Supported Employment Specialist; Multilingual

Portland SE Cesar, 605 SE Cesar E Chavez Blvd, Portland, Oregon, United States of America

Posted Tuesday, February 3, 2026 at 11:00 AM

Lutheran Community Services NW is a non‑profit organization dedicated to serving communities throughout Washington, Oregon, and Idaho with a wide range of services for individuals of all ages and backgrounds. All LCSNW team members will contribute to our mission of partnering with individuals, families and communities for health, justice and hope.

Please note this position requires
Excellent communication skills with the ability to read, write, and speak Ukrainian or Russian, and English.

WHAT WE WILL DO FOR YOU:

As an employer of choice, we’re deeply committed to supporting our employees—because when you’re empowered, our mission thrives. We provide resources, tools, and care that allow you to focus on what matters most: delivering Health, Justice, and Hope to the communities we serve. We’re proud to offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and peace of mind

• A 37.5 per hour work week to ensure work/life balance
• Medical, dental, vision, and prescription benefits to keep you and your loved ones healthy
• Employer-paid short- and long-term disability insurance
• Life insurance coverage at no cost to you
• Up to 2 weeks of vacation in your first year (based on hours worked)
• Up to 2 weeks of sick leave (based on hours worked)
• 12 paid agency recognized holidays
• 2 floating holidays to use your way
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer matching (eligibility applies)
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP) for you and your family
• Potential eligibility for Student Loan Forgiveness through our 501(c)(3) nonprofit status

HOW YOU WILL MAKE AN IMPACT:

As part of the employment services team, in this role, you will support LCSNW towards achieving desired program outcomes by working with job seekers from refugee and immigrant communities to assist them in securing career livable employment, job readiness training, and career advancement opportunities. This individual constantly develops and strengthens the local workforce development network by building relationships with non‑profits and other agencies.

• Conduct detailed intakes with clients to determine program eligibility and create a strengths‑based employment plan with each client.
• Complete self‑sufficiency planning with clients and their families, including budgeting, to support clients in identifying goals and concrete steps toward achieving those goals.
• Support clients seeking employment or work experience placements throughout their job search. Continue to assist clients after they begin working to ensure progress toward their career and economic self‑sufficiency goals.
• Provide services to reduce client employment barriers in areas such as transportation, ESOL class enrollment, and childcare subsidy applications. Refer clients, upon their request and eligibility, to additional services as needed.
• Develop and maintain strong professional relationships with partners, including employers, government contacts, and community‑based organizations.
• Maintain compliance with all relevant program/department requirements, including and not limited to adhering to all record‑keeping and reporting requirements.
• Model and encourage direct, professional communication among staff members and facilitate the development of a positive staff support network.
• Demonstrate awareness and sensitivity in delivering client services as it relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
• Other duties as assigned.

HOW YOU WILL BE A GREAT FIT:

• Knowledge of and cultural responsiveness to the immigrant population.
• Must understand common U.S. hiring practices and processes and how employment services can contribute to clients achieving their employment goals.
• One year of experience working with immigrant and refugee populations or limited English proficiency clients.
• Ability to work well under pressure and work effectively in a multicultural setting, demonstrating excellent organizational skills and interpersonal skills.
• General experience with Google Suite and Microsoft Office. Ability…