Housing Specialist - HUD Youth - HS062

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

12d•Onsite

About The Position

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist supports young adults ages 18–24 and provides community- and home-based housing services to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and face housing barriers related to health, mental health, substance use history, or socioeconomic circumstances. The role helps participants stabilize their housing, end their experience with homelessness, improve their health, and move 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 role requires regular clinical supervision and careful attention to participant and property safety. The position is based at River House in Portland, Oregon, and is in-person Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The wage range is $26.09–$35.70 per hour; the position is non-exempt. NARA NW provides culturally appropriate education, physical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and others in need. Employees must comply with the organization’s drug-free/alcohol-free workplace and modeling sobriety policies.

Requirements

QMHA credential required, or ability to obtain the credential 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 work collaboratively 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 testing, criminal background checks, and DMV checks.
Agreement to comply with NARA NW’s Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification and Modeling Sobriety policies as a condition of employment.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act.

Responsibilities

Develop a client-centered, individualized housing stability plan with each program participant.
Guide participants through the housing process, including identifying and applying for an apartment, addressing barriers to approval, obtaining funding for move-in costs and furnishings, and providing ongoing housing retention services.
Coordinate with other providers and support systems to address participant needs, including initiating clinical consultations and coordinating service planning and ongoing support.
Provide home- and community-based engagement services using strengths-based case management, Motivational Interviewing, and Housing First principles.
Use assertive engagement techniques and coach participants 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 appropriate safety precautions when transporting clients and providing services in the community and homes.
Promote the safety of participants and property; maintain familiarity with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
Assess each participant’s needs and risk of harm on an ongoing basis and respond appropriately.
Complete housing-related service plans, progress notes, discharge summaries, program-specific initial and annual paperwork, and other required documentation.
Complete required documentation and processes for the use of client assistance funds.
Meet regularly with the clinical supervisor and seek supervision as needed.

Benefits

15 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
Medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente for employees working 20 or more hours per week; benefits begin on the first of the month following hire.
13 paid days of sick time.
13 paid days of PTO, with vacation accrual increasing with years of service 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 4% match.
Employee Assistance Program.
Inclement weather days (snow days).
Public Student Loan Forgiveness eligibility through NARA NW’s status as a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and FQHC.