Community Outreach Specialist (Fluency in English, Dari, and Pashto)

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:                                           Community Outreach 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 – Greater Middle East Center (GMEC), 4915 SW Griffith Dr, Suite 216, Beaverton, OR 97005

                                                              (In-Office position)

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

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

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:                (1)

APPLY AT:                                           www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                               Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                                    GMEC Programs

SECTOR:                                              Greater Middle Eastern Center (GMEC)

REQUIREMENTS:

Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills

Fluency in English, Dari, and Pashto is required

Knowledge of and connections with local Greater Middle Eastern communities

Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of 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 Greater Middle East Center (GMEC), is an engaged service center for communities primarily from the Greater Middle East, including North Africa, the Middle East and South Asia. The purpose of Greater Middle East Center Programs is to provide services to primarily the Greater Middle Eastern community and build a community based on shared experiences and community values. 

Position Summary
Through the Community Outreach Specialist position, GMEC will regularly participate in meetings in Washington County and build and maintain community relationships and foster dialogue between IRCO, Washington County stakeholders and the communities we serve. The Community Outreach Specialist will ensure that hard-to-reach community voices are heard that community needs are understood, and that the community is updated about IRCO’s services. The Community Outreach Specialist will adhere to all policies, contracts, and ensure grant obligations are met.

Essential Functions

• Build and maintain strong relationships with hard-to-reach communities, especially Pashto speaking communities
• Develop and maintain community contact with multi-background community leaders, IRCO and program external stakeholders
• Lead, plan, and facilitate focus groups and community engagement events 
• Assist in organizing, developing, and maintaining positive relationships with community leaders, coalitions, partners and key stakeholders, and working collaboratively to maximize civic engagement to work collectively towards systemic change 
• Support GMEC programs to increase quality of services
• Prepare internal reports of community engagement efforts 
• Maintain a record of community needs and communicate them to management in a timely fashion
• Support outreach efforts to recruit new Advisory Council members
• Ensure that IRCO policies and procedures are followed in all GMEC activities

Secondary Functions

• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
• Participate consistently in regular IRCO internal meetings 
• Support IRCO events as needed 

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in community focused, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multi-background team and organization

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• In-Office job
• Communication: Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information
• Creativity: Regular need for redesign of a single focus process or procedure is needed
• 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
• Physical: Position requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes
• Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval
• Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities
• Environment: 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
• 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 package 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 account

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 [email protected]

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.