PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Retention Specialist II

The Immigrant and Refugee Community Organization•Portland, OR

just now•Hybrid

About The Position

PSH (Permanent Supportive Housing) Retention Specialist II, assist individuals and/or families who are at risk of, or fully, experiencing homelessness to obtain or retain long term permanent housing. This role utilizes a housing first, strengths-based, empowerment model to cultivate trust, establish and promote trauma-informed communication, provide advocacy, direct services and support, and case management that facilitates, encourages, and assists clients to reach their goals. The PSH Retention Specialist II utilizes their experience in homeless services and/or affordable housing as well as housing stabilization programs to enhance and improve programming, facilitates working groups, and sometimes is called upon to mentor less experienced staff members (Specialist I). This position is based onsite to work directly with participants and provide housing first, community responsive, and participant-centered services that focus on housing placement, retention, and wellbeing.

Requirements

English fluency required; bilingual fluency in Spanish preferred but not required
Familiarity with supportive housing is valuable
Must be able to pass an extensive background check
Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of training and experience
Minimum 1-2 years of work experience

Nice To Haves

Strong analytical, problem-solving skills
Strong skills in multi-background, interpersonal, and organizational communication
Communicate effectively in a positive manner verbally, in writing, and by phone
Strong communication skills in a multilingual, multi-background team and organization

Responsibilities

Adhere to program, agency, and federal legal policies on client confidentiality
Implement client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed empowerment model in assisting clients to heal and attain stability as driven by their priorities and goals
Collaborate with internal and external service providers to identify participants who meet criteria for PSH
Assess potential participants for eligibility, conduct intake sessions utilizing assessment and evaluation procedures and the best practices, and conduct eligibility screening for other services
Develop a case management plan for each participant, provide short-term crisis intervention for participants who wish to access services which include but are not limited to, emergency shelters and motels; supports for long term housing stability; peer supports; mental health services; securing employment; and referrals for other relevant services
Assist participants in navigating and accessing appropriate services
Maintain confidential case management files including records of intake, case management plans, and all contacts and referrals
Complete data entry, case notes, client file updates, reports, and all other program and IRCO administrative tasks within given timelines
Perform outreach and educational activities within immigrant and refugee communities and local service providers
Actively participate in relevant network meetings, regular IRCO internal meetings, and community engagement events and presentations
Mentor less experienced colleagues, provide job shadowing opportunities for new staff, contribute to resource library, and facilitate departmental working groups
Perform other duties as assigned
Ability to meet multiple, including conflicting deadlines
Ability to maintain a high level of confidentiality
Ability to work flexible hours to meet the availability of clients
Ability to deal with distressed and demanding clients and employees in an effective manner
Ability to communicate with a variety of personality types and levels of the organization as well as with people outside of the organization

Benefits

Many flexible working arrangements and schedule
Amazing opportunity to work with people who come from all over the world
Work that helps your community
3 to 6 weeks of PTO per year
401k match of over 100% on first 5%, immediate vesting
3% match for student loans or college savings
12 Paid Holidays and 1 Floating Holiday
Medical & Dental insurance options with 90% coverage for employee AND Families, no deductibles
Employer Paid Life, Short term, and Long-term Disability Insurance
Flexible spending account