Housing Stability Specialist

IRCO•Portland, OR

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 . 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. 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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.

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
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
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