Information and Referral Assistant – Disability Rights Oregon – Portland, OR

The Information and Referral (I&R) Assistant plays a critical role in providing services to individuals and family members seeking assistance from DRO. The I&R Assistants are the first contact for the thousands of people served by DRO each year. An I&R Assistant’s responsibilities range from screening callers and directing them to the appropriate staff person to providing information and referral resources based on each caller’s unique needs. In addition, the I&R Assistants help to maintain DRO’s professional office by managing the equipment and supplies, filing case files for DRO attorneys and providing overall office clerical support. Note that this is one of two Information and Referral Assistant positions at DRO.

Essential Functions/
Principal Accountabilities

Greet clients and guests.
Answer telephones, direct callers to appropriate staff person, take messages when needed.
Retrieve and direct or respond to voice mail messages.
When caller is seeking DRO services, screen for intake: provide appropriate information and referrals or obtain client information for intake.
Stay informed of resources and tools for information and referral.
Enter all intake and client callers into database.
Direct emails and faxes to the appropriate staff.
Open and distribute mail, prepare outgoing mail and packages, maintain postage machine.
Maintain DRO mailing lists and update database as needed.
File closed case files.
Perform general office support duties, including document preparation, making copies, and copier and printer troubleshooting.
Maintain the file room, workroom, printer stations, conference/meeting rooms, and front office.
Keep equipment and supplies organized and stocked.
Troubleshoot issues with office equipment.
Record receipt of all library materials and publications and maintain publication log.
Keep DRO publications and fact sheets up-to-date and available for clients and others seeking information about DRO and its services.
Assist with financial and banking activities, including recording receipt of checks, stamping checks for deposit, and making bank deposits.
Participate in Intake Team and all-staff meetings.
Special projects as requested by other staff.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required

Exceptional attendance and punctuality.
Because DRO is a nonprofit law office, many tasks will be urgent. Candidates should be able to remain calm and effective under short timelines.
This position will work in concert with the other I&R Assistant and very closely with other DRO staff. The successful candidate will have a proven record of working cooperatively and effectively with other staff. .
Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe Reader, email programs, and databases.
Excellent word processing and document preparation skills, including formatting and proofreading correspondence, reports and presentations.
Careful attention to detail and data entry accuracy.
Ability to conduct rapid and accurate research, online and in DRO’s file server, to access information for clients.
Experience working with people in crisis situations.
Ability to handle difficult situations and challenging clients in a respectful manner.
Strong organizational skills.
Clear communication and patience in working with clients and staff.
Courteousness and empathy for clients and their situations.
High School Diploma or equivalent.
One to two years of related office experience.
Interest in nonprofits, social justice, disability rights, or related area.
Strongest consideration will be given to candidates with the following skills:
Ability to speak and write in English and Spanish fluently (alternatively, we will consider candidates who are bilingual in Russian, Vietnamese, American Sign Language, or other language common in Oregon.)
Experience working with people with disabilities.

How to apply

Please submit a letter of interest, a copy of your resume and a completed application form (available at http://www.droregon.org/about-us/employment). Interviews will begin as resumes are received and qualified candidates identified. The application period will close when the position is filled or no later than noon on Friday May 15, 2015. Applications must be received by email at: jobs@droregon.org. If you need to submit your application in an alternate format, please contact us at jobs@droregon.org or 503-243-2081.

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