Housing Specialist at IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION – Portland, Oregon

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 Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $24,300 per year based on experience

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

LOCATIONS: IRCO - Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave Portland OR 97220, (Clackamas Program), Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 0.5 FTE; Part-Time with Benefits; Regular

(Limited duration position: March 16, 2026 – June 15, 2026)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Housing Program (Clackamas County)

SECTOR: Housing & Supportive Services

REQUIREMENTS:

Must possess mean of transportation to various locations that may not have public transportation

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
The IRCO Supportive Housing Services program works to help homeless individuals and families obtain stable housing and provides intensive case management to guide Participants to housing stability through connection to resources such as schooling, employment, disability or other resources that fits the participant’s goals.

Position Summary
The Housing Specialist provides appropriate self-sufficiency services to engage low-income households in ways that foster hope, leadership, and community so they can avoid crisis, achieve stability, and reach prosperity. The Housing Specialist will provide case management services by assisting program participants in working on a set of goals related to their self-sufficiency. Staff will also assist participants in meeting their housing and social service needs, determining eligibility for housing funds, communicating with landlords, and completing paperwork and case notes related to the accurate and timely administration of rental funds.

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, entering 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, provision of case management services
• Complete case management paperwork

Secondary Functions

• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
• Ability to deal with distressed and demanding clients and employees in an effective manner
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
• Attending training 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 referring clients to these parties

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have the ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, listen for understanding and assist in problem solving; Prepare clear and concise reports
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• 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
• 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; able to sit, stand, walk, drive, talk on the telephone and/or use PC for long periods of time
• Communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with persons outside of the organization and able to use basic office equipment, telephone, copier, fax machine, and personal computer
• Must be punctual, maintain a good attendance record, and be able to work flexible hours to meet the availability of participants and customers

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid setting job
• 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
• Environment: There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered. Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people
• 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.