Job Type
Full-time
Description
POSITION: Youth Outreach Specialist/Resource Navigator
PROGRAM(S): Youth Experiencing Homelessness
JOB CLASS; PAY GRADE: Specialist 1
WAGE: Starts at $48,600 per year (DOE)
LOCATION: Africa House and across other IRCO locations or in the field
APPLY AT:
FTE; FT/PT; STATUS: 1.0 FTE; Full Time with Benefits; Regular
REPORTS TO: YEHP Assistant Manager
OPENING DATE: July 25, 2024
CLOSING DATE: Open until filled
REQUIREMENTS: Must pass criminal background check.
Valid driver's license and insurance with access to automobile during work hours.
Not a remote work position. Must be able to work in person from an IRCO building and available to work evening hours regularly, as well as one day over the weekend (daily schedule may be an 11am-7pm shift or 12pm-8pm).
Bilingual in a language commonly spoken by client base preferred (Spanish, or other languages from immigrant/refugee communities from African, Asian, Pacific Islander backgrounds).
GENERAL POSITION SUMMARY:
The Youth Outreach Specialist/Resource Navigator (OSRN) is a team-oriented position working with other Outreach Specialists, Program/Data Assistant and Program Manager to conduct outreach, engage program youth and deliver activities to support eligible immigrant & refugee youth ages 18-25, experiencing homelessness in Multnomah County. The OSRN provides guidance, information, and services to youth at IRCO's Drop-In Center (located at Africa House) and other locations where program activities are conducted. It is important that OSRN can maintain a safe and supportive multicultural environment for homeless youth and motivate them to explore and accept alternatives to street life. This position is both site-based and field-based.
Site-based responsibilities at our Drop-In Center include screening and signing youth up for program services, conducting activities for youth including hosting open gym, recreational and skill building activities, facilitating referrals with partners from Homeless Youth Continuum and other sources, providing case management services. Field-based responsibilities include conducting community outreach events to promote the program and program services, working with partners to support youth access to shelter services, providing in person linguistic/cultural facilitation as part of coordinate care when youth are referred to or accessing services at partner or community facilities.
OSRN should be able to track participant assessments/service plans, maintain participant information in IRCO and funder databases.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Ability to perform essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodation and without posing a direct threat to safety or health of employee or others. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required:
- Ability to work in respectful manner with multicultural staff and youth from immigrant & refugee backgrounds.
- Available to work evening hours regularly, as well as one day over the weekend (daily schedule may be an 11am-7pm shift or 12pm-8pm)
- Must be willing to be CPR trained and certified.
- Must attend Assertive Engagement training offered by Multnomah County and other trainings required by funder and IRCO.
- Ability to work both as a member of a team and work independently.
- Strong people and communication skills.
- Work to build a welcoming space and to encourage youth participation in the drop-in community.
- Provide a participant-centered approach and excellent customer service that is sensitive to the challenges of the community we serve.
- Implement the tenants of Assertive Engagement, Positive Youth Development (Belonging, Competence, Usefulness and Inclusion), and Trauma Informed Care in all interactions with youth, projects and programs within the Drop-In Center.
- Develop relationships with youth to assist them in their daily responsibilities within the Drop-In Center.
- Conduct face-to-face screening, including safety planning, and obtain consents from youth participants.
- Assess youth for housing, food, clothing and support needs, and refer youth to the appropriate places for assistance.
- Conduct intake enrollment, customer satisfaction survey or other input gathering activities when assigned or as needed.
- Work with youth to identify and implement youth-driven projects, programs and leadership opportunities.
- In conjunction with the drop-in team, provide basic services, special projects, and promote a safe, clean and supportive atmosphere within the center.
- Provide bilingual/bicultural support and advocacy as needed when making referrals for youth to receive assistance.
- Effectively communicate available resources that support cultural values, beliefs, and customs of immigrant and refugee youth.
- As part of the agency team, participate in the planning and implementation of treatment plans for drop-in youth to facilitate their exit from street life.
- Serve as a primary contact to community partners when brokering services for youth on caseload.
- Ensure Drop-n Center rules are being followed. Maintain a safe environment, emotionally and physically for all youth.
- Attend and participate in strength-based and solution-focused weekly team meetings, staff meetings, area meetings.
- Provide information and direction to volunteer and relief staff who work in the Drop-In Center or in related program activities.
- Complete required paperwork in a timely manner.
- Lead one youth group or activity per week and assists co-workers in the facilitation of their groups and activities.
- Assist with meal distribution and other roles as needed and as availability dictates to deliver program services/meet program goals.
- Participate in the cleaning and up-keep of the Drop-In Center space and other spaces where activities are conducted (e.g., open gym).
- Maintains punctual, regular and predictable attendance.
- Works collaboratively in a team environment with a spirit of cooperation.
- Other duties as assigned.
JOB SPECIFIC QUALIFICATIONS:
- Knowledge and direct experience working with high-risk youth experiencing homelessness, in shelter programs, or with the Homeless Youth Continuum required.
- Knowledge of best practices and culturally appropriate strategies to engage immigrant and refugee youth experiencing homelessness
- Ability to work collaboratively in positive manner with other IRCO programs as well as external partners.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and make good judgments as it pertains to program service delivery.
- Experience and ability to work in a multi-cultural environment.
- Must have ability to work independently and as part of a team.
- Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality and abide by HIPAA guidelines.
- Strong intercultural and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work flexible hours to meet client and program needs.
- Ability to work in varied temperatures and weather conditions.
- Strong ability to deal with high stress situations.
- Proven track record with record keeping, including maintaining attendance and sign in sheets, client intakes & assessments, weekly program reports of work activities.
- Proven track record with good work attendance.
- Proven track record related to the timely submission of work documents including filling out timesheets, submitting payment vouchers and receipts, client assistance logs and other program documentation.
- Must possess a valid driver's license with a verification of current auto-insurance and have full use of automobile during work hours.
- Must be able to pass to a criminal background and finger printing check.
- Must be able to work evening hours as well as one day over the weekend as described in the "Essential Functions" section, above.
Education: Some college course work (2)
Experience: 1-2 years of experience is required (3)
Additional Language Required: Bilingual in English and Spanish, an African language, Pacific Island language, or Asian language commonly used by client base is 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.
SKILLS:
Communication:
Regular communication inside and outside the organization to exchange ideas and gather information (5)
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 some need or ability to analyze problem or concepts or make decisions on the information. Positions at this level have some impact to and influence on organization operations, programs, expense or budgetary outcomes. (3)
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 (2)
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, or interactions with people experiencing crisis (3)
Schedule:
The work schedule occasionally fluctuates based on organization or customer needs. This fluctuation may occur with or without prior notice. (3)
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 opportunities to work with people from all over the world.
- Work that helps your community.
- 3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year.
- 401k of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting.
- 3% match of student loans or college savings.
- 12 paid Holidays and 1 Floating holiday per year.
- Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles.
- Employer Paid Life, Short-term, and Long-term Disability Insurance.
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 .
3. Email with questions about this position.
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. Applications without both a cover letter and application will be dismissed as incomplete.
ABOUT IRCO:
IRCO's mission is to welcome, serve, and empower refugees, immigrants and people across cultures and generations to reach their full potential. Our vision is a future where all refugees and immigrants belong, our staff are nurtured, and all communities thrive.
Founded in 1976 by refugees for refugees, IRCO has over 40 years of experience working with refugee and immigrant communities in the Portland metropolitan area, and over five years in Eastern Oregon. IRCO is the largest provider of employment services and job training for newly arrived refugees in Oregon; and we support families at every stage of their lives from the time they arrive in Oregon. Find out more at
IRCO IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Salary Description
Starts at $48,600 per year (DOE)