Housing Specialist - HS017

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

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist works independently and collaboratively with NARA NW teams and other agencies to provide housing placement and stabilization services to Elders age 50 and older who are experiencing homelessness and whose health, behavioral health, or socioeconomic issues have prevented them from accessing housing. Services support participants in obtaining and stabilizing housing, ending homelessness, improving health, and moving forward in recovery. The role uses strengths-based case management, Motivational Interviewing, Housing First, and assertive engagement to support participants in setting goals and achieving housing stability. The Specialist coordinates with property managers, external providers, and other support systems, and helps participants connect with clinical services for medical and behavioral health needs. Services include home- and community-based engagement, outreach, housing-related documentation, and ongoing assessment of participant needs and risk. The position requires appropriate safety precautions when transporting participants and providing services in the community or in homes, as well as regular supervision with a clinical supervisor. This is an in-person position at River House in Portland, Oregon, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The hourly wage range is $26.09–$35.70. The position is non-exempt. NARA NW has over 400 employees and provides services including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs. Its mission is to provide culturally appropriate education, physical and mental health services, and substance abuse treatment to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

Requirements

QMHA credential required; candidates not currently credentialed must be able to obtain the credential within six months of hire.
High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
Professional experience working with Elders experiencing homelessness or people experiencing 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 and interact positively with individuals and families to promote strengths and improve 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.
Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
Agree 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.

Responsibilities

Complete screening and intake processes with Elder households referred to the Elders’ RLRA Program.
Assess each participating household’s housing stabilization needs and develop a client-led housing service plan.
Assist participants with identifying an apartment or home, addressing barriers to housing approval, accessing move-in funding, and obtaining furnishings.
Complete program-specific paperwork with participants to support housing stability.
Build positive relationships with collaborative partners, external providers, and property managers.
Respond to property manager concerns and follow up on interventions to support housing stabilization and prevent eviction.
Coordinate with other providers and support systems to address participant needs and facilitate engagement in clinical services.
Provide home- and community-based engagement 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.
Use sound professional judgment and appropriate safety precautions when transporting participants and providing services in the community or in homes.
Maintain responsibility for the safety of participants and property; be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
Continuously assess individual needs and risk of harm and respond appropriately.
Provide outreach services as needed to maintain effective engagement.
Complete required housing-related documentation.
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 for employees working 20 or more hours; benefits begin on the first of the month following hire.
13 paid days of sick time.
13 paid days of PTO, with vacation accruals increasing with years of service to a maximum of 26 days.
$50,000 life insurance and AD&D.
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.