Multnomah Housing Specialist III - Bilingual Russian

IMPACT NW GROUP • Portland, OR

5d • $27 - $28 • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Specialist III provides advanced, community-based social work services to individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness or complex housing instability, including people facing high barriers. Working within a Housing First framework, the role provides coordination, advocacy, support, and encouragement through person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based engagement and case management. The position manages complex cases and supports housing stability, independence, and self-determination. It also mentors and onboards team members, assists with training and quality assurance, supports compliance monitoring, and contributes to financial tracking. The primary work location is in Multnomah County, although geographic boundaries may change.

This client services position is based on-site Monday through Friday; hybrid work is not permitted. Significant driving and travel are required within the Portland Metro area, and occasional early morning, evening, and weekend meetings may occur. The role reports to the Multnomah County PSH Program Coordinator. Bilingual Russian is required. The hourly salary range is $26.98–$28.33, including the language differential.

Requirements

• Bilingual Russian language ability is required.
• At least 3 years of successful housing navigation experience working with individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
• Demonstrated experience managing complex or high-barrier cases, including chronic homelessness.
• Experience with HMIS and agency or funder data systems.
• Ability to interpret and apply program and funder guidelines.
• Ability to work effectively within a strength-based, client-centered, Housing First service delivery model.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to prioritize varied tasks while meeting deadlines.
• Ability to work independently and serve as a collaborative team leader and resource.
• Sensitivity and ability to relate to people from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and experiences.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace.
• Ability to travel and drive efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
• Valid driver’s license, up-to-date car insurance, good driving record, and dependable personal transportation for agency-related driving.
• Ability to perform the job's stated conditions, including frequent repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, extensive visual focus, significant driving, and periodic exposure to individuals who may be angry or distressed.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or a related field; equivalent professional or lived experience may substitute for education requirements.
• Experience mentoring, training, or supporting staff development.
• Experience supporting documentation compliance, audits, or quality assurance processes.

Responsibilities

• Maintain advanced knowledge of program requirements, including eligibility, enrollment standards, documentation expectations, and funder definitions.
• Screen, intake, and refer internal and external requests for service.
• Manage a caseload that includes high-acuity and complex cases, using advanced problem-solving, landlord negotiation, and barrier-removal strategies.
• Provide person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based engagement, assessment, and ongoing case management using Assertive Engagement and Housing First principles.
• Build and maintain client relationships that promote long-term housing stability, independence, and self-determination.
• Assist with housing searches; negotiate with landlords and property managers; conduct habitability inspections; and advocate for successful lease-up and housing retention.
• Research and compile information on housing and community resources and distribute updates to staff and participants as appropriate.
• Educate participants about public benefits, including WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, veteran-specific benefits, SSD, SSI, and Medicare, while respecting participant choice and autonomy.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary service providers, including healthcare, addiction, mental health, employment, and social services providers.
• Maintain current knowledge of metro-area mental health, addiction recovery, disability, and social service resources.
• Meet client service standards established by HSN Department Leadership for the quantity, type, and quality of services delivered.
• Mentor and serve as a resource to Housing Specialist II staff.
• Support onboarding through shadowing, case consultation, process guidance, and modeling best practices.
• Assist supervisors with training on housing navigation, documentation standards, landlord engagement, and program procedures.
• Guide team members on complex cases, eligibility interpretation, and strategies for resolving barriers.
• Model professional communication, high-quality documentation, and Housing First principles.
• Maintain expert-level knowledge of and compliance with program policies, departmental tools, agency procedures, and funder requirements.
• Assist with file reviews and quality assurance to ensure case records are timely, accurate, and complete.
• Support accurate and timely data entry in HMIS and agency and funder data systems.
• Assist with preparation for audits, monitoring visits, and internal compliance reviews.
• Ensure accurate documentation of financial assistance in accordance with funder requirements.
• Support timely submission of required program documentation and reports.
• Represent the program in internal and external meetings as delegated.
• Liaise with landlords and community partners to resolve complex housing barriers.
• Meet face-to-face with walk-ins and respond to calls and emails from housing-unstable individuals seeking information and support, as assigned.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license and good driving record, and provide dependable personal transportation for agency-related driving.
• Accept other work assignments as assigned by HSN Department Leadership.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off (PTO) and additional self-care leave.
• Employer-paid health insurance for employees.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with an employer contribution toward out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Long-term disability insurance fully paid by Impact NW.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free and confidential support for mental health, finances, and more.
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer matching contribution.
• Positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Education Level: No Education Listed