New Arrivals Housing Specialist 2 in Portland, Oregon at IMMIGRANT AND REFUGEE COMMUNITY ORGANIZATION

POSITION: New Arrivals Housing Specialist 2

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 2/ Grade 7

WAGE: Starting at $52,488 per year based on experience

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

LOCATIONS: Immigrant & Refugee Community Organization Africa House,

709 NE 102nd Ave., Portland, OR 97220

Hybrid schedule

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

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): New Arrivals/Oregon Rehousing Initiative

SECTOR/DIVISION: Housing Stabilization / Community Safety & Wellbeing Division

REQUIREMENTS: English language proficiency required; second language preferred. Familiarity with rapid

rehousing or transitional housing is valuable.

Must be able to pass an extensive background check.

Strong analytical, problem-solving skills, and attention to detail.

Must possess a valid driver's license, verification of current auto insurance, and have full

use of an 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
IRCO’s Housing Stabilization department consists of its Survivor Housing program, which works with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to identify and place survivors into transitional and long-term housing; its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, which provides comprehensive support to families with children at risk or experiencing homelessness, delivering services to families residing at the Hazel Ying Lee & The Ellington apartments; and its New Arrivals Housing program, which identifies and places newly arrived refugee families into transitional and long-term housing. Together, these programs comprise teams of Housing Specialists who help clients with emergency and stabilized housing solutions; case management; strengthening self-sufficiency; linkages to education and employment opportunities; assistance with accessing grants or other community resources; transportation; and navigating housing issues.

Position Summary
The New Arrivals Housing Specialist 2 is responsible for the delivery of housing-related support and services to participants. This role provides case management, housing navigation, and resource connection that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. The Housing Specialist 2 utilizes their experience in the housing sector to enhance and improve programming, focusing on documentation, coordination of multi-sector team efforts, and accurate payment processing. Another key part of the role includes developing and maintaining relationships with landlords, property managers, and rental agencies. This position identifies and secures appropriate housing that meets required guidelines for newly arrived refugees and for those who have experienced homelessness. The role requires interpersonal communication, a trauma-informed and compassionate approach to social services, and strong time and task management.

Essential Functions

• Possess and apply an impeccable degree of confidentiality and utilize knowledge of laws about confidentiality, disclosures, and release of information.
• Conduct eligibility screening, barrier and needs assessments, and referral to appropriate services/agencies as necessary.
• Collect, track, and file accurate and complete housing documentation for each participant.
• Assist participants in obtaining basic essential household items to set up their new rentals, while abiding program procedures, budgets, and financial processes.
• Lead payment processing and routing paperwork correctly; serve as the information and coordination hub for housing efforts.
• Secure housing for newly arriving refugees and/or those facing housing crises, including securing temporary/transitional housing options when needed.
• Continuously contribute to the Housing Team’s network resource of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure proper housing for participants.
• Identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers.
• Partner with participants in barrier reduction, locate housing, support move in, and engage in housing mediation and/or advocacy as necessary.
• Facilitate linkages with educational and employment programs within and outside of IRCO
• Encourage financial empowerment, support participants to increase income, and connect with other financial resources.
• Maintain an updated list of secure and potential housing options.
• Maintain confidential client files of service provision; complete data entry in Apricot and HMIS databases, track client expenses, and complete administrative tasks within given timelines.
• Serve as a cultural liaison between landlords and tenants, if and as needed.
• Maintain positive relationships with existing housing partners and cultivate new partners, including with landlords, property managers, and developers.
• Communicate with apartment managers to ensure that apartments are move-in ready.
• Complete case notes related to all housing and complete related forms as needed.
• Educate new arrivals and/or clients about Tenants Right, Landlord-Tenant Relationships, general Tenancy information as needed.
• Comply with all IRCO and local office policies, practices, and procedures.
• Ensure that accurate financial records are kept, and all necessary copies are shared with case workers and the fiscal department.
• Track and monitor invoices related to participants’ costs.
• Participate in outreach and educational activities in communities
• Perform other duties as specified by the coordinator and/or Sector Manager

Secondary Functions

• Collaborate with other departments to best support client housing.
• Assist clients in the establishment of utilities upon moving to their new home/ apartment when needed.
• Link clients to available resources and utility assistance as needed.
• Provide general case management and resource navigation as needed.
• Support other related tasks that lead to clients’ incorporation and program success as needed and assigned.

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in one or more of the following areas: tenant rights, rental property management, housing navigation, and direct community services
• Bachelor’s degree or some college course work preferred; High school diploma required.
• Must have a valid State issued driver's license, insurance, clean driving record, and personal transportation.
• Knowledge of local housing resources and experience in housing-related fields is required.
• Training and understanding of Trauma-Informed Care, and ability to develop healthy boundaries with clients
• Fluency and ability to fulfill all services in English required
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Commitment to IRCO mission and drive to work in partnership with vulnerable populations to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Self-starter with strong initiative, follow-through, and organizational skills.
• Excellent problem solving and planning abilities, and willingness to analyze and adapt processes to better achieve goals.
• Awareness and sensitivity in the delivery of client services relates to the cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the populations served.
• Ability to work well in team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in a fast-paced work environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications including Word, Excel, Teams and Outlook.

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid setting job
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have little to no need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have little or no impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcome
• Work Independence: Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making decisions and acting under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review.
• 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 occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.

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 packages 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 accounts

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.