Outreach Specialist - HS045

Title: Outreach Specialist

Location: Totem Lodge – 1438 SE Division Portland, OR 97202

Schedule: This is an in-person position, Monday through Friday, 9:00am - 5:30pm

Wage Range: $27.00 – $31.50 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, you’ll find a supportive work environment where every team member 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 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 deliver services and support to Native American and Alaska Native communities, helping individuals lead healthier, more fulfilling lives.

With over 450 employees across a variety of programs—including medical and dental care, addiction treatment, housing assistance, and enrichment initiatives NARA NW offers numerous opportunities for growth and advancement, all while making a tangible, positive impact on the lives of others.

Position Overview:

The CHAT (Coordinated Housing Access Team) Outreach Specialist works independently and collaboratively with the CHAT team, coordinated by Urban League, and NARA staff to assist in the identification and assessment of homeless individuals and families to refer to the appropriate homeless service Coordinated Access systems for adults and families. Assessments will be conducted primarily in the community, at NARA service sites, shelters, and locations where homeless households may be gathered (i.e. encampments, meal programs, etc.) The CHAT Outreach Worker will assist homeless households with gathering necessary documentation for housing applications, which may include verifications of income, disability, and history of homelessness. Hours of work may require occasional evenings and weekends to meet program needs, including severe weather outreach. Hours should be flexible to accommodate these needs. This dynamic position is highly mobile across the county, with a specific focus on serving the Native American community, and requires strong coordination and engagement skills. The CHAT Outreach Specialist will collaborate extensively with other CHAT team members under the direction of Urban League, who will determine caseloads with input from NARA Northwest staff

What you will do:

• Coordinate referrals from NARA service providers and homeless households in need of housing resources to Urban League and the CHAT team.
• 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.
• Coordinate referrals and services with the Community Homeless Assessment Team (CHAT), work collaboratively with Transition Projects, Inc., in conjunction with the CHAT team
• Attend Coordinated Access for Adults, and Mobile Housing Team 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.

We would like to hear from people that have:

• Either High School Diploma or General Educational Development (GED) certification required
• QMHA certified, 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 with data entry into HMIS is a plus.
• Must have valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
• Must pass a pre-employment or for cause drug tests.
• Must pass criminal background and DMV checks.

What’s in it for you?

14 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, and December 25^th!

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
• 14 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:

1. To Quick Apply, go to Careers – NARA NW (naranorthwest.org)
2. Look for the position you want to apply for and submit a resume (Required) and cover letter (Optional), that’s all!
3. Feel free to contact recruiting@naranorthwest.org 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 NW’s 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 position’s activities and requirements, the agency reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties and assign other duties, as necessary.

Salary : $27 - $32