Employment Specialist Volunteering​/Non-Profit Milwaukie

Northwest Housing Alternatives - Employment Specialist

Position Title: Employment Specialist
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Link to Apply:

The Employment Specialist works to support families in increasing their household income by connecting them with employment opportunities and public benefits. This role serves as a key resource in helping families achieve greater financial stability and self‑sufficiency. The Employment Specialist provides employment preparedness, career navigation, and skill‑building services for NHA’s Homeless Intervention Services (HIS) with the goal of increasing income through wages and public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid).

For over 39 years, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) has been a leading nonprofit developer of affordable housing in Oregon. Our mission is to create opportunity through housing by developing, building, and managing rental housing for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes. These homes help families live stable lives, allow older adults to age in place, and provide dignified residences for people with special needs.

In addition to housing, NHA connects tenants with health and community resources, works to prevent homelessness, and offers emergency shelter services. NHA is committed to fostering a culturally diverse and inclusive environment and actively seeks to recruit a diverse applicant pool. We strive to build a workforce that represents the communities we serve, knowing that a diverse workforce strengthens everything we do.

NHA has been recognized among the “100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon.”

• Benefit Assistance:
  Assists clients in obtaining information and understanding how employment affects benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid). Supports clients in securing any benefits for which they are eligible but not yet receiving.
• Vocational Assessment and Planning:
  Conducts ongoing assessments of clients' vocational functioning, using background information and work experiences. Develops individualized employment (and/or education) plans incorporating client input and, with permission, input from family members and the mental health team.
• Job Development and Employer Engagement:
  Conducts job development and search activities tailored to each client’s interests and strengths. Serves as a liaison between HIS, Clackamas Workforce Partnership (CWP), and other employment networks. Provides education and support to employers, including negotiating accommodations as agreed upon by clients.
• Follow‑Along Support and Outreach:
  Provides individualized follow‑along support to help clients maintain employment, including job support plans. Engages in proactive outreach when clients appear to disengage, using multiple methods to maintain connection.
• Timely Interventions:
  Responds to clients and employer needs promptly (e.g., returns calls within 24 hours, addresses job issues within 24 hours, follows up on job leads within 48 hours). Meets with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts.
• Collaboration and Integration:
  Participates in weekly team meetings and coordinates vocational services with mental health treatment plans. Provides supported education services to clients pursuing educational goals that align with employment plans.
• Other duties as assigned.

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including occasional evenings and weekends.
• Basic computer skills including Microsoft Suite.
• Ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage tasks independently, prioritize effectively, and seek support or resources as needed.
• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, conflict resolution, and the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Must have active driver's license and driving record accepted by the Company’s Auto Insurance underwriting requirements. Traveling from the main office to participant residences and community locations throughout Clackamas County is required.
• Bilingual in Spanish strongly preferred.

• Experienc…