JSWP Housing Stabilization Specialist

POSITION:                                JSWP Housing Stabilization Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                Specialist 2/Grade 7

WAGE:                                      Starting at $52,488 per year 

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

LOCATIONS:                            Various DHS locations

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):                          IRCO Jobs Stability & Wellbeing Program (JSWP)

SECTOR:                                    Community Works Project 

REQUIREMENTS:                    Current drivers’ license and proof of insurance

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 Community Works Project (CWP) is a 2-agency collaborative project providing job preparation and placement services to participants in the program of the ODHS Temporary Assistance to Need Families (TANF) who are participating in Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program. CWP serves seven Oregon Department of Human Services (ODHS) locations.

Position Summary
This position is expected to serve DHS locations, during the DHS hours of business (with flexibility to meet and respond to participants’ needs outside those hours/locations on an exceptional basis). The JSWP (Jobs Stability and Wellbeing Program) Housing Stabilization Specialist is responsible for guiding their participants toward stabilization and self-sufficiency through individualized plans focused on supporting participants with barriers to housing stability. This position works in collaboration with the overall program to increase a member’s employability and job placement.

Essential Functions

• Provide culturally competent Life Skills Services case management to referred JOBS participants, including intakes, assessments, plan development, supporting with navigating various systems (e.g., financial literacy programs, parenting classes, peer support, etc.)
• Conduct comprehensive intakes for participants that build rapport, ensure the participants fully understand the program and its services, and put participants’ goals front and center in the planning process
• Refer participants to resources to support Life Skills (e.g., workplace skills, employment retention, daily living, decision making, etc.)
• Share life skills services related barrier removal opportunities with JSWP and CWP teams. Serve as the main focal point for compiling and referring to IRCO resources.
• Develop and maintain up to date knowledge and understanding of the life skills services programing and build strong relationships with employers, partners offering Life Skills support (including internal CWP staff and other DHS contractors)
• Facilitate presentations by service providers for participants, JSWP and CWP teams
• Build curriculum and conduct group education and one-on-one barrier reduction activities for adult learners and support activities as it relates to Life Skills
• Track participants’ attendance and activities through multiple database systems
• Regularly communicate with DHS case managers on JOBS participant’s activities, progress and challenges through IM, TRACS, phone calls, emails, and regular meetings. 
• Participating in training and meetings as required to ensure project outcomes achievement
• Submit weekly reports on a strict timeline

Secondary Functions

• When necessary, cover the workload of colleagues in their absence 
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and committees to support JSWP and agency’s goals 
• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned 

Education & Experience

Any combination of experience and training that would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. This would typically include: 

• Experience with case management, especially as it relates to Housing Services, especially for the BIPOC community and other marginalized groups. 
• Knowledge of the local programs and services related to Housing Services, Eviction Prevention, Energy Assistance and more 
• Knowledge or willingness to learn about other services that meet participants’ needs 
• Experience providing instruction and facilitation to groups of adults and coaching individuals in building life skills and working in a multi-cultural social services environment using popular education, trauma-informed, and social equity lenses 
• Understanding of the barriers and opportunities faced by adults engaged in TANF/JOBS program 

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Minimal physical effort such as light lifting, carrying or movement, etc.
• Occasional need to assess risk as well as to make determinations about tasks and deadlines
• Little element of personal risk or hazard Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, temperature change
• Schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate 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 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 law. We will make reasonable accommodations to meet our obligations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and state disability laws.