HUD Housing Specialist (Limited Duration through 12/31/2026)

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

7h • $22 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

As a Housing Specialist, you’ll work directly with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, helping them navigate the path to stable housing. This role focuses on housing search and placement within HUD-funded programs, including Rapid Re-Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing.

You’ll partner closely with participants to identify their strengths, goals, and barriers, while also building relationships with landlords and community partners to create real housing opportunities. From intake to move-in, you’ll be a key advocate, problem-solver, and guide to help people secure housing and take the next steps toward stability.

This is a highly collaborative role where you’ll work alongside a dedicated HUD team and connect regularly with service providers, property managers, and community resources.

Requirements

• 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.
• Ability to support individuals navigating homelessness, poverty, and complex life challenges.
• Strong relationship-building skills and a non-judgmental, culturally responsive approach.
• Knowledge of, or willingness to learn, trauma-informed care and strengths-based service models.
• Comfort navigating sensitive topics and helping people problem-solve barriers to housing.
• Resourcefulness and persistence in identifying housing opportunities and community resources.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively with teams and partners.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, especially with documentation.
• Basic to intermediate computer skills (Office suite).

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual/bicultural skills are a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes, assessments, and housing plans with participants using a strengths-based approach.
• Support individuals and families through the housing search and application process, including overcoming barriers to placement.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords and community partners to expand housing opportunities.
• Assist with housing inspections and ensure units meet program requirements.
• Provide ongoing support and advocacy to help participants successfully secure housing.
• Monitor progress, adjust plans as needed, and connect participants to resources such as legal, financial, or behavioral health services.
• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate services and support participant success.
• Stay current on housing laws, tenant rights, and Fair Housing practices.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with HUD and program requirements.
• Step in to support team needs, including occasional backup for Family Advocates.

Benefits

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with our base HMO plan and deductible reimbursement starting the first of the month 30 days after your start date.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• Free (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 (PTO), 13 paid holidays, and a floating birthday holiday.
• 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