Housing Specialist

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Housing Specialist works as a part of CCC Supportive Housing to assist in facilitating the intake process of providing housing placement & retention services for clients. Additionally, this position will also assess CCC client referred to the benefit needs and assist them in maintaining permanent housing, working in collaboration with CCC staff and external partners.

Location: Starlight - 355 NW 6th Ave, Portland, OR 97209

Schedule: Monday-Friday 9:00am-5:00pm

Pay: Range starts at $22/hour

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Must have a high school diploma or GED.
• Valid driver's license required. Must pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety policy. Must pass an initial driver's training within 60 days of being designated as an approved driver and continued recertification training. Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Must be able to work in all CCC buildings. Some CCC buildings have restrictions due to criminal background and/or active probation and parole.
• Familiarity with Oregon Landlord and Tenant laws.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent computer skills.
• Demonstrated knowledge of mental health diagnosis and chemical dependency desirable.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening and background check.
• May be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations, and treat each individual with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide assistance to individuals working toward the goals of healthcare connections, income enhancement, seeking permanent housing, and developing self-sufficiency.
• Provide client housing assessment and develop goal driven plans. Counsel and guide clients in developing goals and objectives relating to permanent housing plans.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to clients.
• Pursue affordable housing options for CCC participants and assist them in accessing affordable housing.
• Connect with community landlords to create viable rental opportunities for clients as they transition out of the program.
• Work with internal and external housing providers to assure coordinated and streamlined transitions out of homelessness and into housing.
• Conduct follow up activities consisting of progress checks, phone, and mail contacts.
• Input and maintain accurate records of client's progress in working toward individualized housing goals using MS Word, other software. Tracks program/funding required statistics in database with accuracy.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• Gather, edit, and refine program boilerplates and impact data. Help to keep files organized and updated.
• Adhere to all CCC policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Attend all required meetings and trainings.
• Perform related duties as assigned, within the scope of the role.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Strong time management, follow through and organization skills. Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork. Knowledge and skills in working with individuals challenged by homelessness, health, mental health and or chemical dependency issues.
• Ability to successfully interact and communicate clearly with a wide variety of people including, landlords, partnering agencies, supervisors, and co-workers.
• Ability to be creative innovative, and be a progressive problem solver.
• Ability to perform considerable inter-city travel.
• Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work without supervision and as a member of a team.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Ability to set and maintain professional boundaries, and to de-escalate volatile situations.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues related to individuals with multiple barriers to housing.
• Ability to understand and follow oral and written instructions.
• Demonstrated expertise in assisting individuals to develop individualized plans and providing on-going support as they work to achieve goals.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Direct experience working in supportive housing, transitional housing, or related.

BENEFITS: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees:

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 paid Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Excellent relocation package for those roles that qualify.
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.