Housing Specialist - HOPE - HS

Job Title: Housing Specialist - HOPE

Location: River House - 211 SE Caruthers St., Portland, OR 97214

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

Salary: $26.09 - $35.70 per hour, non-exempt

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist provides community and home‑based housing support services to individuals and families who have experienced homelessness and whose health, mental health, substance use history and socioeconomic issues create barriers to accessing housing. Services focus on stabilizing participants’ housing, ending homelessness, and improving health and recovery.

• Develop client‑centered individualized housing stability plans with program participants.
• Assist participants through the housing application process, identify and address barriers to approval, and help access funding for move‑in costs and furnishings.
• Maintain ongoing retention services and coordinate with other providers and support systems.
• Provide home and community‑based engagement services using strengths‑based case management and Motivational Interviewing principles.
• Employ assertive engagement techniques to meet clients where they are willing to participate and coach on goal setting.
• Build and sustain positive relationships with collaborative partners, external service providers, and property managers.
• Respond promptly to property manager concerns, support participants in maintaining housing, and prevent eviction through follow‑up and interventions.

• Degree in a social‑service related field. QMHA, CADC, CRM, or PSS credential, or equivalent, highly desirable.
• If not currently credentialed, must be able to obtain QMHA/CADC/CRM or PSS credential within 6 months of hire.
• Knowledge of housing resources and programs.
• Understanding of recovery‑based, holistic approaches to behavioral health.
• Experience working in a multicultural and multidisciplinary environment.
• Ability to engage and interact positively with individuals and families to promote strengths and improve health and well‑being.
• Access to reliable transportation, current driver’s license with a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
• Ability to pass a pre‑employment or for‑cause drug test, criminal background, and DMV checks.

• Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente.
• 15 Paid Holidays:
  New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples’ Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25th and your birthday.
• 13 Paid Days of Sick Time.
• 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days).
• $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D.
• Short‑Term and Long‑Term Disability.
• Flexible Spending Account.
• Health Spending Account.
• 401(k) with 4% Match.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days).
• Public Student Loan Forgiveness (NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC).

Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, U.S. Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.

This job description is not intended to be, and should not be construed as, an all‑inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.