Housing Assistant Specialist

POSITION:                                  Housing Assistant 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; Temporary 

                                                    (Limited duration through April 30, 2026. Contract continuation variable.)

NUMBER OF POSITIONS:      (1)

APPLY AT:                                 www.irco.org 

STATUS:                                    Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S):                          Housing 

SECTOR:                                    Housing & Supportive Services

REQUIREMENTS:                    English Fluency required

                                                   Must possess a valid driver’s license, current auto insurance and have full use of an 

                                                   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
The Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program supports households experiencing housing instability by providing emergency rental assistance, housing stabilization services, and connections to community resources. The program prioritizes low-income households, immigrants, refugees, and communities disproportionately impacted by housing insecurity.

Position Summary
The Housing Assistant Specialist provides direct client services under the Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) Program, supporting households at risk of eviction or housing loss. This position is responsible for client intake, eligibility determination, documentation, coordination with landlords and community partners, and timely processing of rental assistance to promote housing stability.

Essential Functions

• Conduct client intake, screening, and eligibility determination in accordance with Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA)program guidelines
• Assist clients with rental assistance applications, documentation collection, and compliance requirements
• Coordinate directly with landlords, property managers, and utility providers to resolve housing crises
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records in required data systems
• Provide housing stabilization support, referrals, and follow-up services to ensure continued housing stability
• Meet productivity goals and manage multiple cases while adhering to deadlines
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with clients from diverse cultural and linguistic backgrounds
• Conduct outreach and in-person follow-ups with Emergency Rental Assistance (ERA) program participants, attend off-site meetings with landlords and partner agencies, collect and deliver required documentation, and support housing stabilization activities that cannot be completed remotely. 

Secondary Functions

• Participate in team meetings, training, and program planning activities
• Support outreach efforts and community engagement as needed
• Perform other related duties as assigned to support program operations
• Should be flexible to adapt to changes in programs, funding requirements, or service delivery models

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
• Minimum 2 years of work experience

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
• Strong skills in intercultural, interpersonal, and organizational communication
• Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
• Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multicultural team and organization

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Hybrid 
• Positions require some analysis of problems or decision-making ability
• Work under close supervision
• Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles
• Stable work schedule with no fluctuations

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 [email protected]

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.