Clackamas Housing Specialist II

YWCA Clark County; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Clark County is seeking a Clackamas Housing Specialist II to provide comprehensive support for families and individuals facing homelessness. This full-time role involves community-based social work, case management, and collaboration with various service providers, ensuring individuals receive the necessary resources to secure housing. Ideal candidates will have a degree in social work and experience in human services.

Qualifications

• Experience in human services, working with families/individuals experiencing poverty.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Organizational skills and ability to prioritize multiple tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide housing search assistance and landlord advocacy.
• Maintain program knowledge and deliver person-centered services.
• Conduct screening and develop trauma-informed client relationships.

Skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Sensitivity to diverse cultures

Team collaboration

Self-motivation

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

Google Workspace

Microsoft Office

Job description

*Cover letter and Resume required for consideration*

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: $25.45 - 26.72/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.

Supervision:

Elijah Kimball (Clackamas Housing Coordinator)

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.

THIS JOB ALSO REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING PHYSICAL ACTIVITIES:

• Repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, and extensive visual involvement
• Ability to efficiently travel in order to perform duties and other agency related errands
• Moderate lifting