Housing Stability Specialist

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Portland, OR

6d•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. IRCO’s Multnomah Stability Initiative (MSI) provides community-aware approaches and 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 Stability Specialist will provide case management services by assisting program participants in working on a set of goals related to 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

English required, bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Must possess a valid driver's license, verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hours.
Some college course work and a combination of relevant experience
1-2 years of experience is required
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
Detail-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 people outside of the organization
Must have excellent grammar, spelling, and writing skills
Communicate verbally and in writing to individuals and groups by telephone
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

Nice To Haves

Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
Prepare clear and concise reports

Responsibilities

Assess potential client program eligibility
Meet individually with clients at the office or the client’s home if they’re unable to commute, 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’s data entry 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

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 accounts