Housing Specialist (FT, 32 hrs/wk)

Automatic Data Processing, Inc.; Portland (OR); Hybrid; USD 32,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance (employer-paid)

Flexible spending accounts

Disability insurance

Life insurance

401k with 2% match

Paid time off and holidays

Sabbatical after 7 years

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Our Just Future in East Portland, OR seeks a Housing Specialist (FT, 32 hrs/wk) to partner with adults experiencing homelessness and help them secure and maintain housing. The role uses trauma-informed, strengths-based approaches and coordinates with landlords, Home Forward and community partners to expand opportunities.

The position offers a hybrid work model, with primary site work at the Gateway office and varied shelter sites in East Multnomah County.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's Degree in social service/social sciences field with at least six months case management or housing experience.
• At least one year experience developing and/or implementing individualized service plans.
• Experience providing housing navigation or direct services to homelessness or instability.
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing concepts.
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant law and Fair Housing principles.
• Strong relationship-building, advocacy and communication skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities and work independently within a team.
• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills; HMIS preferred.
• Bi-lingual fluency preferred but not required.
• Valid driver's license, clean driving record, and reliable transportation.

Responsibilities

• Assess housing needs, identify strengths/barriers, and develop individualized housing plans.
• Assist with housing searches, applications, inspections, voucher requirements, and move-in coordination.
• Provide ongoing case management, resource navigation, crisis intervention, budgeting support, and stabilization services.
• Build relationships with landlords, property managers, Home Forward, providers and partners.
• Advocate for participants by connecting with housing, behavioral health, legal, and community resources.
• Stay current on local housing markets, Fair Housing, and resources to guide participants.
• Maintain accurate documentation per agency procedures and funding requirements.
• Coordinate with managers and teams to support wraparound care and program success.
• Represent Our Just Future professionally while fostering respectful, inclusive relationships.

Skills

Relationship building

Advocacy

Communication skills

Problem solving

Computer skills

HMIS experience

Bilingual preferred

Education

Bachelor's degree in social sciences or related field

Tools

HMIS

Job description

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact this employer to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.

Housing Specialist (FT, 32 hrs/wk)

Salary Range: $23.19 To $27.53 Hourly

What is the position? Housing Specialist (Homeless System for Adults)

Full-time or part-time? Full-Time (32 hours/week), generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm with occasional evening and weekend availability required

What’s the pay? $23.19-$27.53/hr., depending on experience

Where will I be working? This position offers a hybrid work benefit – when not at home, you’ll primarily work at our main Gateway office in East Portland and various shelter sites in East Multnomah County

Do you offer benefits? We have a generous benefits package – see below for details

What’s the position all about?

As a Housing Specialist, you'll partner with individuals experiencing homelessness to help them find, secure, and maintain safe, stable housing. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based approach, you'll support participants as they navigate barriers, build on their strengths, and work toward long-term housing stability and self-sufficiency.

This role is ideal for someone who enjoys building relationships, advocating for others, and solving complex problems. You'll work one-on-one with participants throughout their housing journey while collaborating with landlords, Home Forward, community partners, and internal teams to expand housing opportunities and coordinate supportive services.

If you're passionate about helping people achieve housing stability through collaboration, advocacy, and creative problem-solving, we'd love to hear from you.

What will I be expected to do?

• Partner with individuals experiencing homelessness to assess housing needs, identify strengths and barriers, and develop individualized housing plans.
• Support participants throughout the housing process by assisting with housing searches, applications, housing inspections, Housing Voucher requirements, reasonable accommodation requests, and move-in coordination.
• Provide ongoing case management, resource navigation, crisis intervention, budgeting support, and housing stabilization services to help participants maintain permanent housing.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with landlords, property managers, Home Forward, behavioral health providers, and other community partners to expand housing opportunities and resolve tenancy concerns.
• Advocate for participants by connecting them with housing, behavioral health, legal, financial, and other community resources that promote long-term stability.
• Stay current on local housing markets, landlord-tenant laws, Fair Housing requirements, and community resources to provide accurate guidance and effective participant support.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation and data in accordance with agency procedures, funding requirements, and program standards.
• Collaborate with Community Programs Managers, Shelter Managers, and other team members to coordinate services, support wraparound care, participate in participant triage, and contribute to program success.
• Represent Our Just Future professionally while fostering respectful, culturally responsive relationships with participants, coworkers, landlords, and community partners.

What can I bring to the table?

We recognize that people gain skills through many different paths. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

• Bachelor's Degree in social service/social sciences field with at least six (6) months case management and/or housing assistance experience; or any combination of education and work experience in social services and/or poverty/homelessness issues or related topics totaling one year.
• At least one year experience developing and/or implementing individualized service plans.
• Experience providing housing navigation, case management, or direct services to individuals or families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience helping participants overcome barriers, connect to resources, and achieve housing or self-sufficiency goals.
• Knowledge of Trauma-Informed Care, Assertive Engagement, motivational interviewing, or other participant-centered service approaches.
• Knowledge of landlord-tenant law, Fair Housing principles, housing resources, and community services, or the ability to quickly learn them.
• Strong relationship-building, advocacy, and communication skills with participants, landlords, community partners, and coworkers.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems creatively, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.
• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills.
• Experience with HMIS or other case management databases is preferred.
• Bi-lingual fluency preferred but not required.
• Possession of a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, up-to-date automobile insurance, and reliable transportation required.

So, about that generous benefits package …

We’re here to support our employees in maintaining a healthy work/life balance by providing:

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with our base HMO plan and deductible reimbursement starting the first of the month 30 days after your start date.
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• Free (employer-paid premiums) for short-term and long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance.
• Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with a 2% employer match after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, and a floating birthday holiday.
• A six-week paid sabbatical after every seven years of consecutive employment with Our Just Future.
• Access to an employee assistance program.

Want to help make a difference?

Our Just Future (OJF) counters the forces that keep people and communities in poverty by building relationships and assets that create opportunity today and for future generations.

We partnerwith people and communities impacted by poverty so they can achieve long-term housing and economic security. We invest in affordable housing and community assets that contribute to strong, inclusive neighborhoods. We advocatewith our community for policies and investments that expand housing and economic opportunity, eliminate wealth inequality and end poverty.

East Portland/East Multnomah County, Oregon is our home and the heart of our investments, advocacy and programs.

Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where all people can share the security, hopes, and advantages of a thriving, supportive community.

Our Just Future operates as a nimble, financially strong organization driven by our passion, strategic goals, and guiding principles.

Diversity, inclusion and equity are fundamental values for Our Just Future’s, both internally and externally.

Our Just Future is working to end homelessness and poverty in our community because every one of us deserves a safe place to call home.