Housing 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 o.org.

• Position: Housing Specialist
• Job Class/Grade: Specialist 1 / Grade 8
• Wage: Starting at $24,300 per year based on experience
• FLSA; EEO; WC: Non‑Exempt;
  Professional; 8864
• Locations: IRCO – Africa House, 709 NE 102nd Ave, Portland, OR 97220 (Clackamas Program), Hybrid schedule
• FTE;
  Status: 0.5 FTE;
  Part‑Time with Benefits;
  Regular
• Duration: Limited duration position:
  March 16 2026 – June 15 2026
• Number of Positions: (1)
• Apply At: (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..org
• Program(s): Housing Program (Clackamas County)
• Sector: Housing & Supportive Services

The IRCO Supportive Housing Services program works to help homeless individuals and families obtain stable housing and provides intensive case management to guide participants to housing stability through connection to resources such as schooling, employment, disability or other resources that fit the participant’s goals.

The Housing Specialist provides self‑sufficiency services to engage low‑income households in ways that foster hope, leadership, and community so they can avoid crisis, achieve stability, and reach prosperity. The Housing Specialist will provide case management services by assisting program participants in working on a set of goals related to their self‑sufficiency. Staff will also assist participants in meeting their housing and social service needs, determining eligibility for housing funds, communicating with landlords, and completing paperwork and case notes related to the accurate and timely administration of rental funds.

• Assess potential client program eligibility
• Meet individually with clients in a case management setting to help them define, work towards, and reach their goals related to housing
• Maintain case files, entering data into Multnomah County’s Service Point data system
• Enter data into IRCO ETO data system
• Distribute assistance funds to client’s landlords or utility companies
• Refer clients to other sources of assistance to help them reach their goals
• Provide case management, including recruitment, screening, assessment, provision of case management services
• Complete case management paperwork

• Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
• Ability to deal with distressed and demanding clients and employees 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 to meet the availability of clients
• Attending training and meetings conducted as part of the Multnomah County Stability Initiative system
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and committees to support Housing Stability Program and agency’s goals
• Interact with staff in other IRCO programs and community partners, and referring clients to these parties

• Must have the ability to function in a positive manner in a demanding work environment, listen for understanding and assist in problem solving; prepare clear and concise reports
• Demonstrate a high degree of flexibility, to respond to priorities and schedules that change frequently to meet commitments and maintain a high level of confidentiality
• Strong ability to multi‑task and meet multiple, sometimes conflicting deadlines
• Detail oriented with excellent organizational and grammar skills, analytical and decision‑making abilities
• Utilize a personal computer, read, and analyze data in hard copy and on a computer screen
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook and have the ability to use other software packages including internal and external e‑mail/internet
• Successfully respond to situations of pressure involving individual circumstances balanced against agency policies and goals
• Ability to…