Emergency Assistance Specialist

Northwest Human Services is a non‑profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970. We are a mission‑focused organization offering compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services to uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers. As a Community Health Center we value equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences and embrace innovation, collaboration, and work‑life harmony.

Location:

West Salem Clinic | 1122 Edgewater St. NW, Salem OR 97304

Job Status:
Full‑time

Hours:

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 4:00 pm

As part of the Crisis & Information Hotline team, this role reviews requests for emergency rent, utility, mortgage, and medication assistance, determines eligibility, and connects community members to critical resources and support services. This position plays a key role in advancing NWHS’s mission by providing trauma‑informed, client‑centered support to a diverse population while ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.

• Review assigned emergency financial screenings and determine financial eligibility.
• Maintain knowledge of funder eligibility requirements, agency finance policies, and Crisis Hotline financial procedures.
• Collect and verify documentation (income, housing, identification, etc.).
• Maintain working knowledge of tenant rights and housing discrimination laws and use that knowledge to educate and advocate for clients facing eviction.
• Identify caller concerns and provide appropriate supportive services to meet the household’s immediate needs.

• Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a behavioral sciences field plus a minimum of one‑year experience working in a healthcare or social services setting (strongly preferred).
• Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting, or a related business field plus a minimum of one‑year relevant work experience.
• Ability to use creative problem‑solving and decision‑making skills.
• Effective communication skills and professional writing abilities.
• Must complete basic crisis intervention training before providing direct client services.
• Must pass approval for a U.S. Bank Single Point account.
• Knowledge of Quick Books and U.S. Bank Single Point systems is preferred.

• Healthcare insurance plans:
  Medical, Dental, Vision
• Group Life:
  Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability 100% paid by employer
• 403(b) retirement plan with 2% employer contribution and up to 3% employer match
• Flex Spending Account
• PTO – 10 hours a month for full‑time positions (40 hrs./wk.) up to 20 hours monthly as tenure grows
• 7 ½ paid holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full‑time positions
• Continuing Education & Training Benefits
• Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.