Senior Housing & Support Specialist

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

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.