Housing Advocate 2

Job TypeFull-timeDescriptionThe 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 Advocate 2JOB CLASS/GRADE: Coordinator 1 / Specialist 2; Grade 7WAGE: Starting at $52,488 per yearFLSA; EEO; WC: Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864LOCATIONS:One of IRCO’s Portland offices; TBD, Hybrid scheduleIRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St Portland OR 97220Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave Portland OR 97220Pacific Islander & Asian Family Center, 8040 NE Sandy Blvd Portland, OR 97213Slavic & Eastern European Center, 555 SE 99th Ave Suite 101 Portland, OR 97216FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; RegularNUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)APPLY AT: www.irco.orgSTATUS: Full-Time with BenefitsPROGRAM(S): Survivor Housing / Housing & Urban Development (HUD)SECTOR: Housing StabilizationRequirementsEnglish required, bilingual preferredFamiliarity with rapid rehousing or HUD is very valuableOregon Domestic Violence Certification within 10 days of hireMust be able to pass an extensive background checkMust possess a valid driver's license, 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 SummaryIRCO’s Housing Stabilization department consists of its Survivor Housing program, which works with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to identify and place survivors into transitional and long-term housing; its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, which provides comprehensive support to families with children at risk or experiencing homelessness, delivering services to families residing at the Hazel Ying Lee & The Ellington apartments; and its New Arrivals Housing program, which identifies and places newly arrived refugee families into transitional and long-term housing. Together, these programs are comprised of teams of Housing Specialists who help clients with emergencies and stabilized housing solutions; case management; strengthening self-sufficiency; linkages to education and employment opportunities; assistance with accessing grants or other community resources; transportation; and navigating housing issues.Position SummaryThe Housing Advocate 2 is responsible for providing experienced-level housing advocacy and case management for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking participating in HUD-funded housing programs. The Housing Advocate 2 supports survivors in accessing and maintaining safe and stable housing through coordinated housing search, landlord engagement, and resource navigation. This role works closely with housing partners, property managers, and service providers to expand housing opportunities for survivors and ensure successful program participation.The Housing Advocate 2 also supports program implementation efforts, assists with system navigation within Multnomah County’s housing services network, and provides informal mentorship and guidance to Housing Advocate 1 staff.All Survivor Housing staff utilize a survivor-centered, strengths-based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma-informed communication, and provide advocacy and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals.Essential FunctionsADVOCACY & CASE MANAGEMENT:Collaborate with Survivor sector and partner agencies to identify and support referred participants to the HUD New Beginnings program and coordinate supportive services before and after acceptance into the rapid rehousing program Provide trauma-informed advocacyManage a caseload of up to16 households and develop comprehensive case management plans for permanent housing stability, health and wellness, legal services, employment and educational placements, and other appropriate services as driven by survivor priorities and goalsProvide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility servicesNavigate risk assessment with survivors and provide immediate and ongoing safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelters and motels, and mental health services as neededAssist participants in gathering income verification, calculating rental assistance contribution and utility allowance; complete housing inspections and other required documentation; write letters of support when requested; and obtain clearance from law enforcementConduct eligibility screenings, housing barrier assessments, and service planning to support housing stabilityNavigate Coordinated Access, housing authority processes, and HUD program requirementsSupport participants through housing placement including housing search, landlord communication, lease preparation, and move-in coordinationHousing, Financial Education & Economic EmpowermentContinuously contribute to Survivor Housing Team’s network of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure rapid rehousing for survivorsIn partnership with Survivor Housing Coordinator 3, identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers; build awareness about the programPartner with survivors in barrier reduction, housing location, move in, tenant and housing rights, connection to housing legal aid, and other housing mediation and advocacy as necessaryBuild partnership with educational and employment programs; assist clients with budgeting, interview practice, resources for professional work attire, job search, English language courses, vocational training, and career and educational advancementsEncourage financial empowerment, increase income and/or other financial resources, including pursuing child support, TANF, Social Security benefits, Victim Compensation, and other creative solutions to reduce overall costs for the family, through childcare arrangements, ridesharing, low-cost public transportation options, etc.Review action plans regularly with survivor to ensure stability at end of financial assistance; achieve goal of client financial self-sufficiency or client connection with other permanent supports and resources such as Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8)Program ImplementationPossess an impeccable degree of confidentiality; knowledge of laws about confidentiality, disclosures, and release of information (or capacity to learn and strictly implement said laws)Maintain confidential client files and records of service provision; complete data entry in Apricot and HMIS (CompSite) databases, client expense tracking, and all other administrative tasks within given timelinesMaintains accurate records of all housing placements, collects relevant data, and enters client assistance-related reports in HMIS’ comparable site (CompSite) in compliance with HUD guidelines and requirementsSupport compliance with HUD and IRCO program guidelines including documentation and reporting requirementsAssist with improving program procedures and identifying service gaps within housing systemsProvide informal mentorship and guidance to Housing Advocate 1 staff and support onboarding of new team membersParticipate in collaborative housing related meetings with partner agencies as neededParticipate and contribute to all staff meetings, retreats, and trainingsEffectively contribute to program standard operating proceduresDemonstrate ongoing commitment to IRCO mission and valuesAvailability to work occasional evening and weekend hoursPerform other duties as requested RequirementsEducation & ExperienceMinimum Job Specific QualificationsBachelor’s degree in a relevant field or equivalent combination of training and experienceExperience: 2-3 years of experience is requiredExperience in the following areas: housing advocacy, building community partnerships, and provision of supportive services, especially within diverse communitiesCompletion of the 40-hour Oregon Domestic Violence Certified Advocate trainingKnowledge about the impacts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and its intersections with poverty and homelessnessKnowledge of confidentiality laws, disclosures, and release of informationKnowledge of Housing and Homeless services policy in Multnomah and surrounding counties is highly valuableAbility to develop healthy boundaries with clientsStrong community awareness and sensitivityStrong understanding of trauma-informed care and survivor-centered advocacyFluency and ability to fulfill all services in English; bilingual preferred but not requiredDemonstrated skill and experience working with diverse communities (race, ethnicity, disability, sex, sexual orientation, education, religion, age, class, etc.)Ability to cultivate and develop lawful fairness and respectful working relationships with colleagues and community members An effective and compassionate communicator, both verbally and in writing, with excellent active listening skills to identify the needs and goals of our participantsAbility to be self-directed and multitask effectively; be flexible, prioritize daily workload, and operate calmly amidst stressful circumstancesAnalytical, problem solving, and decision-making skillsAbility to pass an extensive background checkPhysical, Mental, & Environmental RequirementsHybrid setting jobImpact and Influence: Positions at this level have a minimal need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have minimal impact and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomesWork Independence: Positions perform routine work with regular supervision and generally are given instructions or written procedures. Positions occasionally encounter variation and are encouraged to suggest ways to respond, but can't take final action without approvalEnvironment: This level has a work environment that contains hazards or obstacles on a regular basis. Working conditions include regular interactions with hostile individuals, gangs, victims of abuse, and individual safety plans are created.Schedule: The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice.Supervisory 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 EngagementEngage 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.orgPlease 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 DescriptionStarting at $52,488 per year