Youth Outreach Specialist / Resource Navigator

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Maywood Park, OR

2d•Onsite

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. 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. 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.

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)
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.
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.
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.
Some college course work
Minimum 1-2 years of work experience

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach, engage program youth and deliver activities to support eligible immigrant & refugee youth ages 18-25, experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County.
Provide guidance, information, and services to youth at IRCO’s Drop-In Center and other locations where program activities are conducted.
Maintain a safe and supportive multi-background environment for homeless youth and motivate them to explore and accept alternatives to street life.
Screen and sign youth up for program services.
Conduct activities for youth including hosting open gym, recreational and skill building activities.
Facilitate referrals with partners from Homeless Youth Continuum and other sources.
Provide case management services.
Conduct community outreach events to promote the program and program services.
Work with partners to support youth access to shelter services.
Provide in person linguistic/community facilitation as part of coordinate care when youth are referred to or accessing services at partner or community facilities.
Track participant assessments/service plans.
Maintain participant information in IRCO and funder databases.
Work in a respectful manner with multi-background staff and youth from immigrant & refugee backgrounds.
Be CPR trained and certified.
Attend Assertive Engagement training offered by Multnomah County and other trainings required by funder and IRCO.
Work both as a member of a team and work independently.
Build a welcoming space and 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.
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 assist 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).
Maintain punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
Work collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities.
Participate in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives.