LifeWorks NW's (SPMI) Severe and Persistent Mental Illness program provides services for adults with severe and persistent mental illness.

The Housing Specialist assists consumers in finding and maintaining appropriate housing utilizing HUD Section 8 certificates, Continuum of Care Vouchers (i.e., Shelter Plus Care), Project-based Vouchers. Provides support for housing search and placement.

Location: This position is based out of LifeWorks NW's Hillsboro Walnut site.

Pay/Benefits: $24.10 starting hourly pay. This position is 40 hours a week. Full benefits.

As a behavioral health organization, LifeWorks NW employees are required to have had their COVID 19 vaccination (or have an approved medical/religious exemption) per State of Oregon rules. Proof of COVID-19 vaccination is required upon hire.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Identifies appropriate housing for homeless/low-income individuals. Maintains a list of available housing in the assigned county. Provides information on vacancies to appropriate clinical staff.
• Represents LifeWorks NW at all appropriate housing meetings held by the local housing authority. Assures that information on changes in funding or application processes are relayed to the appropriate supervisor.
• Establishes cooperative and collaborative relationships with other agencies, groups, and organizations in the development of housing resources.
• Assists clients with applications for subsidized housing.
• Coordinates and assists with housing placements.
• Works with client to ensure completion of annual renewals and other housing related paperwork.
• Establishes and maintains connections with agencies or property management companies offering subsidized housing options.
• Maintains communication with clinical staff concerning tenant status.
• Acts as a liaison between tenant and landlord when appropriate.
• Responds to concerns raised by tenants, landlords, and clinical staff related to housing issues.
• Monitors housing needs.
• Keeps informed about housing issues involving changes in subsidies, federal regulations, and environmental regulations.
• Meets performance standards for productivity, accuracy and quality of work, customer service, teamwork, attendance and punctuality as well as projects/objectives as defined in the Performance Review.
• Continually increases level of cultural sensitivity, awareness and competency.
• References information on the computer, creates brochures, prepares housing reports, and creates memorandum of understanding documents with housing partners.
• Checks e-mail/voice mail throughout the day and when working responds to contacts within one business day.
• Attends informational meetings which may include all-agency meetings, housing related team meetings, consultation meetings, intra-agency trainings, etc. Participates in regular individual and team meetings with supervisor.
• Travels between sites or in the community.
• Participate in a culture of feedback at the agency by eliciting feedback to promote professional growth and assess work effectiveness.
• Use Feedback-Informed Treatment service delivery approach to obtain and review feedback from clients regarding the fit and effectiveness of the services provided to them.

Qualifications:

• This position requires a valid and active QMHA credential certification through MHACBO.
• Minimum 1 year working subsidized housing ideally within Oregon.
• One year of experience working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness preferred.
• Prior experience with Section 8, CoC, and other federal and state housing programs preferred.
• Prior experience identifying and acquiring housing for low-income individuals.
• Thorough knowledge of Oregon Tenant Landlord law.
• Knowledge of guidelines and regulations in the Americans with Disability Act.
• Knowledge of guidelines and regulations in the Homeless Services Reform Act.
• Ability to provide effective training and technical assistance to co-workers who are supporting clients regarding housing options.
• Good computer skills including a functional knowledge of Microsoft Outlook, Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated effective communication skills and maintains a cooperative working relationship with others in a culturally diverse environment.
• Requires access to a car and valid driver's license.
• Ability to perform essential functions of job without creating a direct threat to the safety of self or others.
• Requires access to a car, a valid driver's license, proof of current automobile insurance coverage, and verification of safe driving record from DMV.

LifeWorks NW is a private, non-profit organization providing prevention, mental health, substance use treatment, and related social services to youths, adults, and older adults in over fifteen locations throughout Multnomah, Washington, and Clackamas counties. LifeWorks NW promotes a healthy community by providing quality and culturally responsive mental health and addiction services across the lifespan.

Our core values-Recovery and Relationships, Resilience, and Results-inform the work we do. The four pillars of the strategic vision include Compassionate, Impactful Care, Holistic Health, Passionate Team, and Thriving Organization. Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are critical to successfully achieving the mission. We know that "life works" when people get the help they need and are dedicated to changing lives.

Equal Opportunity Employer

www.lifeworksnw.org

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