Become A Part of the El Programa Hispano Catòlico Team

El Programa Hispano Católico (EPHC) is an organization that supports individuals in reaching their fullest potential. For nearly 40 years, our mission-"Advance racial equity and social justice through the power of our Latinx roots, culture, and community"-has responded to local needs by addressing the social determinants of health. This is achieved through the following program areas: Housing, Economic Sustainability, Education, Community Wellness, and DV/SA Prevention and Intervention. Today, EPHC serves more than 20,000 people annually and employs over 100 staff members, the majority of whom are bilingual, and over 93% are bicultural.

Although EPHC is affiliated with the Catholic Charities Network, candidates or participants do not need to be Catholic to work with us or receive services. Across our programs and services, staff of all faiths-or none-work within our framework of respect for our mission, the dignity of the human person, and the common good.

To learn more about our amazing Organization visit our website at: https://www.elprograma.org/

Benefits:

• Vacation & Sick Time Benefits
• 14 Paid Holidays
• 90% employer-paid health insurance with buy-up options
• 401k with Employer Match
• Short Term/Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Life Insurance
• Access to our Retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Group Life Insurance
• Bonus Wellness Days
• Continuous Growth and Development Opportunities
• Opportunities to serve your community and make a positive impact

About the Role

The Rent Assistance Specialist is part of a small, passionate team that supports people experiencing houselessness in obtaining housing resources. The position involves completing intake and screening for families and individuals applying for rent assistance due to the risk of eviction from economic hardship. The role includes evaluating participant vulnerability, screening for eligibility, requesting and processing relevant documentation, entering data into a database, working with the accounting department and manager to ensure timely processing of assistance payments, and collaborating with the Housing Services team and other EPHC staff.

PRINCIPLE DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Engage participants using Assertive Engagement, Trauma-Informed, and Strengths-Based models.
• Organize and maintain records and documentation per agency and contractual requirements in a confidential manner.
• Maintain program data, including utilizing databases for tracking program activities and spending.
• Evaluate and determine initial and ongoing participant eligibility. This includes processing and reviewing participant applications, distributing inspection information, verification letters, and termination/appeal letters, and ensuring documentation requirements are met. Communicate findings to applicants, program participants, and/or participating agencies.
• Enter client data and case notes in Salesforce according to agency requirements.
• Adhere to El Programa Hispano Católico policies and procedures.
• Participate in trainings and coordination meetings as requested by the Supervisor.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be bilingual (Spanish/English) and biculturally competent.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written, in Spanish and English.
• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience required.

Any combination of education and experience that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying.

REQUIREMENTS:

• Experience or training in financial recordkeeping, tracking payments, organizing and maintaining files.
• Experience in negotiation with landlords, property managers and / or debt collectors.
• Experience and knowledge working with a broad range of issues affecting Latinos/Communities of Color in the community - especially issues related to housing
• Demonstrated experience in facilitating and delivering trainings and presentations.
• Intermediate proficiency in all programs of Microsoft Office; experience with data entry and management required.
• Demonstrate judgment and discretion in dealing with confidential matters.
• Must be able to organize and prioritize a large volume of work, be proactive, take initiative, follow through, and simultaneously manage multiple priorities to ensure goals are met in a timely manner. High attention to detail required.
• Willingness to learn new skills and take on new responsibilities.
• Strong analytical and strategic problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work well in team setting, as well as independently; be flexible and adapt well to different dynamics in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work a flexible schedule, which could include some evenings or weekends.
• Ability to support organizational and program specific mission and goals.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds.
• Must have driver's license, ability to obtain automobile insurance at levels required by agency (100/300/100). Frequent driving in the Tri-County area required.
• Satisfactory results from civil, criminal and motor vehicle background check required.

Compensation: Starting pay rate $24.00 an hour. Compensation is commensurate with skills and experience.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee may be required to sit for extended periods.
• The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
• Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision and distance vision.
• Hybrid/remote work environment, though frequent in-person meetings will be required.

Important Details

Supervisor: Housing Services Program Manager.

Status: 1.00 Full-Time-Non-Exempt (40 hours/week)

Location: Most of the work performed by this position can be accomplished in a hybrid/remote work environment, though frequent in-person meetings will be required. There are times that work requires in-person, onsite activities. On-site work is located at EPHC's offices in Gresham, OR. Job duties may require occasional travel and evening and weekend work, depending on project deadlines.

How to Apply

Please submit your cover letter and resume to El Programa Hispano's online application at www.elprograma.org/careers

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

El Programa Hispano Catolico is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by local, state, or federal law.

WE ARE AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER