About this role
Title: Outreach Specialist
Location: Totem Lodge - 1438 SE Division Portland, OR 97202
Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday through Friday, 8:00am - 5:00pm
Wage Range: $27.00 – $31.00 Hourly. Non-exempt
If you are a motivated and dedicated Outreach Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you!
At NARA Northwest, youll find a supportive work environment where every team member is valued and respected. Whether youre passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, theres a place for you to make a meaningful difference.
Company Mission:
The mission of NARA NW is to provide education, physical, mental health services, and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and anyone in need.
About the Company:
At NARA NW, we provide essential services and support to Native American and Alaska Native people, empowering them to lead healthy, fulfilling lives. As an organization rooted in cultural heritage and community values, we offer a unique and rewarding opportunity to make a direct positive impact in the lives of others.
We have over 400 employees in a wide range of programs and services, including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and cultural enrichment programs, there are endless opportunities to grow and thrive in your career while making a difference in the lives of others.
Position Overview:
The CHAT (Coordinated Housing Access Team) Outreach Specialist works both independently and collaboratively with the CHAT team and NARA NW staff to identify, engage, assess, and refer homeless individuals and families to the appropriate Coordinated Access housing systems. Services are provided in community settings, including NARA NW sites, shelters, encampments, meal programs, and other locations where individuals experiencing homelessness may be present. The Outreach Specialist assists participants with obtaining documentation required for housing applications, including income verification, disability documentation, and proof of homelessness. The role is highly mobile throughout the county, with a specific focus on serving Native American individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The Outreach Specialist must demonstrate strong engagement, coordination, and relationship-building skills while working closely with community partners and CHAT team members. Caseload assignments and program priorities are coordinated under the direction of the Urban League, with input from NARA NW staff.
What you will do:
- Coordinate referrals from NARA NW service providers and homeless households in need of housing resources with Housing Service Department (Multnomah County, HSD).
- Screen and assess homeless households (individuals, couples and families) using the approved tools for the local Continuum of Care Coordinated Access system (currently, MSST tools.)
- Ensure homeless households are referred to appropriate housing resources, as well as address any immediate safety concerns.
- Coordinate with community partners to place households into available shelter resources (i.e. 211, Do Good Multnomah, TPI, etc)
- Assist households on caseload with document readiness, which may include assistance obtaining identification, birth certificates, income verifications, disability verifications, homeless verifications, etc. Upload documentation into HMIS.
- Attend Coordinated Access for Adults and Families meetings to provide information on referrals as needed.
- Engage with clients by addressing social, cultural, linguistic and educational barriers to accessing housing and other services.
- Consult with clinical supervisor in complex cases
- Maintain accurate and updated documentation of services in HMIS.
- Strongly adhere to Trauma Informed Care and Assertive Engagement principles.
Qualifications
We would like to hear from people that have:
- Requires a high school diploma, GED or equivalent.
- QMHA (Qualified Mental Health Associate), PSS (Peer Support Specialist), CRM (Certified Recovery Mentor) and/or CADC-1 (Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I) credentialing required within six months of hire.
- Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM) and/or Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor I (CADC-I) preferred.
- Experience serving homeless adults and/or families and demonstrated understanding of multiple barriers frequently experienced by homeless households.
- Demonstrated ability to quickly and effectively develop rapport and trust with individuals is essential.
- Knowledge of local resources for individuals experiencing homelessness, including shelter, housing, food, clothing, behavioral health, and medical resources.
- Experience working with Native American communities strongly preferred
- Access to reliable transportation, current drivers license with a clean driving record, and proof of auto insurance.
- Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
- Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
Whats in it for you?
15 Paid Holidays: New Years Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Presidents Day, Memorial Day, Juneteenth, Battle of Little Big Horn, Independence Day, Labor Day, Native American Day, Indigenous Peoples Day, Veterans Day, Thanksgiving, day after Thanksgiving, December 25 th and your Birthday!
Benefits: Employees working 20 hours, or more are eligible for benefits. Benefits are effective from the 1st of the month following the date of hire.
- Affordable Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance through Kaiser Permanente
- 15 Paid Holidays (Listed Above)
- 13 Paid Days of Sick Time
- 13 Paid Days of PTO (Vacation accruals increase with years of service to a maximum of 26 days)
- $50,000 Life Insurance & AD&D
- Short Term and Long-Term Disability
- Flexible Spending Account
- Health Spending Account
- 401(k) with 4% Match
- Employee Assistance Program
- Inclement Weather Days (Snow Days)
- Public Student Loan Forgiveness -NARA NW is a local 501(c)3 nonprofit, FQHC
How to apply:
- To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org) (https://www.naranorthwest.org/home-2/careers/)
- Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), thats all!
- Feel free to contact [email protected] (mailto:[email protected]) if you have any questions or would like to know where your application is in the process.
NARA NW Mission: Our mission is to provide education, physical and mental health services and substance abuse treatment that is culturally appropriate to American Indians, Alaska Natives, and everyone in need.
NARA NW is fully committed to supporting sobriety. To support NARA NW in its mission, all employees agree to refrain from illicit drug use, marijuana use, and prescription drug abuse, both on and off the job. In addition, all employees agree to model alcohol sobriety. Modeling alcohol sobriety means not consuming, discussing, or promoting the use of alcohol, on the job, on social media and when in the community where the employee would be likely to be seen by NARA NW clients or community. If in recovery, employees must have been sober/clean for a length of time sufficient to demonstrate that they will be able to remain sober.
Consistent with NARA NWs sobriety policy, all employees, volunteers, interns, and contractors, as applicable, are required to sign a Drug-Free/Alcohol-Free Workplace Certification Form and NARA NW Modeling Sobriety Policy Form as a condition of employment to confirm that they are aware of this policy and that they agree to comply with it. Violation of this policy will result in disciplinary action up to and including termination of employment. This policy is subject to the requirements of the Americans with Disabilities Act and its state counterpart
Preference in hiring is given to qualified Native Americans in accordance with the Indian Preference Act (Title 25, US Code, Sections 472 and 473). NARA Northwest is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Within the scope of Indian Preference, all candidates will receive equal consideration. Experience working with Native American/ Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
This job description is not intended to be and should not be construed as an all-inclusive list of all the responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position. While it is intended to accurately reflect the positions activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.