Employment Services

The International Institute of Akron’s Employment Department focuses on helping refugees and immigrants with seeking employment opportunities and assistance in applying for unemployment benefits.

For more information, please contact the Employment Program Manager, Kirk Olmstead, at (234)-312-0137 or by email at kirk.olmstead@iiakron.org

Photo by Shane Wynn

Photo by Shane Wynn

FOR EMPLOYERS

We provide a full range of employment services at no cost to immigrants and refugees looking for employment, as well as to area employers looking to fill their job openings.

OUR APPROACH

Our goal is to successfully match our clients with jobs that meet both employer and client needs.

EVALUATION
To fully understand which jobs best suit our clients, we discuss their prior work experience, as well as the kind of work they wish to pursue. We then assist them with obtaining that goal.

TRAINING
Our clients receive job readiness training and orientation to the American workplace. We educate them on working in the U.S. including explaining their rights and responsibilities as workers and employer expectations.

EMPLOYER SUPPORT
Our support and involvement is tailored to each employer’s needs from simply referring clients to assisting with the application and hiring process.

ASSETS IN THE WORKPLACE

WORK AUTHORIZATION
All of our clients have been granted full employment authorization in the U.S. by the Department of Homeland Security.

STRONG WORK ETHIC
Immigrants have a strong work ethic and are reliable. They rarely miss work, are the first to arrive, and are willing to work extra hours.

HIGH RETENTION RATE
Our clients have a 96% retention rate. Many of our clients have stayed employed at the same company for many years.

WE PROVIDE EMPLOYERS WITH:

  • Free pre-screening and skills assessment of job candidates

  • Translation and interpretation services

  • Administrative support with paperwork including the I-9 form

  • Job readiness training

  • Diversity training/consulting

  • Orientation to the American workplace

  • Mediation and retention support

  • Help communicating with limited English speakers including training

Interested in becoming an Employer? Please contact us for more information.