Administrative Assistant - Reentry Transition Center

PROGRAM/DEPARTMENT SUMMARY: Mercy Corps Northwest (MCNW) is the assumed business name for the 501(c) 3 non-profit, Mercy Enterprise Corporation. The organization was established in 1998 as a program of Mercy Corps, the Portland-based international relief and development agency. MCNW is Community Development Financial Institution that assists all low-income populations, including minorities, women, refugees and immigrants, prisoners, previously incarcerated and the disabled in Oregon and Washington states by increasing their economic self-sufficiency and community integration through self-employment.

The Reentry Transition Center (RTC) is a Mercy Corps Northwest project that maximizes the effectiveness of reentry efforts through the coordination of reentry services. By supporting the successful reentry of formerly incarcerated people, the RTC hopes to reduce recidivism, increase public safety, decrease demand on law enforcement and judicial systems, lower the costs of incarceration, and augment rather than drain the existing tax-base.

GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY: This position is full-time at 40 hours per week. The Administrative Assistant will assist the Reentry Transition Center and its navigators with data entry and management, day-to-day operations and organization of the RTC. This position will contribute to the strategy, systems development, relationship development, administration and organizational development at the Reentry Transition Center and the MCNW team.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS: Job responsibilities will include but not be limited to: • Assist with program evaluation and grant information tracking and reporting by gathering information from participants and program partners. • Work with and in support of RTC navigators to support RTC participants. • Prepare monthly statements and written correspondence. • Maintain current and accurate files, generating reports on program performance and accountability. • Support MCNW’s Reentry Transition Center strategy, visibility and marketing efforts with other community development organizations working with formerly incarcerated populations and their families.

Organizational Learning: As part of our commitment to organizational learning and in support of our understanding that learning organizations are more effective, efficient and relevant to the communities they serve - we expect all team members to commit 5% of their time to learning activities that benefit Mercy Corps as well as themselves.

Accountability to Beneficiaries Mercy Corps team members are expected to support all efforts towards accountability, specifically to our beneficiaries and to international standards guiding international relief and development work while actively engaging beneficiary communities as equal partners in the design, monitoring and evaluation of our field projects. SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports directly to: Assistant Director, Mercy Corps Northwest Works directly with: RTC Team and MCNW staff

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE: • College degree or demonstrated 2 year work history in administrative support. • Experience with prison-to-community transition and a willingness and interest in working with formerly incarcerated individuals. • Formerly incarcerated individuals successfully reintegrated into the community are encouraged to apply. • Ability to work both independently and cooperatively with other team members. • Demonstrated experience with a diverse client base of low-income and underserved people and their needs • Demonstrated strength in written communication skills as well as excellent interpersonal skills. • Experience working with databases, online systems and general business software including MS Office. • Ability and willingness to work collaboratively with low-income and multicultural populations, particularly ex-offenders, on issues relating to their reentry success. • Demonstrated strong organizational skills essential, including attention to detail, ability to follow procedures and meet deadlines.

SUCCESS FACTORS: Passion for supporting the efforts of the formerly incarcerated in rebuilding their lives and contributing to the community is essential for success as is a demonstrated ability to function independently and to coordinate multiple tasks both independently and in collaboration with staff and partner organizations. A willingness to work in the community with clients, partners and government agency staff including correctional facilities is necessary.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY: None ACCOUNTABILITY: Reports directly to: Assistant Director, Mercy Corps Northwest Works directly with: RTC Team and MCNW staff

LIVING CONDITIONS/ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: The position is based in Portland, Oregon and will require some work on evenings and weekends. Position may require occasional driving within Portland metro area.

Mercy Corps Team members represent the agency both during and outside of work hours when deployed in a field posting or on a visit/TDY to a field posting. Team members are expected to conduct themselves in a professional manner and respect local laws, customs and MC's policies, procedures, and values at all times and in all in-country venues.