Housing Stability Specialist

Description

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization (IRCO) is a non-profit organization established in 1976 to serve immigrants, refugees, and the broader community in Portland, Oregon. Our mission is to welcome, serve and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.  

POSITION:                                        Housing Stability Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                        Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                               Starting at $48,600 per year

FLSA; EEO; WC:                               Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                                    Earl Boyles Elementary School, 10822 SE Bush St Portland, OR 97266

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:                       1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:             (1)

APPLY AT:                                        www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                            Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                                  Multnomah Stability Initiative

SECTOR:                                            Housing & Supportive Services

REQUIREMENTS: 

English required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
This program is working to stabilize clients’ housing by providing temporary financial assistance and case management to clients who are at or below 50% AMI and are homeless or at risk of homelessness. Earl Boyles funds are for students at Earl Boyles Elementary School.

Position Summary
The Housing Stability Specialist will provide community appropriate stability to families and individuals of Earl Boyles Elementary School students through emergency rental assistance, connecting families to social services, and family attachment to Earl Boyles Elementary School. The person in this position must have excellent communication skills, be well-versed in the case management approach, be knowledgeable about how to help clients meet their housing and social service needs, and have strong time management and paperwork completion skills.

Essential Functions

• Assess potential client program eligibility
• Meet individually with clients in a case management setting to help them define, work towards, and reach their goals related to housing
• Maintain case files
• Enter data into Multnomah County’s Service Point data system
• Enter data into IRCO ETO data system
• Distribute assistance funds to client’s landlords or utility companies
• Refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals
• Provide case management, including recruitment, screening, assessment, and provision of case management services
• Complete case management paperwork

Secondary Functions

• Attend trainings and meetings conducted as part of the Multnomah County Stability Initiative system
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and committees to support Housing Stability Program and agency’s goals
• Interact with staff in other IRCO programs and community partners and refer clients to these parties 

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's Degree or some college and a combination of relevant experience
• 1-2 years of experience is required
• English required. Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Must have the ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility when responding to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments
• Strong ability to multi-task and meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines
• Detailed oriented with excellent organizational and grammar skills
• Analytical and decision-making abilities
• Utilize a personal computer, read and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office; Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and have the ability to use other software packages including internal and external e-mail/internet
• Ability to use basic office equipment, telephone, copier, fax machine, and personal computer
• Successfully respond to situations of pressure involving individual circumstances balanced against agency policies and goals
• Ability to deal with distressed and/or demanding customers and employees in an effective manner
• Maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to listen, understand, and assist in problem solving
• Communicate well with a variety of personality types, levels of the organization, and persons outside of the organization
• Must have excellent grammar, spelling, and writing skills
• Communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups by telephone
• Prepare clear and concise reports
• Must be punctual, maintain a good attendance record, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants and customers
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the telephone and/or use PC for long periods of time
• Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes.
• Work Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approval
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• Schedule: The work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff:

• Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
• Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
• Work that helps your community 
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year 
• 401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting 
• 3% match for student loans or college savings 
• 12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
• Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.