Housing Specialist - Hazel Heights - HS067

Native American Rehabilitation Association of the Northwest, Inc. (NARA); Portland (OR); On-site; USD 36,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Specialist - Hazel Heights at NARA Northwest focuses on providing home and community-based housing support for individuals 50+ with history of homelessness, aiming to stabilize housing and improve health and recovery in SE Portland and Hazel Heights.

The role emphasizes Motivational Interviewing, Housing First, and coordination with partners to prevent eviction and secure funding for move-in costs; typical schedule is Monday–Friday in-person, with community-based work.

Responsibilities

• Provide home and community based support services to program participants utilizing strengths-based case management while embracing the philosophy of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First. Utilize assertive engagement techniques to meet participants where they are willing to participate and coach participants in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
• Complete housing-related service plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and other documentation as required.
• Complete program specific initial and annual paperwork with participants, including verification of homelessness, verification of disability, and income verification.
• Develop positive relationships with collaborative partners, external providers, and Hazel Heights property managers.
• Be responsive to property managers as concerns arise in order to support participants in successfully maintaining their housing and preventing eviction. Follow up with property managers to determine outcome of any needed interventions.
• Work in close coordination with other providers/ support systems to address the needs of clients. Includes initiating clinical consults, assuring coordination of treatment planning and ongoing support services. This may also include facilitating referrals and engagement in behavioral health, medical and dental services, vocational resources, and income acquisition.
• Assist new referrals through the housing process including gathering necessary documentation, addressing possible barriers to housing approval, accessing funding for move-in costs, and obtaining furnishings for their home.
• Consistently use strong clinical and professional judgment while providing services to clients; including taking appropriate safety precautions while transporting clients and providing services to clients in the community/homes.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of participants and property. Must be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Provide ongoing assessment of needs and risk of harm for each individual and respond appropriately.

Job description

Title: Housing Specialist - Hazel Heights

Location: River House (211 SE Caruthers Portland, OR 97214) and Hazel Heights

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

Wage Range: $26.09 -$35.70, Hourly. Non-exempt

If you are a motivated and dedicated Housing Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!

At NARA Northwest, you'll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a meaningful difference.

Company Mission

The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.

About The Company

At NARA NW, we provide essential services and support to Native American and Alaska Native people, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As an organization rooted in cultural heritage and community values, we offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a direct positive impact in the lives of others.

We have over 400 employees in a wide range of programs and services, including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.

Position Overview

The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist works independently and collaboratively with multiple NARA Northwest teams and Central City Concern's Hazel Heights housing program in SE Portland to provide community and home-based housing support services to individuals 50 years and over with a history of homelessness and whose health, behavioral health, and socioeconomic issues have prevented them from accessing housing in the past. Services are focused around supporting the individual and/or couple to stabilize their housing, end their experience with homelessness, and improve their health and move forward in their recovery.

What You Will Do

• Provide home and community based support services to program participants utilizing strengths-based case management while embracing the philosophy of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First. Utilize assertive engagement techniques to meet participants where they are willing to participate and coach participants in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.


• Complete housing-related service plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and other documentation as required.


• Complete program specific initial and annual paperwork with participants, including verification of homelessness, verification of disability, and income verification.


• Develop positive relationships with collaborative partners, external providers, and Hazel Heights property managers.


• Be responsive to property managers as concerns arise in order to support participants in successfully maintaining their housing and preventing eviction. Follow up with property managers to determine outcome of any needed interventions.


• Work in close coordination with other providers/ support systems to address the needs of clients. Includes initiating clinical consults, assuring coordination of treatment planning and ongoing support services. This may also include facilitating referrals and engagement in behavioral health, medical and dental services, vocational resources, and income acquisition.


• Assist new referrals through the housing process including gathering necessary documentation, addressing possible barriers to housing approval, accessing funding for move-in costs, and obtaining furnishings for their home.


• Consistently use strong clinical and professional judgment while providing services to clients; including taking appropriate safety precautions while transporting clients and providing services to clients in the community/homes.


• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of participants and property. Must be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.


• Provide ongoing assessment of needs and risk of harm for each individual and respond appropriately.