HRSN Outreach & Engagement Specialist (thru Sept. 2027)

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

8h • $23 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

The Outreach & Engagement (O&E) Specialist partners with households living in Our Just Future properties to help prevent homelessness and promote long-term housing stability. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and participant-centered approach, this position identifies households at risk of housing instability, connects them to resources, and guides them through the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program and other available supports. Working closely with residents, Property Management, the Resident Services Team, Prevention Specialists, CareOregon, and other community partners, the O&E Specialist helps eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members access HRSN-funded rent and utility assistance through the federal Medicaid Waiver. This position combines outreach, participant engagement, eligibility determination, resource navigation, and cross-departmental collaboration to reduce housing barriers and support successful tenancy.

Requirements

• Any combination of education and work experience in a social services setting with case management totaling two years or a bachelor's degree in social services/social sciences field with at least six (6) months of case management experience.
• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, community networking and resource development, and delivering services in a culturally responsive approach using Assertive Engagement techniques.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems creatively, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, up-to-date automobile insurance, and reliable transportation required.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with HMIS or other case management databases is preferred.
• Bi-lingual fluency preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive eligibility screenings and strengths-based assessments to determine participant eligibility for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services and identify barriers, goals, and opportunities that support long-term housing stability.
• Partner with participants to develop individualized housing stabilization plans and provide ongoing advocacy, coaching, and support using Assertive Engagement, Trauma-Informed Care, and other participant-centered practices that empower households to achieve their self-identified goals.
• Coordinate with the Prevention Specialist, Property Management, CareOregon, and other internal and external partners to maximize available HRSN resources, negotiate payment plans or other housing stabilization solutions, and address barriers that place households at risk of housing loss.
• Educate participants on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, assist with resolving lease violations and tenancy concerns, and advocate with landlords, property management, and service providers to promote successful housing retention.
• Provide crisis intervention, problem-solving, transition planning, and referrals to community resources that address participants' housing, behavioral health, financial, legal, and other stabilization needs.
• Navigate complex HRSN eligibility requirements, Oregon Administrative Rules, housing systems, and healthcare funding guidelines while remaining current on program changes and community resources.
• Utilize Unite Us, Health Trio, and other agency systems to submit applications, coordinate services, document billable activities, track service delivery, and maintain accurate participant records and files in compliance with agency, healthcare, and funding requirements.
• Review rent ledgers, delinquency reports, lease violations, and other financial documentation to identify households at risk of eviction and develop effective intervention strategies.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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 basic 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: Mid Level