Program Summary

NAES employment services are available to newly arrived refugees and asylees, and Cuban and Haitian parolees. Eligible program participants must also have been in the United States for no more than 12 months, reside in Multnomah, Clackamas or Washington counties, and be between the ages of 16 and 64.

Program participants receive a broad spectrum of employment-related services including job search assistance, pre-employment training and counseling, employment placement, retention services, career exploration, interpretation and translation services (for both employers and participants), and assistance in reducing barriers to employment. The purpose of this program is to assist newly-arrived participants in enhancing employment potential, achieving self-sufficiency, and attaining employment objectives.

This program is sponsored by the State of Oregon Office of Refugee Resettlement. Participants in the program are referred to IRCO by partner agencies in the Portland community. In order to be eligible for participation in the program, an individual must:

Assessment

During initial appointments at IRCO, the applicant will meet with a number of employees who will assess the applicant's eligibility for participation, work history and transferable skills, educational background, career aspirations, medical limitations and other barriers to employment, including transportation, childcare issues, cultural beliefs, etc.

Individualized Case Management

Each participant in the NAES program is assigned to a Job Coach and a Career Coach who assist the participant in obtaining their employment goals. Together with their Coaches, the participant will develop an Employment Plan (highlighting current barriers to employment and short-term employment goals) and a Career Plan (outlining steps to achieving a long-term career goal). Job and Career Coaches are available to provide individualized counseling for participants related to employment goals and acculturation issues and to advocate on behalf of participants with employers and other social service agencies.

Job Placement and Retention

The primary goal of the NAES program is to help participants find employment and decrease or end their dependence on public assistance. Job and Career Coaches refer participants to suitable job openings on a regular basis. The Job Coach is able to provide assistance in completing applications, creating resumes, preparing for interviews and completing the new hire orientation process. After the participant starts working, his/her Career Coach stays in contact with the participant and the participant's employer to ensure that the transition to work is as smooth as possible. If needed Career Coaches are available to provide on-site job training and interpretation, conflict resolution and other services.

Pre-Employment Training

Providing a basic understanding of the English language is an important step in reducing barriers to employment and helping participants find their first job in the United States. Most participants in the NAES program are required to attend 15-20 hours of Pre-Employment Training classes every week. Classes are tailored to a variety of English language skill sets. The program also offers a variety of vocational training modules to help participants learn vocabulary and communication skills needed in specific work environments. The program also provides weekly workshops on a myriad of acculturation issues to help participants learn what systems and supports are available in the United States. Topics include: immigration and naturalization, accessing health care in the U.S., education, family law/domestic violence, labor market trends, etc.

Ongoing Support Services

While enrolled in the NAES program, participants receive simultaneous assistance from the Coordinated Assistance to Support Employment (CASE) program. Active participants are eligible to receive transportation assistance (bus tickets, bus pass or gas money), child care assistance, assistance in buying work clothing, work footwear, tools, food handler's card, safety gear, non-prescription eye glasses, equipment needed to start a job and low income services access.

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