Emergency Assistance Specialist

Northwest Human Services, Inc. • Salem, OR

3d • $21 - $26

About The Position

Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Emergency Assistance Specialist to support individuals and families facing urgent financial and social needs.

POSITION OVERVIEW:
As part of the Crisis & Information Hotline team, this role reviews requests for emergency rent, utility, mortgage, and medication assistance, determines eligibility, and connects community members to critical resources and support services.

This position plays a key role in advancing NWHS’s mission by providing trauma-informed, client-centered support to a diverse population while ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a behavioral sciences field, plus a minimum of one-year experience working in healthcare or social services setting, strongly preferred.
• or
• Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting, or a related business field, plus a minimum of one-year relevant work experience.
• Ability to use creative problem-solving and decision-making skills.
• Effective communication skills and professional writing abilities.
• Must complete basic crisis intervention training before providing direct client services.
• Must pass approval for a US Bank SinglePoint account.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of QuickBooks and US Bank SinglePoint systems, preferred.

Responsibilities

• Review assigned emergency financial screenings, determine financial eligibility.
• Maintains knowledge of funder eligibility requirements, agency finance policies and Crises Hotline financial procedures.
• Collect and verify documentation (income, housing, identification, etc.)
• Maintains working knowledge of tenant rights and housing discrimination laws and uses that knowledge to educate and advocate for clients who are facing eviction.
• Identifies caller concerns and provides appropriate supportive services to meet the household’s immediate needs.

Benefits

• Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
• Flex Spending Account
• PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows
• 7 ½ Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees