Housing Specialist - Represented

This position is part of the Housing Rapid Response (HRR) team. Primary responsibilities include supporting clients as they move into permanent housing through the identification of housing resources and opportunities. This includes assessing program and permanent housing participant needs and aiding in obtaining permanent housing, working in collaboration with CCC staff and external partners. Additionally, this position is responsible for providing retention support services to ensure former program participants remain stable in permanent housing. This position requires a high level of collaboration with a diverse team to achieve positive outcomes for clients. The person will be working with Clients that are or have been involved with the Criminal Justice System.

Hours: Monday - Friday 8:00am to 4:30pm

Location: 707 NW Everett St, Portland, OR 97209, USA

Pay: Starts at $23.14/hour

Seniority Bid Window Closes: 10/25/2024 Close Date: Until filled

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provide client housing assessments and develop goal driven plans.
• Provide ongoing individual support and encouragement to clients.
• Pursue affordable housing options for CCC participants and assist them in accessing affordable housing.
• Work with internal and external housing providers to assure coordinated and streamlined transitions out of homelessness and into housing.
• Provide ongoing retention support for HRR clients who have been placed in permanent housing.
• Collaborate with HRR program staff to develop goal driven client plans.
• Input and maintain accurate records of client's progress in working toward individualized housing goals using MS Word, MS Excel and other software.
• Manage client records and perform data entry using the HMIS database.
• Assist with transitional housing intakes and move-ins for the HRR program, as required.
• Facilitate Rent Well classes, workshops, and events as needed.
• Provide assistance to other members of the HRR team as needed.
• Assist in completing required documentation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Attend appropriate trainings and events.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security. 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.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

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.
• Knowledge and skills in working with individuals that have criminal background barriers.
• 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 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.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; Two year/ AA degree preferred.
• Applicant must be able to work in all CCC buildings. Some CCC buildings have restrictions due to criminal background and/or active probation and parole.
• Must possess a current driver's license, access to a vehicle, qualify as an Acceptable Driver as designated in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety policy; pass an initial driver training within 60 days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training; and maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Must have experience with data entry.
• Demonstrated knowledge of, and experience working with, clients who have mental health diagnosis and chemical dependency is desirable.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must be able to demonstrate excellent computer skills.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• 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 Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity.

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.