Housing Engagement Specialist (Dari/ Pashto/ Farsi)

Description    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 Engagement 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:                          IRCO Greater Middle East Center (GMEC)                                                   4915 SW Griffith Dr. Suite # 216 Beaverton, OR 97005                                                   On-site position FTE; FT/PT; STATUS:              1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular                                                    (Limited duration position until September 30, 2026. Possibility of an extension based on funding.) NUMBER OF POSITIONS:     (1) APPLY AT:                                www.irco.org  STATUS:                                    Full-Time with Benefits PROGRAM(S):                          GMEC Housing Programs SECTOR:                                    GMEC  REQUIREMENTS:                     Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance and have full use                                                      of an automobile during work hours.                                                     Bilingual in English and at least one of the following languages commonly spoken by clients                                                      and community members required, including, Dari, Pashto, Farsi 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 The Greater Middle East Center (GMEC), is a widely available service center established to empower and support communities primarily from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia who are living in Oregon and Southwest Washington. GMEC is proudly guided by an advisory council of community leaders and has an engaging office in Beaverton, Oregon.  GMEC provides a community-aware approach to services and programs and connects the communities to resources available to them at IRCO, and externally.  Position Summary The Housing Engagement Specialist will work with clients in the Tri-County area to provide housing resource navigation assistance. Services will include linkages to internal and external programs to find stable housing, support with filling out applications and other key documents related to obtaining housing, rental assistance when needed and appropriate, and follow-up support once clients are placed to help with communicating with landlords, keeping up on maintenance and repairs, etc. In addition to individualized support, educational workshops are held for participants (e.g., tenant rights and responsibilities) to provide proactive, preventative support for participants. The Housing Engagement Specialist will adhere to all policies, and grant obligations. Essential Functions • Conduct outreach in respective communities and collaborate with service providers to identify eligible clients. Accept referrals from community leaders, IRCO staff, and other organizations. • Conduct face to face screenings, obtain consent forms, enrollments and support clients with housing applications as needed • Provide resource navigation to clients and connect them with rental assistance, housing resources and other support available at IRCO • Connect clients with relevant community resources to address needs related to housing, employment, health, education and financial assistance • Provide support to participants who are filling applications for benefit such as SNAP, TANF, medical, as needed • Deliver educational workshops that align with the program goals • Serve clients using bilingual, strengths-based and trauma-informed practices • Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all IRCO and funder policies and procedures • Provide a client centered approach and excellent customer service that is sensitive to the challenges of the community we serve • Maintain connections with GMEC and IRCO staff and community leaders to effectively support clients’ needs • Transport clients in personal vehicle to visit housing options when needed • Ensure that IRCO policies and procedures are followed in all GMEC activities • Participating in staff meetings and training to support IRCO’s goals and objectives • Perform other tasks as requested Secondary Functions • Support IRCO and GMEC events as needed Requirements    Education & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS: • Experience working with multi-background communities, including communities from the Greater Middle East • Strong local network within Greater Middle East communities • Strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally by email, phone, and in-person contact with people from many different backgrounds. • Excellent time management skills • Bilingual in English and at least one of the following languages commonly spoken by clients and community members required, including, Dari, Pashto, Farsi PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS: • Experience in case management is preferred • Training and/or facilitation skills and experience is preferred • Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone • Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multicultural team and organization • Knowledge of social service landscape and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing the community in the Tri-County area, preferred. Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements • On-site position. This is not a remote or hybrid work position. • Mental: 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 • Physical: Positions at this level require moderate physical effort and manual labor such as carrying, constant movement, frequent lifting of light items, and some lifting of moderately heavy objects. Driving is one of the major responsibilities • Environment: This level has a work environment that is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles.  There is very little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable • Schedule: 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 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.  Salary Description Starting at $ 48,600 per year based on experience