Resident Services Specialist

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:                                Resident Services Specialist

JOB CLASS/GRADE:                Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE:                                       Starting at 48,600 per year

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

LOCATIONS:                            Aldea at Glisan Landing: 471 NE 75th Ave, Portland, OR 97213

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):                         Affordable Housing Services

SECTOR:                                   Housing Development 

REQUIREMENTS:

English language proficiency required, bilingual preferred

Experience working with diverse populations preferred

Must be able to pass extensive Background Check

Must possess a valid driver's license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of 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
Aldea at Glisan Landing is a four-story, 96-unit affordable family building with studios, one, two, and three and four-bedroom units. Building amenities will include a 4,000 square foot community space complete with a multi-purpose room, computer lab, teen room, fiber arts classroom, fitness area, resident lounge, social services offices and spaces, multicultural reading room, barbeque area with outdoor seating, playground, and shared courtyard with exercise circuit. There will be 56 off-street parking spaces for residents. Glisan Landing is located along the Glisan thoroughfare and is in close proximity to Vestal Elementary School, retail amenities, and recreational opportunities.

Position Summary
The Resident Services Specialist coordinates services for 96 households residing at Aldea at Glisan Landing, a new affordable housing property co-owned by IRCO. The Resident Services Specialist will be responsible for community building for residents and coordinating on-site activities. The Resident Services Specialist will also provide information, help with navigation and referrals to IRCO and other services onsite or offsite, as needed. The Resident Services Specialist will be responsible for providing the highest quality of service according to assessed needs and eligibility of residents.

Essential Functions

• Organize events to engage residents, enhance their experience and build a sense of community
• Conduct face to face screenings, obtain consent forms, enrollments and support residents with housing retention as needs 
• Inform supervisor of emerging resident needs and work with them to identify appropriate service providers 
• Schedule and coordinate onsite services by IRCO and other providers
• Respond to urgent and emergent needs of residents using Trauma-Informed Care principles
• Provide residents with support navigating resources and referrals to IRCO and other services
• Enter case notes into IRCO client databases for all active residents, following each interaction with or on-behalf of resident
• Manage the computer lab and teen room onsite
• Attend regular meetings with supervisor and Property Management to discuss building operations and outcomes
• Participate in partners meetings, IRCO required training and other activities as requested by Supervisor

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Some college course work
• Less than one year of experience is required
• Experience and knowledge in navigating conflict mediation, and community building activities
• Strong interpersonal, organizational and communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally by email, phone, and in-person with people from many different backgrounds 
• Excellent time management skills

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience preferred in providing services in workforce development, wealth building opportunities, youth academic engagement activities or other social services that may be needed by residents
• Experience in case management is preferred
• Training and/or facilitation skills and experience is preferred 
• Knowledge of social service/housing landscape and understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities facing affordable housing renters the Portland area, preferred

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

• Communication: Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual information
• Creativity: Processes and procedures are well defined
• Mental: There is minimal variation in tasks. The job holder is free to determine in which order tasks are completed, but cannot choose to not complete a task
• Physical: Positions at this level require some physical efforts or manual labor such as lifting, carrying or constant movement. Positions with regular responsibility for driving are to be placed at least at this level
• Impact and Influence: Positions at this level have little to no need or ability to analyze problem  or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have  little or no impact and influence on organization operations, programs,  expense or budgetary outcome
• Work 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 approval
• Planning: Positions at this level have little to no planning responsibility beyond the need to schedule own work and determine impediments to own work schedule.
• Environment: This level has a work environment that is usually well protected, free from hazards or obstacles.  There is little element of personal risk or hazard.  Job conditions are usually comfortable, with only occasional issues, including, temperature change.
• 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 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 account

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.