Housing Specialist - HS017

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

3d•$26 - $36•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 homeless and whose health, behavioral health, or socioeconomic circumstances have made it difficult to access housing. The role supports participants in obtaining and stabilizing housing, ending their experience with homelessness, improving their health, and moving forward in recovery. The position is based at River House in Portland, Oregon. It is in-person, Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and is non-exempt. The hourly wage range is $26.09–$35.70. 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 more than 400 employees across programs including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment.

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 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, 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 tests.
Ability to pass criminal background 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.

Responsibilities

Complete screening and intake processes for 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 stability and help prevent eviction.
Coordinate with providers and support systems to address participant needs and facilitate engagement in clinical services for medical and behavioral health needs.
Provide home- and community-based engagement services using strengths-based case management and the philosophies of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First.
Use assertive engagement techniques, meet clients where they are willing to participate, and coach them in setting goals and identifying realistic steps.
Use sound professional judgment and appropriate safety precautions when transporting participants and providing services in the community or in homes.
Take responsibility for the safety of participants and property; be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
Assess participants’ needs and risk of harm on an ongoing basis and respond appropriately.
Provide outreach as needed to maintain effective engagement in services.
Complete required housing-related documentation.
Meet regularly with the clinical supervisor for supervision and seek supervision when needed.

Benefits

15 paid holidays, including the employee’s birthday.
Affordable medical, dental, and vision insurance through Kaiser Permanente for eligible employees.
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; NARA NW is a local 501(c)(3) nonprofit and FQHC.