Multnomah Housing Specialist III (Bilingual Spanish)

Impact Nw Group • Portland, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist III provides advanced, community-based social work services to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness or complex housing instability, including people facing high barriers. Using a Housing First framework and person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based practices, the role provides coordination, advocacy, support, and ongoing case management to promote housing stability, independence, and self-determination. The position is based in Multnomah County, although geographic boundaries may change, and requires on-site work Monday through Friday; hybrid work is not permitted.

In addition to direct client services, the Housing Specialist III mentors Housing Specialist II staff, supports onboarding and training, advises on complex cases, and assists supervisors with quality assurance and compliance activities. The position also supports program documentation, data entry, audit preparation, and accurate tracking of financial assistance. Bilingual Spanish is required. The role reports to the Multnomah County PSH Program Coordinator.

Requirements

• Bilingual Spanish is required.
• At least 3 years of successful housing navigation experience working with individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex or high-barrier cases, including chronic homelessness.
• Experience with HMIS and agency or funder data systems.
• Ability to work effectively within a strength-based, client-centered, Housing First service delivery model.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize varied tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while functioning as a collaborative team leader and resource.
• Sensitivity and ability to relate to individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to travel and drive efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
• Valid driver’s license, good driving record, and dependable personal transportation for agency business.
• Ability to work on-site Monday through Friday; hybrid work is not permitted.
• Ability to manage frequent repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, and extensive visual focus.
• Ability to travel and drive significantly within the Portland Metro area.
• Ability to work around individuals who may be angry or distressed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field; equivalent professional or lived experience may substitute for education requirements.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supporting staff development.
• Experience supporting documentation compliance, audits, or quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain advanced knowledge of program requirements, including eligibility, enrollment standards, documentation expectations, and funder definitions.
• Screen, conduct intake for, and refer internal and external requests for services.
• Manage a caseload of high-acuity and complex cases, using advanced problem-solving, landlord negotiation, and barrier-removal strategies.
• Provide person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based engagement, assessment, and case management grounded in Assertive Engagement and Housing First.
• Build and maintain client relationships that promote long-term housing stability, independence, and self-determination.
• Assist with housing searches; negotiate with landlords and property managers; conduct habitability inspections; and advocate for successful lease-up and housing retention.
• Research new housing and community resources and distribute updated information to staff and participants as appropriate.
• Educate participants about public benefits, including WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, veteran-specific benefits, SSD, SSI, and Medicare, while respecting participant choice and autonomy.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary service providers in healthcare, addiction recovery, mental health, employment, and social services.
• Maintain current knowledge of metro-area mental health, addiction recovery, disability, and social service resources.
• Meet client service standards established by HSN Department Leadership for the quantity, type, and quality of services.
• Mentor and serve as a resource to Housing Specialist II staff; support onboarding through shadowing, case consultation, process guidance, and modeling best practices.
• Assist supervisors with training on housing navigation, documentation standards, landlord engagement, and program procedures.
• Guide team members on complex cases, eligibility interpretation, and barrier-resolution strategies; model professional communication, quality documentation, and Housing First principles.
• Maintain knowledge of and comply with program policies, departmental tools, agency procedures, and funder requirements.
• Assist with file reviews and quality assurance activities to ensure records are timely, accurate, and complete.
• Support timely and accurate data entry in HMIS and agency or funder data systems.
• Assist with audit preparation, monitoring visits, and internal compliance reviews.
• Ensure accurate documentation of financial assistance and support timely submission of required program documentation and reports.
• Represent the program in internal and external meetings as delegated.
• Liaise with landlords and community partners to resolve complex housing barriers.
• Meet with walk-ins and respond to calls and emails from housing-unstable individuals seeking information and support, as assigned.
• Travel and drive on behalf of the agency using a valid driver’s license, good driving record, and dependable personal transportation.
• Accept other work assignments as directed by HSN Department Leadership.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and additional self-care leave.
• Employer-paid health insurance for employees.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with an employer contribution toward out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing free, confidential support for mental health, finances, and other matters.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer matching contribution.
• Positive, inclusive, mission-driven work culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed