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 Stability Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:            Specialist 1/Grade 8

WAGE:                                   Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience 

FLSA; EEO; WC:                   Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864

LOCATIONS:                        Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center (PIAFC), 8040 NE Sandy Blvd,

                                               Portland, OR 97213

                                               Hybrid schedule

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:          1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT:                            www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                     Multnomah Stability Initiative

SECTOR/DIVISION:            Housing and Supportive Services/Asset & Opportunity Building  

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.

Program/Department Summary

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.

Position Summary
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.

Essential Functions

• 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

Secondary Functions

• 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

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some college course work and a combination of relevant experience
• 1-2 years of experience is required

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Prepare clear and concise reports
• 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

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements 

• Hybrid setting job
• Physical: Positions at this level require minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc. Physical capability involves use of office or equipment where some agility and hand eye coordination is needed.
• Mental: There is minimal variation in tasks. The job holder is free to determine in which order tasks are completed but cannot choose to not complete a task. 
• Environment: There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered.  Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people.
• Schedule: The work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Positions at this level are not responsible for any supervisory functions, or responsibilities, but may occasionally be asked to orient and/or train new employees or volunteers.

What We Offer

IRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit packages to our staff:

• 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

Required Engagement 

Engage fully in recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO’s mission, vision, and values-based initiatives. 

How To Apply

1. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.  
2. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.  
3. For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org

Please note that physical applications are accessible from IRCO’s main office, 10301 NE Glisan, Portland, OR 97220. Due to the high volume of applications received, we will not be able to contact applicants or return calls regarding applications. Complete applications should include a cover letter, resume, and IRCO application. 

IRCO is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, age, national origin, disability status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any characteristics protected by State and Federal law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.