Youth Outreach Specialist / Resource Navigator 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: Youth Outreach Specialist / Resource Navigator

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $23.37 per hour

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

LOCATIONS: IRCO - Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave, Portland OR 97220,

and across other IRCO locations or in the field

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: Oncall/ Casual without Benefits

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (3)

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Oncall/ Casual without Benefits

(Limited duration position through June 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable.)

PROGRAM(S): Youth Experiencing Homelessness

SECTOR: Youth Community Outreach

REQUIREMENTS:

Must pass criminal background check

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

Not a remote work position. Must be able to work in person from an IRCO building and available to work evening hours regularly, (daily schedule may be an 11am-7pm shift.

Bilingual in a language commonly spoken by client base preferred (Spanish, or other languages from immigrant/refugee communities from African, Asian, Pacific Islander backgrounds)

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 program provides housing stability, case management, and supportive services to vulnerable youth, with a focus on lawful access to opportunity, community responsive practices, and coordination across community, agency, and funder partnerships.

Position Summary
The Youth Outreach Specialist/Resource Navigator (OSRN) is a team-oriented position working with other Outreach Specialists, Program/Data Assistant and Program Manager to conduct outreach, engage program youth and deliver activities to support eligible immigrant & refugee youth ages 18-25, experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County. The OSRN provides guidance, information, and services to youth at IRCO’s Drop-In Center (located at Africa House) and other locations where program activities are conducted. It is important that OSRN maintain a safe and supportive multi-background environment for homeless youth and motivate them to explore and accept alternatives to street life. This position is both site-based and field-based.

Site-based responsibilities at our Drop-In Center include screening and signing youth up for program services, conducting activities for youth including hosting open gym, recreational and skill building activities, facilitating referrals with partners from Homeless Youth Continuum and other sources, providing case management services. Field-based responsibilities include conducting community outreach events to promote the program and program services, working with partners to support youth access to shelter services, providing in person linguistic/community facilitation as part of coordinate care when youth are referred to or accessing services at partner or community facilities. OSRN should be able to track participant assessments/service plans, maintain participant information in IRCO and funder databases.

Essential Functions

Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to the safety or health of employees or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:

• Ability to work in respectful manner with multi-background staff and youth from immigrant & refugee backgrounds
• Available to work evening hours regularly, as well as one day over the weekend (daily schedule may be an 11am-7pm shift or 12pm-8pm)
• Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified
• Must attend Assertive Engagement training offered by Multnomah County and other trainings required by funder and IRCO
• Ability to work both as a member of a team and work independently
• Strong people and communication skills
• Work to build a welcoming space and to encourage youth participation in the drop-in community
• Provide a participant-centered approach and excellent customer service that is sensitive to the challenges of the community we serve
• Implement the tenants of Assertive Engagement, Positive Youth Development (Belonging, Competence, Usefulness and Equal access), and Trauma Informed Care in all interactions with youth, projects and programs within the Drop-In Center
• Develop relationships with youth to assist them in their daily responsibilities within the Drop-In Center
• Conduct face-to-face screening, including safety planning, and obtain consents from youth participants
• Assess youth for housing, food, clothing and support needs, and refer youth to the appropriate places for assistance
• Conduct intake enrollment, customer satisfaction survey or other input gathering activities when assigned or as needed
• Work with youth to identify and implement youth-driven projects, programs and leadership opportunities
• In conjunction with the drop-in team, provide basic services, special projects, and promote a safe, clean and supportive atmosphere within the center
• Provide bilingual and community support and advocacy as needed when making referrals for youth to receive assistance
• Effectively communicate available resources that support community values, beliefs, and customs of immigrant and refugee youth
• Participate in the planning and implementation of treatment plans for drop-in youth to facilitate their exit from street life
• Serve as a primary contact to community partners when brokering services for youth on caseload
• Ensure Drop-in Center rules are being followed. Maintain a safe environment, emotionally and physically for all youth.
• Attend and participate in strength-based and solution-focused weekly team meetings, staff meetings, area meetings
• Provide information and direction to volunteer and relief staff who work in the Drop-In Center or in related program activities
• Complete required paperwork in a timely manner
• Lead one youth group or activity per week and assists co-workers in the facilitation of their groups and activities
• Assist with meal distribution and other roles as needed and as availability dictates to deliver program services/meet program goals
• Participate in the cleaning and up-keep of the Drop-In Center space and other spaces where activities are conducted (e.g., open gym)
• Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation
• Other duties as assigned

Secondary Functions

• Knowledge and direct experience working with high-risk youth experiencing homelessness, in shelter programs, or with the Homeless Youth Continuum required
• Knowledge of best practices and community appropriate strategies to engage immigrant and refugee youth experiencing homelessness
• Ability to work collaboratively in positive manner with other IRCO programs as well as external partners
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to program service delivery
• Experience and ability to work in a multi-background environment
• Must have ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and abide by HIPAA guidelines
• Strong community and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client and program needs
• Ability to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions
• Strong ability to deal with high stress situations
• Proven track record with record keeping, including maintaining attendance and sign in sheets, client intakes & assessments, weekly program reports of work activities
• Proven track record with good work attendance
• Proven track record related to the timely submission of work documents including filling out timesheets, submitting payment vouchers and receipts, client assistance logs and other program documentation
• Must possess a valid driver's license with a verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours
• Must be able to pass to a criminal background and finger printing check
• Must be able to work evening hours as well as one day over the weekend as described in the “Essential Functions” section, above

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some college course work
• Minimum 1-2 years of work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in community, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multibackground team and organization

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• On-site job. Must be able to work in person from an IRCO building and available to work evening hours regularly, (daily schedule may be an 11am-7pm shift)
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to 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 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.

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.