Resource Navigator (Ontario, OR - Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

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 of culture and generations to reach their full potential. Find out more at www.irco.org.

POSITION: Resource Navigator (Ontario, OR - Bilingual English/Spanish Preferred)

JOB CLASS/GRADE: Specialist 1 / Grade 8

WAGE: Starting at $48,600 per year based on experience

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

LOCATIONS: Eastern Oregon - 723 S. Oregon St. Ontario, OR 97914

FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full-Time with Benefits; Regular

APPLY AT: www.irco.org

STATUS: Full-Time with Benefits

PROGRAM(S): Oregon Housing and Community Services & Others

SECTOR/DIVISION: Eastern Oregon

REQUIREMENTS:

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Must reside within commuting distance of the Ontario, Oregon office

location

Possession of a valid driver's license required, with a verification of current auto-insurance and 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

IRCO Eastern Oregon’s adult programming currently consists of housing navigation and support services, Individual Development Account (IDA) savings programs, workforce development services, and tax assistance. Resource Navigators in this unit often serve across multiple programs. Additionally, new services might become available at any time and be included under a Resource Navigator’s set of program responsibilities.

Position Summary

The Resource Navigator will work to provide high quality housing navigation, barrier removal and resource referral services to Oregon residents currently experiencing homelessness and housing instability. As needed, the Resource Navigator will provide other services such as provision of Individual Development Account (IDA) savings supports, tax assistance, or workforce navigation services.

Essential Functions

Provides high quality housing navigation, barrier removal and resource referral services to participants currently experiencing homelessness and housing instability

Supports housing seekers with housing search and application support, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities, communicating effectively with property owners/managers, and with provision of payments of rent/deposits/fees as funds allow

As needed, connects clients with Individual Development Accounts (IDAs), savings accounts matched under an IRCO program allowing clients access to culturally specific wealth building opportunities and training

As needed, supports clients in getting connected with Tax Assisters

Conduct outreach, eligibility screening, intakes, and case management for multiple programs

Provides other resource navigation/case management services as needed

Complete intakes and maintaining case files, required paperwork and reports on a timely and regular basis

Provide linkage to other needed programs, providers, and services

Assist with temporary housing assistance until permanent housing can be secured

Assist at all levels of move-in to permanent housing; document readiness, housing authority applications and other paperwork, coordination of move-in and orient new tenant to their unit/building

Assist with independent living skills, including social, personal hygiene, budgeting and money management, legal issues and transportation as needed

Provide housing location services and educate participants on tenant rights and responsibilities

Provide eviction prevention counseling; work with property management to help participants resolve issues that threaten their housing stability including tenant rights and responsibilities

Ability to pass a national background check including fingerprints

Track activities and outcomes as required by supervisor

Perform data entry of the clients or community members by following HIPAA policy and keeping data confidential

Prepare monthly reports with complete and consistent information to assist the supervisor to be able to submit the data in a timely manner and share the required data and information if needed

Complete other duties as assigned by supervisors

Secondary Functions

Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines

Strong analytical and decision-making abilities for related job functions

Ability to deal with distressed and demanding clients in an effective manner

Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality

Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization

Ability to work flexible hours occasionally to meet the availability of clients

Education & Experience

MINIMUM JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:

Any combination of education and experience that demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position is qualifying. This includes:

Is part of and/or has experience working with immigrant and refugee communities; brings some understanding of the cultural values and beliefs of those communities

Education: Completion an of a high school diploma or GED

Experience Required: 1-2 years of experience in case management, community outreach services, advocacy, social support, and assistance in housing navigation system to groups and families; AND experience working with the community being served

Bilingual in English and fluent Spanish (with the ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing) ability to translate written and verbal information into concepts that are understandable for community members

Must be able to maintain strict confidentiality and follow HIPAA policies and procedures

Ability to lead people through complicated processes and systems with tact and understanding

Ability to use multiple computer systems and database proficiently

Experience communicating with individuals from a wide range of racial, ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds

Demonstrated ability to work effectively independently and as part of a team

This is an in-person position for the Ontario office

Proficient in Microsoft Office including Excel, Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, and Google Drive

Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements

In person job

Positions require some analysis of problems or decision-making ability

Work under close supervision

Well protected environment with minimal hazards or obstacles

Work 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.

Knowledge

Education: High School or GED (1)

Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)

Additional Language Required: Bilingual English/Spanish preferred

Computers: All positions at IRCO require use of a computer and experience working with Microsoft Products including but not limited to Microsoft 365, Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint. Ability to learn other applications as needed.

Skills

Communication: Some interaction with those inside and outside the organization to exchange factual information (3)

Creativity: Minimal need for the redesign of single focus process or procedure is needed (2)

Effort

Mental: There is regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed (3)

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 (3)

Responsibility

Impact 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 outcomes.

Work Independence: Positions at this level are expected to handle regularly assigned work which includes making decisions and taking action under limited supervision. New or unusual work is performed with a moderate degree of supervision, assistance, and review. (3)

Planning: Positions at this level must be able to foresee issues associated with own work and identify future needs for supplies, equipment, resources which would stall operations or activities. (2)

Supervision: 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. (1)

Working Conditions

Environment: There is a moderately low level of personal risk encountered. Job conditions are occasionally uncomfortable relative to noise, temperature, inside/outside work, dirty conditions, or interactions with angry or hostile people (3)

Schedule: The work schedule is mostly stable and does not fluctuate without prior notice. (2)

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 DEIB training, recommended professional development, as well as other assigned or required training activities. This engagement can also include participation in optional activities that embrace IRCO values and DEIB initiatives, such as active membership in an affinity group and/or joining a strategic plan workgroup.

How To Apply

1. Go to our careers page at IRCO Careers (https://irco.org/who-we-are/careers/)

2. Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal at IRCO Application for Employment.

3. Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position.

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.