Are you ready to make a difference in the lives of individuals and families in our community? At NARA NW, we are dedicated to providing 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 be part of something meaningful.

At NARA NW, you'll find a supportive and inclusive work environment where every member of our team is valued and respected. Whether you're passionate about healthcare, behavioral health, education, or social services, there's a place for you to make a positive impact. With 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.

If you are a motivated and dedicated Housing Specialist looking for an opportunity to contribute to an organization making a positive impact, we want to hear from you! Join us at NARA NW and help us build a talented and diverse team dedicated to serving our community. Apply now to be part of our team!

Position Summary: The Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) Specialist works independently and collaboratively with multiple NARA teams and external partner agencies to provide community and home-based housing support services to individuals who are chronically homeless and whose health, behavioral health, and socioeconomic issues prevent them from accessing housing. Services are focused around supporting the individual to stabilize their housing, end their experience with homelessness, and improve their health and move forward in their recovery.

What you will do:

• Complete outreach, screening and referral processes to determine program eligibility.
• Assist program participants through the housing process including completing necessary paperwork and documentation, addressing possible barriers to housing approval, accessing funding for move in costs, and obtaining furnishings for their home.
• Complete program specific initial and annual paperwork with participants to assist with housing stability.
• Develop positive relationships with collaborative partners, external providers, and Nesika Illahee property managers and resident service staff.
• Be responsive to property managers as concerns arise in order to support participants in successfully maintaining their housing and preventing eviction. Follow up with property managers to determine outcome of any needed interventions.
• Work in close coordination with other providers/ support systems to address the needs of participants. Includes initiating clinical consults, assuring coordination of treatment planning and ongoing support services.
• Provide home and community based engagement services to participants utilizing strengths-based case management while embracing the philosophy of Motivational Interviewing and Housing First. Utilize assertive engagement techniques to meet participants where they are willing to participate and coach participants in setting goals and identifying realistic steps to achieve them.
• Consistently use strong clinical and professional judgment while providing services; including taking appropriate safety precautions while transporting participants and providing services in the community/homes.
• Demonstrate responsibility for safety of participants and property. Must be familiar with fire and building regulations and evacuation procedures.
• Provide ongoing assessment of needs and risk of harm for each individual and respond appropriately.
• Provide outreach services as needed to maintain effective engagement in services.
• Complete housing-related treatment plans, progress notes, discharge summaries and other documentation as required.
• Meet regularly with clinical supervisor for supervision and seek supervision, as needed.
• Actively participate in multi-disciplinary team meetings and consultations.
• Collect information on client demographics and program outcome activities.
• Participate in quality assurance activities including chart reviews.
• Attend and provide relevant training as assigned.
• Participate in providing educational opportunities that promote an understanding and acceptance of culturally relevant health services for the Native American and Alaskan Native community and for service providers.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• QMHA or CADC, or ability to be credentialed as a QMHA or CADC within 6 months of hire, required.
• QMHP with a master’s degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or other related field preferred.
• Professional experience working with individuals experiencing chronic homelessness or experiencing severe and persistent mental illness or substance use disorder.
• Knowledge of Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) programs.
• Knowledge and understanding of recovery-based, holistic approaches to addressing behavioral health needs.
• Knowledge and skill in working in a multi-cultural and multi-disciplinary environment.
• Experience working within the Native American/Alaska Native community is considered a plus.
• Ability to engage and interact positively with individuals to promote strengths and improve health and well being.
• Excellent communication skills and initiative to effectively coordinate care.
• Ability to work collaboratively with clients, other NARA staff, and team members, and to treat everyone with respect and dignity at all times.
• Must have valid driver’s license and personal vehicle.
• If in recovery, must have a minimum of two years sobriety/clean time.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Ability to pass criminal background and DMV checks.
• Must be able to pass a CRIMS finger printing and background check.