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• 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 report writing, editing, research and data experience 
• Strong analytical and decision-making abilities 
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employees in an effective manner 
• 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 multi-background, interpersonal communication and ability to work with refugee populations with an understanding of their needs and obstacles 
• 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 
• Be punctual, have good attendance, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients 
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer 
• Knowledge of the local job market, placement counseling and concerns of employers 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid setting position
• Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks.
• Mental: There is regular variation in tasks, and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
• Environmental: This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles. There is little element of personal risk or hazard. Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, including temperature change
• Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice

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

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. 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.