POSITION:                            Youth Outreach Specialist & Resource Navigator

JOB CLASS/GRADE:            Specialist 1/ Grade 8

WAGE:                                   Starting at $49,572 per year based on experience

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

LOCATIONS:                        Crosswind Church (drop-in space) – 10401 NE Glisan St. Portland, OR 97220, on site full time

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):                      Homeless Youth Continuum (HYC)

SECTOR:                                Youth Community Outreach/ Youth 

REQUIREMENTS:                 Must possess a valid driver's license verification of current auto-insurance have full use of automobile during work hours.

This job announcement is intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed in this job. This is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required.

Program Summary
IRCO’s Homeless Youth Continuum (HYC) program provides youth-centered support and engagement for youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Through drop-in programming, workshops, and resource connections, HYC promotes youth well-being, stability, and access to opportunities. The program is committed to Community focused responsive services that honor the Broad range of lived experiences lived experiences of the youth it serves. If you are a capable, conscientious, mission driven individual, please consider joining us.

Position Summary

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 Youth Outreach Specialist & Resource Navigator (OSRN) can 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. Site-based responsibilities at our Drop-In Center include screening and signing up for program services, conducting activities for youth including hosting open gym, recreational and skill building activities, facilitating referrals with partners from Homeless Youth Continuum and other sources, providing case management services. Field-based responsibilities include conducting community outreach events to promote program and program services, working with partners to support youth access to shelter services, providing in person linguistics as part of coordinate care when youth are referred to or accessing services at partner or community facilities. OSRN should be able to track participant assessments/service plans, maintain participant information in IRCO and funder databases.

Essential Functions

• Serve as a primary contact to community partners when providing services for youth on caseload.
• Support program manager in meeting IRCO's Program Management Standards and engaging in continuous learning for program improvement.
• Ability to work in respectful manner with multicultural staff and youth from immigrant & refugee background.
• Available to work evening hours regularly, as well as one day over the weekend (daily schedule 1pm-7pm)
• Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified. 
• Must attend Assertive Engagement training offered by Multnomah County and other training required by funder and IRCO. 
• 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 Respectful Engagement, 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. 
• Travel to meet and conduct face-to-face screening, including safety planning, and obtain consent 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. 
• Collaborate with the drop-in team to provide basic services, assist with special projects, and promote a safe, clean, and supportive atmosphere within the center. 
• Provide community focused 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.
• 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, and area meetings. 
• Provide information and directions 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). 
• Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation, while also being able to work independently as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

Secondary Functions

• Knowledge and direct experience working with high-risk youths experiencing homelessness, in shelter programs, or with the Homeless Youth Continuum required. 
• Knowledge of best practices and community-aware strategies to engage immigrant and refugee youth experiencing homelessness 
• Ability to work collaboratively in a 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. 
• Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and abide by HIPAA guidelines.      
• Strong intercultural and interpersonal communication skills. 
• Ability to work flexible hours to meet client and programming 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, and weekly program reports of work activities. 
• Maintains punctual, regular, and predictable attendance. 
• Proven track record related to the timely submission of work documents including filling out time sheets, submitting payment vouchers and receipts, client assistance logs and other program documentation.

Education & Experience

• Associate’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum 2 years of work experience
• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong interpersonal skills
• Communicate effectively in a professional manner verbally and in writing

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• In person job
• Positions at this level require some physical efforts or manual labor such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement. Positions with regular responsibility for driving are to be placed at least at this level Positions require some analysis of problems or decision-making ability 
• There is regular variation in tasks, and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed 
• 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. 
• The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.

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 package 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 85% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
• Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance 
• Flexible spending account

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 law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.