Engagement Specialist

Overview

POSITION: Housing Engagement 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: IRCO Greater Middle East Center (GMEC) — 4915 SW Griffith Dr. Suite #216 Beaverton, OR 97005. On-site position.
FTE; FT/PT; STATUS
: 1.0 FTE;
Full-Time with Benefits;
Regular

NUMBER OF POSITIONS: (1)

APPLY AT: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): GMEC Housing Programs

SECTOR: GMEC

REQUIREMENTS: Must possess a valid driver’s license and verification of current auto-insurance, and have full use of an automobile during work hours. Bilingual in English and at least one of the following languages commonly spoken by clients and community members:
Dari, Pashto, Farsi.

Program Summary The Greater Middle East Center (GMEC) is a service center established to empower and support communities from the Middle East, North Africa, and South Asia who are living in Oregon and Southwest Washington. GMEC is guided by an advisory council of community leaders and has a physical office in Beaverton, Oregon. GMEC provides community-aware approaches in services and programs and connects communities to resources available at IRCO and externally.

Position Summary The Housing Engagement Specialist will work with clients in the Tri-County area to provide housing resource navigation assistance. Services include linkages to internal and external programs to find stable housing, support with filling out applications and other key documents related to obtaining housing, rental assistance when needed and appropriate, and follow-up support after placement to help with communicating with landlords, maintenance, etc.

Educational workshops (e.g., tenant rights and responsibilities) are held to provide proactive, preventative support for participants. The Housing Engagement Specialist will adhere to all policies and grant obligations.

Essential Functions

• Conduct outreach in respective communities and collaborate with service providers to identify eligible clients. Accept referrals from community leaders, IRCO staff, and other organizations.
• Conduct face-to-face screenings, obtain consent forms, enrollments and support clients with housing applications as needed.
• Provide resource navigation to clients and connect them with rental assistance, housing resources and other support available at IRCO.
• Connect clients with relevant community resources to address needs related to housing, employment, health, education and financial assistance.
• Provide support to participants who are filling out applications for benefits such as SNAP, TANF, medical, as needed.
• Deliver educational workshops that align with program goals.
• Serve clients using bilingual, strengths-based and trauma-informed practices.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and follow all IRCO and funder policies and procedures.
• Provide a client-centered approach and excellent customer service that is sensitive to the challenges of the community served.
• Maintain connections with GMEC and IRCO staff and community leaders to effectively support clients’ needs.
• Transport clients in a personal vehicle to visit housing options when needed.
• Ensure that IRCO policies and procedures are followed in all GMEC activities.
• Participate in staff meetings and training to support IRCO’s goals and objectives.
• Perform other tasks as requested.

Secondary Functions

• Support IRCO and GMEC events as needed.

Requirements

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience working with multi-background communities, including communities from the Greater Middle East.
• Strong local network within Greater Middle East communities.
• Strong interpersonal, organizational, leadership, and communication skills. Ability to communicate professionally by email, phone, and in-person contact with people from many different backgrounds.
• Excellent time management skills.
• Bilingual in English and at least one of the following languages commonly spoken by clients and community members:
  Dari, Pashto, Farsi (required).

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Experience in case management is preferred.
• Training and/or facilitation skills and…