Mail and Information Specialist - Shelter Services

Mail And Information Specialist - Shelter Services

Position: Mail and Information Specialist

Supervisor: Senior Resource Center Manager

Location: Bud Clark Commons; Resource Center, 650 NW Irving Street

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am 4:00pm

Wage: $25.50 hourly

Eligible for 5% Language Differential

Classification: Non-Exempt, Union Represented, Full-Time, Benefit Eligible

General Responsibilities

The Resource Center is a drop-in center that provides connections to resources and programs available with Transition Projects. The Resource Center assists people to meet their needs for hygiene, access shelter and housing resources, receive mail, and connect to services. This position oversees the mail distribution program in the Resource Center that supports mail service for thousands of Portland residents who are unhoused, newly housed, or in a space where they are unable to get their mail securely. Primary duties include sorting and distributing mail and packages, and training and assisting volunteers to sort mail. The right person for this position is highly organized, can support volunteers, and enjoys interacting with participants in the Resource Center.

Specific Responsibilities

• Stamp, organize and file all incoming mail and packages.
• Record and file all identifiable checks, birth certificates and transit passes.
• Return to sender mail that has not been picked up in a two-week period.
• Distribute mail to participants in the Bud Clark Commons Resource Center.
• Pull mail to be held or forwarded and process as appropriate.
• Distribute weekly report of mail received regarding housing or identification.
• Provide participants with information about agency programs, services, and requirements.
• Maintain appropriate documentation of services delivered.
• Provide participants with referrals to services at other agencies. Maintain knowledge of available resources for low-income/homeless population.
• Maintain agency guidelines regarding ID requirements. Maintain agency clean and sober guidelines.
• Attend team meetings and other meetings as required.
• Supervise volunteers who assist with Resource Center and mail room duties.
• Other duties as assigned.

Performance Requirements

• Acquire First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire and be retested biannually thereafter throughout employment.
• Complete Bloodborne Pathogens and Narcan Training within 30 days of hire and be retested annually thereafter throughout employment.
• Demonstrate reliability by being present for work as scheduled, arriving and leaving on time and taking breaks in expected time frames.
• Interact effectively with persons of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity.
• Attend agency and program staff meetings.

Physical/Mental Requirements

• Hearing and vision adequate for interaction with participants, interaction with staff and interaction with the general public.
• Hearing adequate for telephone work. Vision adequate for close work.
• Hand and finger dexterity adequate to operate standard office equipment.
• Ability to walk, bend, stand, sit, reach, stoop, pull, squat, and climb stairs and ladders.
• Sitting at a desk completing paperwork and working on a computer for lengthy periods.
• Ability to perform CPR and other emergency life-saving care with the assistance of teammates until emergency responders arrive.
• Ability to lift 50 pounds.

Working Conditions / Safety Considerations

• Work environments may include exposure to animals/pets across various program sites.
• This position may have exposure to bloodborne pathogens or other infectious materials during the course of duties. Bloodborne pathogens training, safety protocols, and appropriate protective equipment are provided. The Hepatitis B vaccination is offered at no cost.

Minimum Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in a related field -OR- One-year experience in social services. Experience working with homeless/low-income population helpful.
• Ability to accurately and quickly alphabetize and file documents.
• Demonstrated ability to deal with confrontational situations and hostile participants in a positive fashion.
• Understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness, chemical dependency, mental health, domestic violence and sexual assault.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently. Ability to appropriately assess a situation and take corrective action as necessary.
• Knowledge of services available to low-income and homeless persons through Transition Projects and other agencies or the demonstrated ability to obtain such knowledge.
• Demonstrated ability to work as part of a team in the delivery of services to participants.
• Computer literacy. Demonstrated ability to use word processing, database, spreadsheet, e-mail, and Internet programs.
• Excellent oral, written, and telephone communication skills. Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Bilingual English/Spanish fluency is strongly preferred.
• Office/clerical experience. Familiarity with office equipment (copier, fax, multi-line phone system, etc.).

Transition Projects, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, citizenship, marital status, familial status, physical or mental disability, veteran status, genetic information, source of income, union participation or activities, or any other status legally protected by applicable local, state or federal law.