Care Specialist (Social Services/Case Management)

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

14d • $24 - $29 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is a chance to do deeply impactful, hands-on work with a small group of families while being part of a highly collaborative, supportive housing community.

As a Care Specialist at The Aurora, you’ll work with families who are transitioning from homelessness into permanent supportive housing. You’ll help families navigate complex challenges, including mental health needs, substance use, and other barriers to stability. Using trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and strengths-based approaches, you’ll partner with participants to create individualized plans that reflect their goals and priorities, while also connecting them to critical healthcare, behavioral health, and community resources.

This role is ideal for someone who thrives in relationship-driven work, is comfortable navigating complex behavioral health needs, and wants to see the direct, day-to-day impact of their work. Your efforts will help families not only stay housed, but build healthier, more stable futures.

Requirements

• Any combination of education and work experience in a behavioral healthcare setting with case management totaling at least three years OR a bachelor's degree in social service/social sciences field with at least 1 year of case management experience specifically focused on behavioral health.
• Experience working with: People experiencing homelessness, poverty, or housing instability.
• Crisis intervention, community resources, and service coordination.
• Discussing sensitive topics such as substance use, domestic violence, mental health, and criminal history in a non-judgmental manner.
• Build trusting relationships and support participants in identifying strengths, goals, and solutions.
• Cultural humility and experience working with diverse communities.
• Understanding of the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Basic-to-intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance since fieldwork is an important part of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) registration and certification preferred but not required.
• Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Build trusting relationships with families and provide ongoing, strengths-based case management
• Conduct intakes and assessments, develop and implement individualized goal plans with participants.
• Support housing stability by assisting with lease-up, navigating barriers, and helping residents understand and maintain lease requirements.
• Partner with property management to proactively address concerns and prevent lease violations or eviction.
• Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive support using strengths-based and Assertive Engagement approaches.
• Connect participants to healthcare, behavioral health, and community resources, including mental health, substance use, and medical services.
• Offer coaching and practical support to build life skills and long-term stability.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including Coordinated Access and LifeWorks NW.
• Respond to crises and provide de-escalation support as needed.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with program requirements.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and community partnerships that support program success.

Benefits

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) through the base HMO plan and deductible reimbursement starting the first of the month 30 days after your start date.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• Free (employer-paid premiums) for short-term and long-term disability insurance, and life insurance.
• Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with a 2% employer match after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, and a floating birthday holiday.
• A six-week paid sabbatical after every seven years of consecutive employment with Our Just Future.
• Access to an employee assistance program.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level