Housing Specialist - Hs060

Title: Housing Specialist

Location: River House (211 SE Caruthers St. Portland, OR 97214) and Community Sites

Schedule: In-person, Monday through Friday 8:30am - 5:00pm

Wage Range: $26.09 -$35.70, Hourly. Non-exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Housing Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you'll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a meaningful difference.

Company Mission:

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About the Company:

At NARA NW, we provide essential services and support to Native American and Alaska Native people, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As an organization rooted in cultural heritage and community values, we offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a direct positive impact in the lives of others.

We have over 400 employees in a wide range of programs and services, including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist works independently and collaboratively with multiple NARA teams and external partner agencies to provide community and home-based housing support services to individuals who are chronically homeless and whose health, behavioral health, and socioeconomic issues prevent them from accessing housing. Services are focused around supporting the individual to stabilize their housing, end their experience with homelessness, and improve their health and move forward in their recovery.

What you will do:

• Complete outreach, screening and referral processes to determine program eligibility.
• Assist program participants through the housing process including completing necessary paperwork and documentation, addressing possible barriers to housing approval, accessing funding for move in costs, and obtaining furnishings for their home.
• Complete program specific initial and annual paperwork with participants to assist with housing stability.
• Develop positive relationships with collaborative partners, external providers, and Nesika Illahee property managers and resident service staff.
• Be responsive to property managers as concerns arise in order to support participants in successfully maintaining their housing and preventing eviction. Follow up with property managers to determine outcome of any needed interventions.
• Work in close coordination with other providers/ support systems to address the needs of participants. Includes initiating clinical consults, assuring coordination of treatment planning and ongoing support services.
• Provide home and community based engagement services to participants utilizing strengths-based case management while embracing the philosophy of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First. Utilize assertive engagement techniques to meet participants where they are willing to participate and coach participants in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
• Consistently use strong clinical and professional judgment while providing services; including taking appropriate safety precautions while transporting participants and providing services in the community/homes.
• Complete housing-related treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and other documentation as required.