Organization description

Thrive Central Oregon helps overcome housing, health and financial insecurity through hands-on assistance that connects families and individuals to the resources they seek. Thrive meets community members where they are in public spaces, providing vital connection to services and support that for many would otherwise not happen. 

Position title  Bilingual Community Outreach Advocate

Reporting to Advocate Support Lead

Job description

The Bilingual Community Outreach Advocate is responsible to meet with individuals at designated locations to connect them to requested services and community resources. The majority of our work is focused on permanent and affordable housing. Our primary offices are in Bend, with services provided over the phone and at drop-in sites across Central Oregon. This role is on-site, based out of our office in Bend, OR and includes providing services across the tri-county area. 

Duties and responsibilities

• Commitment to interacting positively and respectfully with people of all ages, cultures and demographic backgrounds
• Abide by and promote the values of Thrive Central Oregon’s Non Discrimination Policy and Equity Statement
• Be familiar with and abide by the Employee Manual
• Support a caseload of clients
• Providing phone, in-person and email support
• Completing applications for benefit programs
• Determining eligibility based on program requirements
• Gathering and submitting required documentation
• Referring as needed to other services
• Provide respectful and knowledgeable resource connection to individuals seeking support
• Responsible to meet with individuals, and sometimes groups, at various sites across Central Oregon
• Responsible to field calls from clients, partners and the community
• Responsible to stay updated on social service supports within the community to better enhance housing and other service outcomes for people living in poverty
• Ability to present at public speaking engagements as needed
• Flexibility to provide site coverage and staff evening and weekend events, as needed
• Compile and maintain program data based on services provided, utilizing case management software
• Responsible to attend and contribute to weekly staff meetings
  Ability to professionally represent TCO at agency and partner meetings

Qualifications & Skills 

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work or a related field or 2-years’ experience in Human Services-related field or lived experience navigating and connecting to community resources
• Valid driver’s license
• Reliable transportation required to staff sites across Central Oregon
• Bilingual Spanish                                                                                         
• Strong problem solving and group work leadership skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Attention to detail
• Effective oral and written communication skills
• Sound computer skills, including; Word, Google Suite, and additional data entry systems as needed 

Compensation

Full-time, 40 hours per week. Rate of pay $26.46/ hour

Benefits 

• Health insurance for employee: 100% premium paid for medical, vision and dental available on the first of the month after hire
• Retirement plan begins on start date, with employer match at 5% on the first of the month after 60-days.
• Paid holiday/ vacation/ sick time. Approximately 3 weeks PTO, plus 12 holidays begin at 1st of month after 60-days

To Apply 

Please send your resume and your responses to the following application questions to megan@thrivecentraloregon.org.

1. We require 2 or more years of lived or work experience dealing with issues of housing and income insecurity, or a Bachelor’s degree in a field related to social work. Which of these requirements do you meet and how? Please elaborate. 

2. At Thrive we encounter dynamics around power and privilege in our role as service providers. What does this mean to you? How would you address this dynamic when providing services? 

3. Please explain why you are interested in working for Thrive Central Oregon. 

You can find additional information about our agency and this role on our website, https://www.thrivecentraloregon.org/about-us. A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required to be considered for this position.  Employment verifications/positive employment references and passing a background check are required for applicants that are offered a position.

Thrive Central Oregon believes that each employee makes a significant contribution to the company’s success. That contribution should not be limited by the assigned responsibilities. This position description is designed to outline primary duties and qualifications but not limit the incumbent nor the organization to only the work identified.