Multnomah Housing Specialist III - Bilingual Russian

Impact Nw Group • Portland, OR

5d • Onsite

About The Position

Impact NW is a nonprofit working to prevent homelessness and advance a future where housing is a human right. 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. Using a Housing First framework, the role coordinates services, advocates for participants, and supports long-term housing stability, independence, and self-determination.

In addition to direct service, the Housing Specialist III mentors and supports Housing Specialist II staff and new team members, assists supervisors with training and quality assurance, supports compliance monitoring, and contributes to financial tracking. The primary work location is in Multnomah County, though geographic boundaries may change. This is an on-site Monday–Friday position; hybrid work is not permitted. Significant travel and driving within the Portland Metro area are required, with occasional early morning, evening, and weekend meetings.

The position requires bilingual Russian. The listed entry wage is $26.98–$28.33 per hour, including the language differential. Impact NW offers paid time off and self-care leave, employer-paid health insurance, an employer-contributed health reimbursement arrangement, long-term disability insurance, an employee assistance program, and a 401(k) with employer matching.

Requirements

• Bilingual Russian 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.
• Demonstrated ability to work within a strength-based, client-centered, Housing First service delivery model.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to prioritize varied tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently while serving 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, a good driving record, and dependable personal transportation for agency business.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree in social work or a related field; equivalent professional or lived experience may be substituted for education requirements.
• Experience interpreting and applying program and funder guidelines.
• 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 requiring advanced problem-solving, landlord negotiation, and barrier removal.
• Provide person-centered, trauma-informed, strength-based engagement, assessment, and ongoing case management using Assertive Engagement and Housing First principles.
• Develop and maintain participant 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 about housing and community resources, and distribute updates to staff and participants as appropriate.
• Educate participants about public benefits while supporting their choice and autonomy.
• Coordinate multidisciplinary service providers, including healthcare, addiction, mental health, employment, and social service providers.
• Maintain current knowledge of mental health, addiction recovery, disability, and social service resources in the metro area.
• Meet client service standards set by HSN Department Leadership for the quantity, type, and quality of services delivered.
• Mentor Housing Specialist II staff and 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, 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 activities to ensure case records are timely, accurate, and complete.
• Support accurate and timely data entry in HMIS and agency or 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 with walk-ins and respond to calls and emails from housing-unstable individuals seeking information and support, as assigned.
• Drive on behalf of the agency using personal, dependable transportation and maintain the required license, driving record, and insurance.
• Accept other work assignments as assigned by HSN Department Leadership.

Benefits

• Generous paid time off and additional self-care leave.
• Employer-paid health insurance for employees.
• Health Reimbursement Arrangement with an employer contribution toward out-of-pocket medical expenses.
• Long-term disability insurance fully paid by Impact NW.
• Employee Assistance Program providing free, confidential support for mental health, finances, and other needs.
• 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