Housing Specialist

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Portland, OR

6h•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

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
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

Responsibilities

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
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

Benefits

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