Family Advocate

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

16d • $22 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

The Family Advocate at The Aurora, an affordable housing community within Our Just Future’s portfolio, provides strengths-based advocacy and supportive services to 16 families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness. This Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program is funded by Multnomah County Homeless Services Department and serves families in Project-Based Voucher (PBV) units through Home Forward.

This role partners closely with property management, the Family System Coordinated Access team, LifeWorks NW, and OJF resident services staff to support families through lease-up, housing stabilization, and ongoing case management. Using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and assertive engagement approaches, the Family Advocate supports holistic goal planning, conducts program intakes, maintains funder-compliant documentation, and connects families to behavioral health and community resources to promote long-term housing stability.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social services, social sciences, or a related field with at least six months of case management experience, or a minimum of two years of relevant case management experience in a behavioral health or human services setting.
• Experience providing crisis response, resource navigation, and community networking.
• Proficiency in English (written and spoken); bilingual and bicultural experience preferred but not required.
• General computer proficiency, including intermediate skills with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, and willingness to continue building technical skills.
• Understanding of the social, economic, and systemic factors that contribute to homelessness and poverty, and experience supporting housing stability for low-income households.
• Knowledge of behavioral and mental health practices, trauma impacts, crisis intervention, and de-escalation techniques.
• Experience working with community-based resources and service systems serving homeless and low-income populations.
• Ability to engage participants using strengths-based, culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and assertive engagement approaches, including navigating sensitive and complex situations with professionalism and care.
• Demonstrated skill in building collaborative relationships with participants, staff, volunteers, property management, and external partners.
• Ability to facilitate difficult conversations related to lease compliance, housing stability, and corrective action planning.
• Strong organizational skills, including accurate documentation, report writing, confidentiality, and adherence to policies and procedures.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively to a team environment.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive eligibility screenings and household assessments, including participation in Coordinated Access and pre-lease-up meetings.
• Support families through lease-up by helping navigate housing barriers, understanding lease requirements, and preparing for inspections and recertifications with Property Management and Home Forward.
• Partner with households to develop, implement, and regularly update individualized, strengths-based goal plans that support housing stability and long-term success.
• Apply program funds appropriately in alignment with household goals and assess duration and level of program participation based on identified needs.
• Deliver services using culturally responsive, trauma-informed, and assertive engagement approaches that empower families to achieve self-identified goals.
• Provide ongoing case management, including monthly (or more frequent as needed) engagement to monitor progress, address emerging needs, and offer supportive services.
• Collaborate closely with Property Management, Resident Services, LifeWorks NW, Coordinated Access, and other service providers to address concerns, problem-solve, and prevent eviction.
• Support participants in understanding housing community rules, maintaining their homes, and meeting program and lease requirements.
• Provide healthcare navigation and coordination, including connections to physical, mental, behavioral health, substance use, peer support, in-home supports, and assistance with medical benefits as needed.
• Offer life skills coaching and support opportunities for community connection and social integration.
• Respond to crises with appropriate intervention, stabilization support, and coordination with partners.
• Provide transition planning and support for households transferring or exiting PSH services.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and funder-compliant documentation, files, and data entry in accordance with OJF policies and reporting requirements.
• Participate in regular supervision, staff meetings, trainings, community outreach, and interagency collaboration.
• Conduct required follow-ups with households by phone, in writing, or in person.
• Perform other related duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility, teamwork, and a cooperative spirit in support of Our Just Future’s mission.

Benefits

• Employer paid premiums for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• 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, 13 paid holidays, a floating birthday holiday, and the ability to maintain a great work/life balance.
• 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