Job Search Specialist

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

8d • $25 - $30 • Hybrid

About The Position

Our Just Future is seeking a Job Search Specialist to join the Community Works Project (CWP), a collaborative program of IRCO and Our Just Future that provides job preparation and placement services to participants in the Job Opportunities Basic Skills (JOBS) program. In this role, you will work directly with participants to help them identify employment goals, strengthen their job search skills, connect with employment opportunities, and overcome barriers to employment. You will provide individualized support and workforce case management while building relationships with participants, community partners, and other service providers. This position is a great fit for someone who enjoys building relationships, connecting people to opportunities, problem-solving, and helping participants recognize and build on their strengths.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree in social service/social sciences field with at least six (6) months case management and/or housing assistance experience; or any combination of education and work experience in social services and/or poverty/homelessness issues or related topics totaling one year.
• At least one year experience developing and/or implementing individualized service plans.
• Experience providing housing navigation, case management, or direct services to individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience helping participants overcome barriers, connect to resources, and achieve housing or self-sufficiency goals.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, Assertive Engagement, motivational interviewing, or other participant-centered service approaches.
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, Fair Housing principles, housing resources, and community services, or the ability to quickly learn them.
• Strong relationship-building, advocacy, and communication skills with participants, landlords, community partners, and coworkers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems creatively, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Valid driver's license, current automobile insurance, and reliable access to an automobile during work hours.

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized job search support, including resume development, interview preparation, employment applications, job fairs, and job search preparation activities.
• Provide workforce case management, including participant assessments, Employment Plan development, work readiness, skill building, job search, and employment placement.
• Connect participants with employment and volunteer opportunities and help them identify opportunities that align with their skills, interests, and goals.
• Work with participants to identify and address barriers to employment and connect them with resources that support their success.
• Collaborate with Resource Navigation Specialists and other CWP staff to effectively leverage community resources and employment opportunities.
• Maintain regular communication with CWP staff and DHS case managers regarding participant activities, progress, and challenges.
• Track participant attendance, activities, and progress accurately using multiple database systems

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