Youth Outreach Specialist & Resource Navigator

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization • Portland, OR

3h • Onsite

About The Position

The Youth Outreach Specialist & Resource Navigator (OSRN) works with the Homeless Youth Continuum team to conduct outreach, engage eligible immigrant and refugee youth ages 18–25 who are experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County, and deliver supportive activities and services. The position serves youth at IRCO’s Drop-In Center and other program locations, maintaining a safe, supportive, multicultural environment and encouraging youth to explore alternatives to street life. The work is both site-based and field-based.

At the Drop-In Center, the OSRN screens and enrolls youth in services, leads recreational and skill-building activities, facilitates referrals, and provides case management. Field-based work includes community outreach, helping youth access shelter services, and providing in-person language support as part of coordinated care at partner or community facilities. The OSRN tracks participant assessments and service plans and maintains information in IRCO and funder databases.

The role requires regular evening work and one weekend day; the stated daily schedule is 1 p.m.–7 p.m. The position is in person and full-time, with benefits. It requires a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance, and full use of an automobile during work hours. The OSRN must be willing to obtain CPR certification and attend required Assertive Engagement and other training.

Requirements

• Associate’s degree or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of 2 years of work experience.
• Valid driver’s license, verification of current auto insurance, and full use of an automobile during work hours.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally verbally and in writing.
• Knowledge and direct experience working with high-risk youth experiencing homelessness, in shelter programs, or with the Homeless Youth Continuum.
• Ability to work respectfully with multicultural staff and youth from immigrant and refugee backgrounds.
• Ability to work collaboratively with IRCO programs and external partners.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and exercise sound judgment in service delivery.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and abide by HIPAA guidelines.
• Strong intercultural and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client and program needs, including regular evenings and one weekend day.
• Ability to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions and handle high-stress situations.
• Proven record-keeping ability, including attendance and sign-in sheets, client intakes and assessments, and weekly program reports.
• Reliable, punctual, and predictable attendance, and timely submission of timesheets, payment vouchers, receipts, client assistance logs, and other program documents.
• Willingness to complete CPR training and certification and attend Assertive Engagement and other required training.
• Ability to perform some physical effort or manual labor, including lifting, carrying, constant movement, and regular driving.
• Ability to analyze problems and make decisions, prioritize varied tasks, and adapt to schedule fluctuations based on organizational or customer needs.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a primary contact for community partners when providing services to youth on the caseload.
• Support the program manager in meeting IRCO Program Management Standards and participating in continuous program improvement.
• Build a welcoming drop-in space and encourage youth participation.
• Use participant-centered, customer-focused, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and positive youth development approaches in interactions and activities.
• Build relationships with youth and assist them with their daily responsibilities at the Drop-In Center.
• Travel to meet youth and conduct face-to-face screening, safety planning, and consent processes.
• Assess youth needs for housing, food, clothing, and other support, and refer them to appropriate resources.
• Conduct intake and enrollment, customer satisfaction surveys, and other information-gathering activities as assigned or needed.
• Work with youth to develop and implement youth-driven projects, programs, and leadership opportunities.
• Collaborate with the drop-in team to provide basic services, support special projects, and maintain a safe, clean, and supportive atmosphere.
• Provide community-focused support and advocacy when referring youth for assistance.
• Communicate available resources in ways that support the values, beliefs, and customs of immigrant and refugee youth.
• Participate in planning and implementing treatment plans to help drop-in youth exit street life.
• Ensure Drop-In Center rules are followed and maintain a physically and emotionally safe environment.
• Attend and participate in weekly strength-based, solution-focused team meetings, staff meetings, and area meetings.
• Provide information and directions to volunteer and relief staff working at the Drop-In Center or in related activities.
• Complete required paperwork promptly, including participant records and other program documentation.
• Lead one youth group or activity each week and assist coworkers with their groups and activities.
• Assist with meal distribution and other duties as needed to deliver program services and meet program goals.
• Participate in cleaning and maintaining the Drop-In Center and other activity spaces.
• Work collaboratively as part of a team and independently as needed.
• Engage in assigned or required professional development and training.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Flexible working arrangements and schedules
• 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
• 401(k) match of over 100% on the first 5%, with immediate vesting
• 3% match for student loans or college savings
• 12 paid holidays and 1 floating holiday
• Medical and dental insurance options with 85% coverage for employees and families, with no deductibles
• Employer-paid life insurance and short- and long-term disability insurance
• Flexible spending account

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree