Veteran Housing Specialist II

Oregon Health & Science University; Washington, Portland (District of Columbia, OR); On-site; USD 40,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

An established industry player is seeking a compassionate and skilled Veteran Housing Program Specialist II to provide essential community-based social work services. This role emphasizes engagement, advocacy, and intensive case management for veterans and families facing challenges such as poverty and homelessness. You will work closely with diverse clients, leveraging a strength-based, trauma-informed approach to foster independence and support. The position requires effective communication, strong organizational skills, and the ability to navigate various social service resources. Join a mission-driven team dedicated to making a meaningful impact in the community.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work or related field required.
• Experience with veterans and families facing poverty and homelessness preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide community-based social work services including advocacy and case management.
• Maintain knowledge of program requirements and service providers for clients.

Skills

Effective communication

Organizational skills

Culturally responsive services

Trauma-informed care

Case management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Relevant life experience

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

The Veteran Housing Program Specialist II’s role is to provide community based social work services including engagement, coordination, advocacy, support and encouragement, and intensive case management. Specific duties include screening, intake, assessment, barrier removal, information and referral, landlord negotiations, habitability inspections, documentation, and ongoing client centered support. The primary working locations for this position are Multnomah, Clackamas, Washington, and Clark counties.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Maintain a working knowledge of all program requirements; including screening eligibility, intake enrollment standards, referral procedures for internal and external requests for resources and/or services, and documentation standards for client files.
• Provide participants from diverse backgrounds progressive person-centered and strength-based engagement with ongoing trauma informed case management and supportive services utilizing Housing First principles.
• Maintain a working knowledge of our area’s service providers for housing, veterans, mental health, addiction recovery, disability, public benefits, and other social service resources to provide this information to our community.
• Be self-motivated to work independently as well as have an ability to work in a team environment to support Impact NW’s mission and goals.
• Serve as a liaison to collaborating organizations including partner agencies, veteran services, schools, state and federal agencies, and community groups as assigned.
• Develop trauma informed client relationships that promote independence and encourage the unique strengths of each participant.
• Provide housing search assistance and direct property management/landlord advocacy.
• 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.

Qualifications

*MUST RESIDE in Clackamas, Multnomah, Washington, or Clark County.

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent in social work, a related field, and/or relevant life experience.
• Experience in human services working with veterans and families experiencing poverty and homelessness and/or working with clients who identify having mental health, addiction/recovery, and/or other long-term disabilities is preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively work within a strength-based, trauma-informed and person-centered support service delivery model serving people from diverse lifestyles, socioeconomic levels, and cultures with the abilities to provide culturally responsive services.
• Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history and the ability to travel efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Possess great organizational skills to be able to prioritize multiple and varied tasks.
• Computer proficiency, including Microsoft Office computer programs and database entry.
• Bilingual preferred, but not required.

JOB CONDITIONS:

• Repetitive motion, prolonged sitting, extensive visual involvement.
• Orally communicate with others.
• Frequent travel required.
• May be exposed to angry or distraught people facing crisis.