Housing Specialist

OUR JUST FUTURE•Portland, OR

11h•$22 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist provides strengths-based, culturally responsive advocacy to families and individuals experiencing homelessness, including those with complex needs such as disabilities, mental health conditions, and substance use histories, using Assertive Engagement and Trauma-Informed Care. This role supports participants in housing search and placement by conducting screenings and intakes, providing ongoing case management, identifying natural supports, and connecting households to community resources to secure safe and stable housing. Working within HUD-funded Rapid Re-Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs, the Housing Specialist partners with landlords and community agencies to expand housing options and collaborates closely with an internal HUD team to support participants from intake through successful housing placement.

Requirements

Knowledge of client-centered, strengths-based service planning and engagement models, including Trauma-Informed Care and Assertive Engagement, and an understanding of how trauma, poverty, mental health, and substance use impact families experiencing homelessness
Understanding of local and regional housing systems, tenant–landlord laws, Fair Housing, and community resources serving homeless and low-income populations, or the ability to quickly learn and apply this knowledge.
Ability to empower participants through collaborative, non-judgmental engagement, including discussing sensitive topics and supporting goal setting and problem-solving.
Strong collaboration skills, with the ability to work effectively with internal teams, community partners, landlords, and diverse populations in a culturally responsive manner.
Ability to work independently while contributing to a team environment, maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality, and complete accurate, timely documentation in compliance with program requirements.
English fluency required, written and spoken.
General computer and word processing skills and willingness to advance computer skills with experience and intermediate skills with Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Any combination of education and work experience in social services and case management totaling one year or a bachelor’s degree in social service/social sciences field with at least six (6) months case management experience
Experience with crisis intervention, community networking and resource development.
Experience delivering services in a culturally responsive approach using Assertive Engagement techniques (i.e. Strength Based Case Management, Motivational Interviewing, and Assertive Community Treatment).

Nice To Haves

Bi-Lingual/Bi-Cultural preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Conduct housing intakes and in-depth, strengths-based assessments to identify families’ goals, barriers, housing and employment history, health needs, legal and financial issues, social supports, and available resources.
Support families through the housing search and placement process by addressing barriers, assisting with applications, drafting letters of explanation, and requesting reasonable accommodations as needed.
Provide ongoing, client-centered case management and supportive services aligned with individualized housing plans, monitoring progress and adjusting supports to promote housing stability.
Ensure compliance with HUD program requirements, including intake documentation, annual recertifications, interim changes, housing inspections, and ongoing eligibility.
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords and property managers, addressing tenancy-related issues and advocating for families to support successful housing outcomes.
Connect families to community resources and partner with service providers to address needs related to housing stability, counseling, legal support, and other critical services.
Deliver services in a culturally responsive manner to families of diverse backgrounds, identities, abilities, and family configurations.
Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation in accordance with Our Just Future policies, procedures, and data reporting systems.
Stay informed on regional housing laws, tenants’ rights, and Fair Housing regulations.
Provide temporary coverage for HUD Family Advocates during staff shortages as needed.
Assist in developing and maintaining partnerships with community agencies, landlords, and other housing providers, and identify opportunities to expand housing resources.
Participate in supervision, team meetings, trainings, and community outreach or interagency meetings as appropriate.
Perform other duties as assigned, demonstrating flexibility, collaboration, and a cooperative spirit in support of program and organizational needs.