Quick Links
Program Contacts:
Contract Manager | Kelley Ilic kilic@worksystems.org
What is Work Experience?
Work experiences funded by Worksystems allow participants to explore different jobs and practice foundational skills like managing their time and networking.
Work experiences:
- Promote career exploration and learning
- Encourage networking
- Provide an entry-level opportunity to work on foundational skills (time management, communication) and learn more about a specific organization or industry
Participants in work experiences do NOT:
- Complete all duties assigned to regular employees at the worksite
Is My Customer Ready?
- Has your customer already completed their iMatchSkills and Career Mapping?
- Does your customer have a resume ready to share?
- Is your customer able to commit to a weekly work schedule?
- Does your customer have childcare and transportation arrangements in place to support their work experience?
Referral Information
The PDX Metro Works program operates several special initiatives. Please look below for specific program information and referral forms.
| Aligned Partner & WorkSource Customers WEX | Here for Portland | West Side Works | Supportive Housing | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Focus | 300 hours of work experience in a variety of industries | Restaurant and retail positions in businesses impacted by the pandemic. **Additional positions in behavioral health and child care settings also available. | Child care positions in Washington County. | 500 hours of work experience in supportive housing provider settings (i.e. shelters, day centers, outreach organizations) |
| Eligibility/ Other Factors | Must be referred through the Aligned Partner Network, EOP Provider or WorkSource partner approved by Worksystems. | City of Portland resident, other Portland ARPA eligibility requirements. | Must be willing to enroll in Oregon’s Central Background Registry for child care workers. | Washington County residents with lived experiences of homelessness or housing instability. |
| Referral Process | Referral Form | Restaurant/Retail Referral Form Behavioral Health Position Referral Form Child Care Position Referral Form | Referral Form | Contact: housingcareersreferrals@irco.org |
| Additional Info | Program video West Side Works website |