Housing Assistant Specialist

POSITION : Housing Assistant Specialist JOB CLASS / GRADE : Specialist 1 / Grade 8 WAGE : $23.37 per hour FLSA; EEO; WC : Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864 LOCATIONS : IRCO - PIAFC, 8040 NE Sandy Blvd Portland OR 97213 & IRCO - Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave Portland OR 97220, Hybrid schedule FTE; FT / PT; STATUS : On Call Casual / Temporary - 3 months / 40 hours a week NUMBER OF POSITIONS : (3) APPLY AT : www.irco.org STATUS : Oncall / Casual without Benefits PROGRAM(S) : Emergency Housing Program SECTOR : Housing and Supportive Services REQUIREMENTS : Fluency in English required. Bilingual in a 2nd language strongly preferred in any Asian Pacific Islander or African languageMust possess a valid driver's license, have verification of current auto insurance, and have full use of automobile during work hoursThis 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 SummaryThe Emergency Rent Assistance Program provides rental assistance to prevent households from experiencing evictions and homelessness in Multnomah County. This program prioritizes equity and racial justice in programming by proactively serving communities experiencing the greatest adverse impacts including Immigrant, Refugees, Black, Indigenous, and other People of Color (BIPOC) in eligible households facing eviction due to nonpayment of rent.Position SummaryThe Housing Assistant Specialist is responsible for contacting clients to evaluate their eligibility for emergency rental assistance, as well as completing and submitting applications through the Home Forward shared portal.Essential FunctionsRecruiting, screening, and assessing potential clientsAssisting Case Managers in provision of program servicesCommunicating with diverse clients about moderately complex rules, policies, and norms relating to the program itself as well as public housing resources and housing and rental lawsWorking with Case Managers to help clients work towards their housing goalsCompleting detailed paperwork and maintaining documents including case files, Multnomah County's Service Point data system (HMIS)Distributing assistance funds to client's landlords or utility companies Referring clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their housing and other life goalsCommunicate effectively with clients, landlords, and property managers to gather the required documents for program enrollmentSecondary FunctionsAbility to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlinesStrong analytical and decision-making abilities for related job functionsMaintain a complete working file containing copies of all relevant paperwork and activity documentationAbility to deal with distressed and demanding clients and employees in an effective mannerAbility to maintain a high level of confidentialityAbility to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organizationAbility to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clientsAttend trainings and meetings conducted as part of the Multnomah County Emergency Rental Assistance programParticipate in staff meetings, trainings, and committees to support Housing Stability Program and agency's goalsInteract with staff in other IRCO programs and community partners and refer clients to these partiesThis position does not supervise any employees. It will however be asked on occasion to train, orient, and direct the work of new employees of IRCO RequirementsEducation & Experience MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS : Less than one year of experience in housing is requiredMust be proficient in the English languageOral and written communication skills commensurate with the needs of the positionExperience Microsoft Office, Microsoft Excel, and a variety of software packagesExperience using standard office equipment PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS : Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multicultural organizationStrong ability to work with multi-cultural staff in a team settingAbility to analyze and prepare complex and detailed financial records Ability to use nonstandard procedures and techniques to resolve unusual problems or address management requirements Ability to use initiative and judgment in completing tasks and responsibilities Ability to courteously meet and deal effectively with other employees, agency representatives, vendors, contractors, the public, and others Ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, to demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently, and to meet commitmentsPhysical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsHybrid setting jobPositions require some analysis of problems or decision-making abilityWork under close supervisionThere 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 peopleThe work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior noticeSupervisory ResponsibilitiesPositions 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 OfferIRCO is a very employee-friendly workplace and offers great benefit package to our staff : Many flexible working arrangements and scheduleAmazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the worldWork 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 HolidayMedical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductiblesEmployer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance Flexible spending accountRequired 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 ApplyComplete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal : IRCO Application for Employment. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers . 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.Salary Description $23.37 per hour

Salary : $23