Housing Specialist (Bilingual - Spanish)

Position Title: (Bilingual Spanish) Housing Specialist

Classification: Full Time, exempt, benefitted

Hours: 35-40 hrs/week, flexible between Monday – Friday, 9 am-5 pm

Hybrid: Fridays when available

Location: On-site; CSC Main Center 8800 SE 80th Ave, Portland OR, 97206, with hybrid option

Salary: $52,000 - $55,896

Reports to: Program Director

About CSC:

Clackamas Service Center (CSC) is an inclusive community center for individuals and families seeking food relief and resources for improved health, dignity, and stability. We are based in Clackamas County and serve community members within the county and the surrounding area. Visit our website for more information: cscoregon.org

Position Summary:

The Housing Specialist will play a critical role in partnering with the Program Director to manage CSC’s city-lead homelessness initiative in partnership with the City of Milwaukie, OR, and Clackamas County. This initiative will provide the rising need for short-term rental assistance to Milwaukie residents and school-age families living outside the school district and attending MPS (Milwaukie Public School) to prevent displacement. The Housing Specialist will work in a collaborative effort with the larger team on CSC services. The successful candidate will provide housing safety-net navigation, advocate for families and individuals to reduce housing instability and homelessness, and seek opportunities to connect to community program services. This is a tremendous opportunity to maximize and strengthen the internal capacity of a well-respected, high-impact funded organization while growing a career.

PRIMARY JOB FUNCTIONS:

Program & Case Management (80%)

• Assists Program Director with housing program referral pre-screening, referral intake, and connecting clients (members) to social service programs at CSC and community partners
• Identifies new housing opportunities registers individuals and families in Coordinate Housing Access (CHA) to resolve housing crisis
• Manage client progress master spreadsheet with Program Director and Housing Specialist
• Provides case management and track caseload including program entry, exit, and referral closure wrap-around services using Coordinated Housing Access database
• Facilitates client check-in by making three contact attempts (in-person, via phone, text, and email) within a five-day window
• Screens members into the program; and is proficient in referral documentation
• Provides housing first aid, trauma-informed care, and focus solutions based on members’ need
• Acts as a liaison between tenant and landlord when appropriate; responds to concerns raised related to housing issues
• Establishes and maintains connections with agencies, property management companies, and motels/hotels partners offering housing options.
• During extreme weather conditions complete shelter placement referrals
• Facilitates smooth, warm handoffs between clients and community partners
• Assists Program Director with grant budget, check requests, and invoicing

Administration (10%)

• Demonstrates proficiency in Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database intakes, update notes, and completing Coordinated Housing Access (CHA )assessments
• Attend By Name List (BNL), HCDD contract meetings & SHS City of Milwaukie meetings with Program Director - a requirement for CSC’s grant contracts
• Maintains accurate and consistent referral and case management documentation
• Provides promissory letter eviction prevention, court proceedings, and landlord record
• Oversees rental assistance payments; requests checks, maintains records; delivers checks to leasing office or postal service
• Submits promissory letters for clients attending landlord court mediation or for property manager record
• Represents CSC in community informational meetings; assures information on changes in funding or processes are related to the Program Director and implemented
• Attends CSC all staff team meetings

Center Duties (10%)

• Provides member navigation and housing outreach during CSC on-site services (meal services, showers, school sites, laundry and grocery distribution events) as requested by the Program Director
• Holds open office hours to build housing retention and prevent loss of housing
• Provides coverage for center and warehouse staff approved by Program Director
• Document program referral statistics to report back to Program Director
• Complete Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) outreach referrals, Oregon Health Plan (OHP) application process, and DMV Determination of Homelessness - CSC does not determine program eligibility

QUALIFICATIONS

• A bachelor's degree in a related field or equivalent professional experience
• Minimum one year of relevant case management experience
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand verbal and written English and Spanish
• Pass a criminal background check, provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination, have a valid driver’s license and a safe driving record
• Strong administration skills
• Excellent organizational and prioritization skills; ability to manage unpredictable workflow and flexibility to respond thoughtfully and timely
• Highly proficient in Google Suite or Excel
• Must be able to drive CSC’s vehicle or personal vehicle during business hours

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work is performed in shared community and office spaces at the Center and occasionally at CSC’s 8000 sq.-ft warehouse
• Exposure to and communication with distressed individuals

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Prolonged and repeated periods of sitting and standing
• Ability to lift to 10 lbs, bend, stoop, kneel, crouch, push, and other mild to moderate activities, including climbing stairs

COVID-19 VACCINATIONS

CSC requires employees to be fully up to date on COVID-19 vaccines. Proof of vaccine status will be required before an employee may begin work. CSC will make reasonable accommodations for candidates who cannot be vaccinated because of a disability, pregnancy, or religious belief. If you believe you qualify for an exception, please speak with the hiring manager and be prepared to provide documentation.