Housing Specialist - HUD Youth - HS062

Native American Rehabilitation Assoc. of the NW•Portland, OR

20h•$26 - $36•Onsite

About The Position

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist works with young adults ages 18–24, providing community- and home-based housing support to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and face barriers to housing related to health, mental health, substance use, or socioeconomic circumstances. The role supports participants in stabilizing their housing, ending homelessness, improving health, and moving forward in recovery. The HUD CoC Youth PSH project is scattered-site, and staff work primarily in the community. The specialist works independently and collaboratively with multiple NARA NW teams, using strengths-based case management and the philosophies of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First. The position is in person at River House in Portland, Oregon, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. It is non-exempt and pays $26.09–$35.70 per hour. NARA NW provides culturally appropriate education, physical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and others in need. The organization has over 400 employees and operates programs including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment. NARA NW requires employees to comply with its drug-free and alcohol-free workplace and modeling-sobriety policies. Qualified Native Americans receive hiring preference in accordance with the Indian Preference Act; experience working with Native American and Alaska Native communities is considered a plus.

Requirements

QMHA credential required; candidates who are not currently credentialed must be able to obtain it within six months of hire.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Professional experience working with people experiencing homelessness or severe and persistent mental illness.
Experience creating service plans, progress notes, and other documentation.
Knowledge of housing resources and programs.
Knowledge and understanding of recovery-based, holistic approaches to behavioral health needs.
Ability to engage positively with individuals and families to promote strengths, health, and well-being.
Excellent communication skills and initiative to coordinate care effectively.
Ability to collaborate with clients, NARA NW staff, and team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity.
Reliable transportation, a current driver’s license with a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
Ability to pass pre-employment or for-cause drug tests, criminal background checks, and DMV checks.
Agreement to comply with NARA NW’s drug-free/alcohol-free workplace and modeling-sobriety policies as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the Native American or Alaska Native community.

Responsibilities

Develop a client-centered, individualized housing stability plan with each program participant.
Assist participants with identifying and applying for apartments, addressing housing approval barriers, accessing funds for move-in costs and furnishings, and obtaining ongoing housing-retention services.
Coordinate closely with other providers and support systems, including initiating clinical consultations and coordinating service planning and ongoing support.
Provide home- and community-based engagement using strengths-based case management and the principles of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First.
Use assertive engagement techniques to meet clients where they are willing to participate and coach them in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
Build positive relationships with collaborative partners, external service providers, and property managers.
Respond to property-manager concerns, support participants in maintaining housing and preventing eviction, and follow up on intervention outcomes.
Use sound clinical and professional judgment and take appropriate safety precautions when transporting clients or providing services in community settings and homes.
Maintain responsibility for participant and property safety; be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
Assess each participant’s needs and risk of harm and respond appropriately.
Complete housing service plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, program-specific initial and annual paperwork, and other required documentation.
Complete appropriate documentation and processes for use of client assistance funds.
Meet regularly with the clinical supervisor for supervision and seek supervision as needed.

Benefits

15 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente; employees working at least 20 hours are eligible, with benefits effective the first of the month following hire.
13 paid sick days.
13 paid days of PTO, with vacation accrual increasing with years of service up to a maximum of 26 days.
$50,000 life insurance and AD&D coverage.
Short-term and long-term disability.
Flexible Spending Account.
Health Spending Account.
401(k) with a 4% match.
Employee Assistance Program.
Inclement weather days (snow days).
Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility through NARA NW’s local 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.