Resident Services Specialist I (Limited Duration through 04/27)

Job Title: Resident Services Specialist I (HRSN) – Limited Duration through April 2027

Team: Affordable Housing

Reports to: Director of Resident Service

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours

Full-Time (M-F, 8-5 averaging 40 hrs./wk.), Hybrid (min. 2 days in-office)

Compensation

$21.87- $25.96/hr. DOE

Location: Gateway Office/OJF property site, Portland, OR

Benefits: Generous benefits package; see below for details

Want to make a difference?

For over 30 years, Our Just Future (formerly Human Solutions), has been working to break the cycle of intergenerational poverty by empowering families and helping them build pathways out of poverty.

Position overview

The Resident Services Specialist will support households who are at risk of homelessness living in OJF properties. This position works specifically with OJF tenants who are enrolled in the Oregon Health Plan (OHP) who are eligible for rent and utility assistance through the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) funding. This funding, authorized through a federal Medicaid Waiver, allows for up to six months of homelessness prevention support to housing stabilization for eligible households.

The Prevention Specialist will assess household needs, determine eligibility for HRSN benefits, and coordinate financial support in alignment with program guidelines. They will also coordinate with Property Management to support residents by providing information and referral to resources. This position will deliver services that are culturally responsive within the framework of Assertive Engagement and Trauma Informed Care to help households achieve housing stability. This position will work in collaboration with the Prevention Specialist, Resident Services Team, Property Management, CareOregon and other HRSN OJF team members.

Duties

• & responsbilities
• Conduct eligibility screenings and comprehensive assessments, and partner with households to develop individualized, client-driven housing plans focused on stability and retention.
• Provide flexible financial assistance for rent and utilities in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules and program guidelines, including crisis intervention to prevent eviction or other housing loss.
• Apply and track program funds appropriately, maintain accurate expense records, and complete required billing, budget, and service documentation to meet healthcare and funder requirements.
• Deliver culturally responsive services using Assertive Engagement and Trauma-Informed Care, including tenant advocacy, landlord negotiation, crisis management, skill-building, and transition planning for participants exiting services.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, service providers, CareOregon, and internal Resident Services staff, and connect households to community resources as needed.
• Utilize Unite Us/Connect Oregon to coordinate and manage HRSN referrals.
• Maintain organized, accurate, and timely case records in compliance with OJF policies and funder standards.
• Participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, community outreach, and perform other duties as assigned with flexibility and a cooperative spirit.

• Qualifications, education & experience
• Bachelor’s degree in social services, social sciences, or a related field with at least six (6) months of case management experience, or a combination of education and experience totaling two (2) years in a social services or case management setting.
• Experience with crisis intervention, de-escalation techniques, community networking, and resource development.
• Experience delivering services in a culturally responsive, strengths-based manner using Assertive Engagement and Trauma-Informed principles.
• Understanding of the social, economic, and systemic factors contributing to homelessness and poverty, and how trauma impacts families experiencing housing instability.
• Knowledge of community resources and service systems serving homeless and low-income populations.
• Ability to partner with participants to identify strengths, set goals, navigate complex systems, and problem-solve around sensitive issues in a non-judgmental manner.
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including the ability to mediate conflict, engage in difficult conversations, and support households in addressing lease violations and housing-related challenges.
• Demonstrated cultural humility and competence when working with diverse populations.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, work independently and collaboratively, and adapt to changing rules, policies, and program requirements.
• Strong documentation, organizational, and computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft Office and the ability to maintain accurate, timely, and confidential records.
• English fluency required; bilingual/bicultural skills preferred but not required.

Physical demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and distance vision.

Work environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. In-office work environment is expected, as well as in-person meetings with households in the office, community or in their home.

Transportation

This position requires working in the community with the ability to get around timely, flexibly and effectively to meet the needs of participants. A current driver’s license, reliable and consistent access to an automobile, and current auto insurance is required.

What we can offer you

• We offer a comprehensive array of benefits in support of your physical, emotional and financial well-being.
• Employer paid premiums for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision).
• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.
• Employer paid premiums for short-term and long-term disability insurance and life insurance.
• Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with a 2% employer match after three months of employment.
• Generous paid time off, 13 paid holidays, a floating birthday holiday and the ability to maintain a great work/life balance.
• A six-week paid sabbatical after every seven years of consecutive employment with Our Just Future.
• Access to an employee assistance program.