Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization
Survivor Housing Advocate II
Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization, Portland, Oregon, United States, 97204
Position:
Survivor Housing Advocate II
Job Class / Grade:
Specialist 2 / Coordinator 1, Grade 7
Wage:
Starting at $52,488 per year
FLSA; EEO; WC:
Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864
Locations:
IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220, and other IRCO Offices based in Portland or Beaverton (Hybrid Schedule)
Employment:
Full-Time with Benefits, 1.0 FTE
Program Summary IRCO’s Housing Stabilization department consists of its Survivor Housing program, which works with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to identify and place survivors into transitional and long‑term housing; its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, which provides comprehensive support to families with children at risk or experiencing homelessness, delivering services to families residing at the Hazel Ying Lee & The Ellington apartments; and its New Arrivals Housing program, which identifies and places newly arrived refugee families into transitional and long‑term housing. Together, these programs are comprised of teams of Housing Specialists who help clients with emergencies and stabilized housing solutions; case management; strengthening self‑sufficiency; linkages to education and employment opportunities; assistance with accessing grants or other community resources; transportation; and navigating housing issues.
Position Summary The Survivor Housing Advocate II for IRCO’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is responsible for delivery of housing‑related support and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking. This role provides case management and resource connection to survivors in the EHV program. The Housing Advocate utilizes a survivor‑centered, strengths‑based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma‑informed communication, provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. The Housing Advocate utilizes their experience in the sector to enhance and improve programming, facilitate working groups, and is sometimes called upon to mentor less experienced staff members.
ADVOCACY & CASE MANAGEMENT
Possess and apply an impeccable degree of confidentiality and utilize knowledge of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) laws about confidentiality, disclosures, and releases of information
Collaborate with Multnomah County Housing Services Department (HSD), HomeForward, and partners to support participants referred to in the EHV program
Conduct eligibility screening, barrier and needs assessments, and referral to appropriate services/agencies as necessary
Coordinate closely with HomeForward case managers to support and advocate for participants moving through the process of attaining housing
Provide trauma‑informed advocacy through referral process and transition into the housing program from internal and external direct service providers
Work with up to 30 clients; collaboratively develop plans for safety, health and wellness, employment and educational placements, and other appropriate services as driven by survivor priorities and goals
Assist participants in obtaining basic essential household items to set up their new rentals, while abiding program procedures, budgets, and financial processes
Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services
Housing & Financial Education And Economic Empowerment
Continuously contribute to the Housing Team’s network resource of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure proper housing for survivors
Identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers
Partner with survivors in barrier reduction, locate housing, support to move in, and engage in housing mediation and/or advocacy as necessary
Facilitate linkages with educational and employment programs within and outside of IRCO
Encourage financial empowerment, support participants to increase income and connect with other financial resources, including pursuing child support, TANF, Social Security benefits, Victim Compensation, etc.
Program Implementation
Maintain confidential client files of service provision; complete data entry in Apricot and CompSite databases, track client expenses, and complete administrative tasks within given timelines
Comply with EHV funding award guidelines
Attend collaborative housing related meetings with partner agencies
Participate in and contribute to all staff meetings and training courses
Contribute to program standard operating procedures
Participate in outreach and educational activities in communities
Perform other duties as specified by the Survivor Housing Coordinator and/or Sector Manager
Requirements Education & Experience:
Experience in domestic violence/human trafficking, housing advocacy, and direct services
Bachelor’s degree or some college coursework preferred; high school diploma required
Experience or knowledge of how Service Providers and Housing Authorities operate
Completion of the 40-hour Oregon Domestic Violence Certified Advocate training, with additional relevant training within 10 business days of hire
Knowledge about the impacts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and its intersections with poverty and homelessness
Training and understanding of Trauma‑Informed Care, and ability to develop healthy boundaries with clients
Strong community‑aware approach
Fluency and ability to fulfill all services in English required; fluency in another language preferred but not required
Demonstrated skill and experience working directly with communities of varied backgrounds
Ability to cultivate and develop full participation and respectful engagement with stakeholders, colleagues, and community members
Effective and compassionate communicator, both verbally and in writing, with excellent active listening skills to identify the needs and goals of participants
Ability to be self‑directed and multitask effectively; be flexible, prioritize daily workload, and operate calmly amidst stressful circumstances
Analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
Ability to pass a thorough background check
Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements
Hybrid position
Requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
Regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
The work environment is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles, very little personal risk or hazard, job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable
Work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate
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
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
401(k) 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
Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org
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.
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Survivor Housing Advocate II
Job Class / Grade:
Specialist 2 / Coordinator 1, Grade 7
Wage:
Starting at $52,488 per year
FLSA; EEO; WC:
Non-Exempt; Professional; 8864
Locations:
IRCO Main Office, 10301 NE Glisan St., Portland, OR 97220, and other IRCO Offices based in Portland or Beaverton (Hybrid Schedule)
Employment:
Full-Time with Benefits, 1.0 FTE
Program Summary IRCO’s Housing Stabilization department consists of its Survivor Housing program, which works with survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking to identify and place survivors into transitional and long‑term housing; its Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, which provides comprehensive support to families with children at risk or experiencing homelessness, delivering services to families residing at the Hazel Ying Lee & The Ellington apartments; and its New Arrivals Housing program, which identifies and places newly arrived refugee families into transitional and long‑term housing. Together, these programs are comprised of teams of Housing Specialists who help clients with emergencies and stabilized housing solutions; case management; strengthening self‑sufficiency; linkages to education and employment opportunities; assistance with accessing grants or other community resources; transportation; and navigating housing issues.
Position Summary The Survivor Housing Advocate II for IRCO’s Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV) program is responsible for delivery of housing‑related support and services to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking. This role provides case management and resource connection to survivors in the EHV program. The Housing Advocate utilizes a survivor‑centered, strengths‑based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma‑informed communication, provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. The Housing Advocate utilizes their experience in the sector to enhance and improve programming, facilitate working groups, and is sometimes called upon to mentor less experienced staff members.
ADVOCACY & CASE MANAGEMENT
Possess and apply an impeccable degree of confidentiality and utilize knowledge of Violence Against Women Act (VAWA) laws about confidentiality, disclosures, and releases of information
Collaborate with Multnomah County Housing Services Department (HSD), HomeForward, and partners to support participants referred to in the EHV program
Conduct eligibility screening, barrier and needs assessments, and referral to appropriate services/agencies as necessary
Coordinate closely with HomeForward case managers to support and advocate for participants moving through the process of attaining housing
Provide trauma‑informed advocacy through referral process and transition into the housing program from internal and external direct service providers
Work with up to 30 clients; collaboratively develop plans for safety, health and wellness, employment and educational placements, and other appropriate services as driven by survivor priorities and goals
Assist participants in obtaining basic essential household items to set up their new rentals, while abiding program procedures, budgets, and financial processes
Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services
Housing & Financial Education And Economic Empowerment
Continuously contribute to the Housing Team’s network resource of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure proper housing for survivors
Identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers
Partner with survivors in barrier reduction, locate housing, support to move in, and engage in housing mediation and/or advocacy as necessary
Facilitate linkages with educational and employment programs within and outside of IRCO
Encourage financial empowerment, support participants to increase income and connect with other financial resources, including pursuing child support, TANF, Social Security benefits, Victim Compensation, etc.
Program Implementation
Maintain confidential client files of service provision; complete data entry in Apricot and CompSite databases, track client expenses, and complete administrative tasks within given timelines
Comply with EHV funding award guidelines
Attend collaborative housing related meetings with partner agencies
Participate in and contribute to all staff meetings and training courses
Contribute to program standard operating procedures
Participate in outreach and educational activities in communities
Perform other duties as specified by the Survivor Housing Coordinator and/or Sector Manager
Requirements Education & Experience:
Experience in domestic violence/human trafficking, housing advocacy, and direct services
Bachelor’s degree or some college coursework preferred; high school diploma required
Experience or knowledge of how Service Providers and Housing Authorities operate
Completion of the 40-hour Oregon Domestic Violence Certified Advocate training, with additional relevant training within 10 business days of hire
Knowledge about the impacts of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking and its intersections with poverty and homelessness
Training and understanding of Trauma‑Informed Care, and ability to develop healthy boundaries with clients
Strong community‑aware approach
Fluency and ability to fulfill all services in English required; fluency in another language preferred but not required
Demonstrated skill and experience working directly with communities of varied backgrounds
Ability to cultivate and develop full participation and respectful engagement with stakeholders, colleagues, and community members
Effective and compassionate communicator, both verbally and in writing, with excellent active listening skills to identify the needs and goals of participants
Ability to be self‑directed and multitask effectively; be flexible, prioritize daily workload, and operate calmly amidst stressful circumstances
Analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills
Ability to pass a thorough background check
Physical, Mental, & Environmental Requirements
Hybrid position
Requires little physical effort such as lifting, carrying, or constant movement, but does allow for movement needed to complete work tasks
Regular variation in tasks and the job holder must decide which tasks to complete as well as the order in which tasks are completed
The work environment is well protected, with virtually no hazards or obstacles, very little personal risk or hazard, job conditions are stable, usually well managed, and very comfortable
Work schedule is stable and does not fluctuate
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
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
401(k) 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
Complete the IRCO application in our Careers Portal: IRCO Application for Employment.
Upload your resume and cover letter addressing your qualifications for this position IRCO Careers.
For questions about this position, please email jobs@irco.org
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.
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