The International Rescue Committee’s employment program matches qualified refugees with Boston-area employers to place clients into jobs as soon as possible. The program offers benefits and free services to both employers and refugees:

• Reduced turnover rates—Refugees are typically loyal employees. Once hired, they are motivated to stay in their jobs in order to save money and build their work history.
• Strong work ethic—Employers find that refugees have overcome many challenges and are motivated to work hard to support their families and new life.
• Work-force Diversity—Refugees come from countries around the world and are often multilingual. They bring a wide range of  cultural experience to the work force.
• Legal Employment—All refugees are employment authorized from the day they arrive in the U.S. They can provide all necessary documents to complete the I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification Form.
• Tax credits—Employing refugees may increase employers’ eligibility for tax credits.
• Support services—The IRC employment staff screen, match skills and prepare clients prior to referral to an employer. In addition, they provide follow-up support to both employer and employee to ensure a successful and lasting placement. IRC staff are available any time the employer or client has a question.

In addition to federal support, the IRC employment program enjoys a high level of community involvement, volunteer effort and contributions from local businesses. If your organization is interested in hiring refugees, please contact Neda Ashkouri, Employment Program Coordinator, at (617) 482-1154 ext. 212, or at Neda.Ashkouri@theIRC.org