Program Coordinator

POSITION: Program Coordinator  
PROGRAM: Refugee & Immigrant Family Empowerment (RIFE)
OPENING DATE: October 17, 2011                           
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
SALARY: $36,000-39,000+ Benefits         
STATUS: Full time             
LOCATION: IRCO Main Office                           
SCHEDULE: 40 hours per week
APPLY AT:  www.irco.org   

INTRODUCTION

The Program Coordinator is responsible for daily operations essential to the successfully implementation and management of the Refugee and Immigrant Family Empowerment Project (RIFE). The Refugee and Immigrant Family Empowerment Project (RIFE) will enhance existing culturally-specific employment, domestic violence and family programs with healthy marriage and relationship planning for immigrants and refugees living in Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington and Marion counties in Oregon.  RIFE is a local collaborative partnership with the Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO), Oregon State Department of Human Services’ Child Welfare and Self Sufficiency Offices, Workforce Investment Boards including local WorkSource One-Stop Centers, and Portland Public School District. 

RIFE will engage underserved immigrant and refugee families facing cultural and linguistic barriers to existing healthy and marriage programs.  RIFE will focus on Asian Pacific Islander (particularly Vietnamese, Burmese and Nepalese), African (particularly Somali), Russian/Ukrainian, and Latino families demonstrating additional risk factors such as low-income families receiving, previously receiving or eligible for TANF assistance and/or active in the child welfare system.  RIFE will pilot a public awareness campaign to educate  young adults on resources available for healthy relationships and family strengthening; develop a screening tool to assess and screen individuals showing risk factors associated with unhealthy relationships; adapt proven curriculum to provide workshops for adults and youths to enhance their understanding of  U.S. and traditional cultural norms; engage individuals in case management to improve relationship skills some of whom will also receive employment and training services such as job search, links to employment, and career advancement training.

                The Program Coordinator will work with IRCO’s management and the project’s partners to plan and implement project activities. Program Coordinator will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the Project, such as staff hiring and training, outreach and public education, maintaining partnerships as reflected in the Project’s Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), coordinating and scheduling workshops, budget monitoring, and providing direct supervision to case management activities. Program Coordinator will work in a multi-cultural environment to provide culturally competent services that meet IRCO’s overall mission and the Project’s specific goals and objectives.  

• Work with Project Director and Core Leadership Team to coordinate project startup; aligning project activities with existing services, building partnerships outlined in the MOU.
• Maintain effective communication between staff, management and Project partners.
• Responsible for RIFE program development and implementation, particularly in light of pilot project activities, testing culturally specific curricula for workshops, developing appropriate assessment and screening tools, and aligning services with existing programs.
• Work with staff and partners to facilitate and coordinate multidisciplinary teamwork sessions to align services and review Project activities.
• Monitor budget and report to Project Director and Executive Director regularly on fiscal activities. 
• Monitor caseloads and conduct participant case file reviews.
• Monitor performance measures and prepare required forms and timely accurate narrative reports.
• Monitor and review staff performance, travel and mileage reimbursement requests for accuracy.
• Provide staff training (including facilitating domestic violence and child welfare training) and new employee orientation and identify additional staff training as needed.

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 or Master Degree in Education, Social Work or related field
• Minimum of five years experience working in child welfare, social service, education, workforce development, domestic violence or multicultural environments
• Experience and skills in developing and managing family programs, particularly those with healthy relationship-building focus
• Ability to use a PC and proficiency in Microsoft Office, graphics and related software and have the ability to use other software packages including internal and external email/internet.

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. Ability to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions.
17. 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.

IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER