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Housing Specialist II

Impact NW
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At Impact NW we are a nonprofit with a mission to prevent homelessness, because we believe in the fundamental right to: beautiful life, stability and peace. More importantly, it also means a life filled with opportunity and community support, especially for Indigenous, Black, Brown, Melanated, Immigrant, and Asian people.

What we seek is for you to share your skill sets - especially if you:

*Put people first

*See the beauty in people

*Promote peace

*Find a way

We believe that with our mission and values as our north star, we can move toward our vision of a future where housing is a human right. If this resonates with you, we’d love to have your purpose and passion on our team at Impact NW.

 

BENEFITS SUMMARY:

At Impact NW, we care deeply about the well-being of our team and strive to support a healthy balance between work and life. Our comprehensive benefits package includes:

  • Generous Paid Time Off (PTO) and additional Self-Care Leave to help you recharge and take care of yourself.
  • Employer-paid health insurance for employees, plus a Health Reimbursement Arrangement (HRA) with an employer contribution to help cover out-of-pocket medical expenses.
  • Long-Term Disability Insurance fully paid by Impact NW.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) offering free and confidential support for mental health, finances, and more.
  • 401(k) Retirement Plan with an employer matching contribution to help you plan for the future.
  • A positive, inclusive, and mission-driven work culture where every team member is valued and supported.

We believe that taking care of our people helps us take care of our community.

 

JOB SUMMARY

The principal role of the Housing Specialist II is to provide intensive, community-based social work services, including coordination, advocacy, support, and encouragement using a Housing First framework. This position serves individuals and families experiencing homelessness and/or housing instability and supports participants in achieving and maintaining long-term housing stability. The Housing Specialist II functions as an independent case manager responsible for screening, intake, assessment, housing navigation, landlord engagement, and ongoing supportive services. This role maintains working knowledge of program guidelines and funder requirements and ensures services are delivered in accordance with agency standards and timelines. The primary working location for this position is Clackamas County, OR; however, geographic boundaries are subject to change and may include Multnomah, Clackamas, and Washington County.


 

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Maintain a working knowledge of all HSRS program requirements, including eligibility criteria, enrollment standards, documentation expectations, and funder definitions.
  • Conduct screening, intake, and referral of internal and external requests for service.
  • Provide progressive, person-centered, trauma-informed, and strength-based engagement, assessment, and ongoing case management using the principles of Housing First and Assertive Engagement.
  • Develop and maintain client relationships that promote independence, stability, and self-determination.
  • Assist participants with housing search activities, landlord/property manager communication, and lease-up processes.
  • Provide direct landlord advocacy to support housing placement and retention.
  • Coordinate multi-disciplinary service providers (e.g., healthcare, mental health, recovery/addictions, employment, and social services) to ensure comprehensive support.
  • Provide education regarding public benefits (WIC, Medicaid, TANF, SNAP, veteran-specific benefits, SSD, SSI, Medicare, etc.) while ensuring participant choice and autonomy in selecting service providers.
  • Maintain up-to-date knowledge of community resources related to housing, mental health, addiction recovery, disability services, and income support.
  • Research and compile data on new resources; update current resource information regularly and distribute to participants and staff as appropriate.
  • Meet client service standards set forth by HSN Department Leadership regarding quantity, type, and quality of services delivered.
  • Ensure timely, accurate, and complete documentation of all client interactions in agency/funder data systems.
  • Maintain compliance with program policies, departmental tools, agency procedures, and funder requirements.
  • Ensure and document participant progress and required documentation for enrollment, service provision, and program exits is completed within established timelines.
  • Prepare documentation and files in accordance with agency standards and in preparation for internal or external review.
  • Effectively communicate agency policy, mission, and values to participants, landlords, collaborating organizations, and community members.
  • Meet face-to-face with walk-ins and respond to calls and emails from individuals seeking information and housing resources, in alignment with Worker of the Day responsibilities.
  • Actively participate in team meetings, case consultations, and agency training.
  • Accept other work assignments as assigned by HSN Department Leadership.

 

 

SUPERVISION:

Reports to  Clackamas Housing Program Coordinator

Qualifications

 

REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Minimum of 1–3 years of experience in human services, housing navigation, or case management, preferably working with individuals and families experiencing poverty and homelessness.
  • Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field preferred; equivalent professional or lived experience may be substituted for education requirements.
  • Experience working with individuals who identify as having mental health conditions, substance use disorders, disabilities, or other long-term barriers to stability.
  • Demonstrated ability to effectively work within a strength-based, client-centered, Housing First service delivery model.
  • Ability to independently manage a caseload and prioritize multiple and varied tasks while meeting deadlines.
  • Working knowledge of program eligibility requirements, documentation standards, and funder guidelines.
  • Commitment to learning program compliance standards and maintaining accurate, timely documentation.
  • Experience with HMIS and agency/funder data systems preferred.
  • Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
  • Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
  • Sensitivity and ability to relate to individuals from diverse cultures, backgrounds, and lived experiences.
  • Ability and willingness to work collaboratively as part of a team and support the agency’s mission.
  • Good working knowledge of Microsoft Office and Google Workspace computer programs.
  • Ability to travel efficiently in urban and rural areas and between multiple counties.
  • Personal transportation and a valid driver’s license with acceptable driving history.
  • Bilingual preferred but not required.

 

JOB CONDITIONS

  • Frequent repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and extensive visual focus.
  • Flexible work schedule possible after completing 90 days of on-site training and contingent on supervisor approval. Hybrid work environment with potential for increased in-office presence as needed.
  • Significant travel is required within the Portland Metro area.
  • Occasional early morning, evening, and weekend meetings.
  • Possible exposure to individuals who may be angry or distressed.