Workforce Specialist (Full Time) - IRCO

IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION (IRCO)

JOB POSTING ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: Workforce Specialist

PROGRAM: CommunityWorks’ Project

OPENING DATE: February 8, 2012

CLOSING DATE: February 26, 2012                         

SALARY: $35,000-37,000+ Benefits                     

LOCATION: DHS Office, 1415 SE 122nd Ave, Portland OR

SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week                        

APPLY AT: www.irco.org   

STATUS: Full time with benefits, however this position will last up to 4 months.  Beyond 4 months is dependent upon securing additional funding.

INTRODUCTION

The CommunityWorks’ Project is a new program to IRCO who is one of 5 community-based organizations that will provide job preparation and placement services to Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) participants who are participating in Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program.  The Workforce Specialist will assist job seekers obtain employment and/or career development services to achieve long-term self sufficiency.   Some duties include:

• Provide workforce case management to referred JOBS participants to include but not limited to intakes, assessments, Employment Plan development,  job search and placement, work readiness, and skill building activities to ensure participants successful path to self sufficiency and achieving project outcome goals.
• Refer participants to employment opportunities developed by resource coordinators and create their own resources for participants according to their employment plans.
• Share and coordinate employment opportunities resources with workforce development team and resource coordinators.
• Effectively utilize CommunityWorks’’ partners’ leveraged resources to remove participants barriers to employment opportunities and increase their chances to become self sufficient.  Bring understanding of home agency and targeted community to ensure wraparound service options for all CommunityWorks’’ participants.
• Utilize community resources to refer and engage participants in skill building activities.
• Regularly communicate with DHS case managers on JOBS participant’s activities, progress and challenges through TRACS, phone calls, emails, and regular meetings.
• Participate in trainings, meetings to ensure project out-comes achievement.   Encourage open communication and team approach to project activities with a customer service approach.
• Submit project required data to support service specialist to ensure timely and accurate project reports to DHS management.
• Conduct participant satisfaction surveys on a regular basis.
• Assist resource coordinators in facilitating project orientations to introduce JOBS participants to CommunityWorks’ partnering agencies and project activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying.  This would typically include:

• Bachelor’ Degree.
• Experience with pre-employment activities and job search development. 
• Advanced knowledge and/or experience in job development and placement activities. 
• Knowledge and/or experience of vocational and/or placement counseling for immigrant and refugee populations.  Knowledge of the local job market and concerns of employers. 
• Experience, knowledge and ability to work with immigrants and refugees from various cultural and religious and social status backgrounds with limited English. 

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

1. 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.
2. Ability to meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines.
3. Strong analytical and decision-making abilities.
4. Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding clients and employees in an effective manner.
5. Ability to work in a fast paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to clients.
6. Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality.
7. Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal and organizational communication.
8. Ability to communicate in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone.
9. Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with persons outside of the organization.
10. Ability to listen for understanding and assist in problem solving.
11. Ability to prepare clear, accurate and concise reports.
12. Be punctual, good attendance, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients.
13. Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copy machine, fax machine, and computer.
14. Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the phone and/or use computer for long periods of time.
15. Possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours.
16. Participate in staff meetings, trainings, committees, and volunteer activities to support IRCO’s goals.

HOW TO APPLY:

Applications may be accessed at the IRCO website, www.irco.org, or at the IRCO main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR  97220, 503-234-1541.  Applications must be received at the main office by 5:00 p.m. on the closing date, if applicable. Attach resume and cover letter to IRCO application form.  This position required completion of an IRCO application.  Materials submitted without a completed application are considered incomplete and will not be considered.  Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact each applicant.   We may not be able to return calls about inquiries about the status of your application. If you are selected for an interview we will contact you by telephone.

ABOUT IRCO:

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. Since its founding, IRCO has served more than 300,000 people through programs and services that meet the needs of our diverse client. Our mission is to promote the integration of refugees, immigrants, and the community at large into a self-sufficient, healthy, and inclusive multiethnic society. In 2011, IRCO was rate one of the 100 Best Oregon Non-profits to Work For by Oregon Business Magazine.   Find out more at www.irco.org.