Clackamas Housing Specialist II

Description

Clackamas Housing Specialist II

*Cover letter and Resume required for consideration*

At Impact NW we are a nonprofit with a mission to prevent homelessness, because we believe in the fundamental right to: beautiful life, stability, and peace.  More importantly, it also means a life filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian people.

What we seek is for you to share your skill sets - especially if you:

• Put people first
• See the beauty in people
• Promote peace
• Find a way 

We believe that with our mission and values as our north star, we can move toward our vision of a future where housing is a human right. If this resonates with you, we’d love to have your purpose and passion on our team at Impact NW.

With you sending in your resume and cover letter / application ensures that you are doing a part in the quest for “a stronger, more equitable community” in the Portland Metro Area. Our People & Culture Department look forward to hearing from you.

Position Title: Clackamas Housing Specialist II

Programs: Eviction Prevention / Rapid Rehousing / Permanent Supportive Housing

Department: Housing Safety Net

Hours: Full time, 40 hours per week, Non-exempt

Pay Range: $24.03 - 25.95/hr. --- plus language differential (if applicable)

Salary offers will be made within the posted pay range and will be based on a candidate's experience (paid or unpaid) that is directly relevant to the position. Typical new hire job offers are around the midpoint of the pay range.

JOB SUMMARY: The principal role of the housing specialist is to provide intensive community based social work services including coordination, advocacy, support and encouragement. Specific responsibilities include Housing First case management for individuals and families experiencing chronic homelessness and/or housing instability.  Specific duties include screening, intake, assessment, barrier removal, life skills training, property manager negotiation, habitability inspections, outreach, information and referral, administrative duties (file management, case noting, client assistance processing, etc.), and ongoing client supportive services. The primary service location for this position is Clackamas County, Oregon with office space in SE Portland; however, geographic boundaries and office space are subject to change.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a working knowledge of all program requirements, including eligibility, enrollment standards, and definitions.
• Conduct screening, intake and/or referral of internal and external requests for service.
• Provide progressive person-centered and strength-based engagement, assessment, and ongoing case management and supportive services using the principles of Assertive Engagement.
• Develop trauma informed client relationships that promote independence and encourage the unique strengths of each participant.
• Maintain a working knowledge of mental health, addiction recovery, disability, and social service resources in the metro area. 
• Provide education regarding benefits (WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, veteran-specific benefits, SSD, SSI, Medicare, etc.) while ensuring that participants have control over their choice of service providers.
• Coordinate multi-disciplinary service providers (eg. healthcare, wellness, addictions, mental health, employment, and social services).
• Provide housing search assistance and direct property management/landlord advocacy.
• Research and compile data on new resources; update current resource information on a regular basis and distribute information to both residents and staff.
• Effectively work with individuals of diverse backgrounds.
• Meet client service standards set forth by Program Director/Manager regarding quantity, type and quality of services to be delivered to clients.
• Effectively communicate agency policy, mission, values, and decisions to program staff, collaborating organizations, and the community.
• Accept other work assignments as assigned by the Housing Director and/or Manager.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work or related field; 
• Equivalent relevant work/life experience may be substituted for education requirement.
• Experience in human services, preferably working with families/individuals experiencing poverty and homelessness.
• Experience in working with clients who identify having mental health, addiction/recovery, and other long-term disabilities.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work within a strength-based, integrated family support service delivery model.
• Ability and willingness to work as a team member and support Impact NW’s mission.
• Sensitivity and ability to relate to people from diverse lifestyles and cultures.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possess good organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple and varied tasks.
• Ability to work independently and be self-motivated.
• Good working knowledge of Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and database entry. 
• Ability to travel efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
• Bilingual is preferred, but not required.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, extensive visual involvement.
• Orally communicate with others.
• Frequent travel required.
• May require some evening and/or weekend work.
• May be exposed to angry or distraught people.

JOB BENEFITS:

• Generous Paid Time Off (PTO and self-care leave)
• Employer paid healthcare
• 401k with employer matching contribution
• Flexible work schedule

Salary : $24 - $26