Refugee & Immigrant Outreach Assistance

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JVS is a non-profit, non-sectarian agency. Our mission is to empower individuals from diverse communities to find employment, build careers, and to partner with employers to hire, develop and retain productive workforces. JVS provides a broad range of services including adult education, skills training, job readiness training, job placement and support, and access to post-secondary education. JVS assists employers in their search for well-qualified job applicants and their initiatives to upgrade the skills of their incumbent workforce.

Department Overview:

JVS’s Refugee Services has provided direct employment services to local refugee populations for over 40 years. These services are offered to refugees, political asylees, Cuban and Haitian entrants, certified victims of human trafficking, and other work-authorized immigrants. Services include job search assistance, resume and interview preparation, cultural orientation, pre-employment vocational English language classes, job placement and follow-up, and post-employment support. Over 80% of our participants are hired per year and our 90% job retention rate is higher than similar job placement agencies in Boston. To achieve these outcomes, JVS partners with over 1,400 employers in hospitality, retail, agriculture, education, health care, sales, manufacturing, and business; and supports participants in finding and maintaining gainful employment that can lead to successful careers.

Responsibilities:

• Support weekly information sessions (Assist applicants with filling out application, making photocopies, data entry, etc)
• Make calls from outreach lists (Explaining Together We Rise/EFA programs, asking individuals questions to determine their eligibility for programs, and if they are determined eligible, inviting individuals to apply.
• Perform data entry keeping detailed notes and records of individuals contacted and information gathered.
• Distribute program fliers in the surrounding community
• Support community outreach events including JVS representation at job fairs and tabling events
• Support Together We Rise and EFA staff with any additional program tasks

Skills/Qualifications:

• Availability: 4+ hours per week Monday - Friday between 9am and 5pm, Friday 9am-12pm would be particularly helpful.
• Experience working with people of various cultural, religious, & ethnic backgrounds.
• Proficiency in a language other than English is preferred, but not mandatory. Current language needs include Spanish, Haitian Creole, French, and Arabic.
• Ability to work in dynamic and often changing work environment.
• Ability to work as part of a team with staff and other volunteers/interns.
• Good communication and organizational skills.
• Attention to detail.