Advocate Emergency Voucher; EHV

Description

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.

Housing Advocate 2 [Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)]

Specialist 2

Starting at $52,488 per year

Non‑Exempt;
Professionals; 8864

Africa House 2 days a week;
Hybrid schedule

1.0 FTE;
Full‑Time with Benefits;
Regular

1

Survivor Housing / Emergency Housing Voucher (EHV)

Housing Stabilization Sector / Community Safety & Wellbeing Division

Fluency in English required; additional language fluency preferred. Familiarity with rapid rehousing or Home Forward vouchers valued. Oregon Domestic Violence Certification within 10 days of hire required. Extensive background check required. Valid driver's license, auto insurance, and use of automobile during work hours required.

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.

The Housing Advocate 2 is responsible for expedited delivery of the Emergency Housing Voucher program, providing permanent housing to survivors of domestic and sexual violence and human trafficking in Multnomah County, delivering case management, economic empowerment, and resource connection to survivors. The Housing Advocate 2 focuses on increasing housing options for survivors by establishing connections with landlords, property managers, and other service providers.

• Collaborate with Survivor sector and partner agencies to identify and support referred participants to the Emergency Housing Voucher program and coordinate supportive services before and after acceptance into the rapid rehousing program.
• Provide trauma‑informed advocacy.
• Manage a caseload up to 30 households and develop comprehensive case management plans for permanent housing stability, health and wellness, legal services, employment and educational placements, and other appropriate services as driven by survivor priorities and goals.
• Provide or secure interpretation, translation, and accessibility services.
• Navigate risk assessment with survivors and provide immediate and ongoing safety planning, crisis intervention, emergency shelters and motels, and mental health services as needed.
• Assist participants in gathering income verification, calculating rental assistance contribution and utility allowance; complete housing inspections and other required documentation; write letters of support when requested; and obtain clearance from law enforcement.

• Continuously contribute to Survivor Housing Team’s network of new and existing private landlords, property managers, and other housing options to ensure rapid rehousing for survivors.
• In partnership with Coordinator, identify prospective safe affordable housing sites and establish relationships with landlords and property managers; build awareness about the program.
• Partner with survivors in barrier reduction, housing…