HRSN Outreach & Engagement Specialist (thru Sept. 2027)

What is the position? Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) Outreach & Engagement Specialist – Limited Duration through September 2027

Full-time or part-time? Full-time, 40 hrs./wk., generally Monday-Friday, 8am-5pm

What’s the pay? $23.19-$27.53/hr., dependent on experience

Where will I be working? This position is 100% on-site, whether at our main Gateway office or ORJF properties throughout East Portland

Do you offer benefits? We have a generous benefits package – see below for details

What’s the position all about?

The Outreach & Engagement (O&E) Specialist partners with households living in Our Just Future properties to help prevent homelessness and promote long-term housing stability. Using a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and participant-centered approach, this position identifies households at risk of housing instability, connects them to resources, and guides them through the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program and other available supports.

Working closely with residents, Property Management, the Resident Services Team, Prevention Specialists, CareOregon, and other community partners, the O&E Specialist helps eligible Oregon Health Plan (OHP) members access HRSN-funded rent and utility assistance through the federal Medicaid Waiver. This position combines outreach, participant engagement, eligibility determination, resource navigation, and cross-departmental collaboration to reduce housing barriers and support successful tenancy.

What will I be expected to do?

• Conduct comprehensive eligibility screenings and strengths-based assessments to determine participant eligibility for Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) services and identify barriers, goals, and opportunities that support long-term housing stability.


• Partner with participants to develop individualized housing stabilization plans and provide ongoing advocacy, coaching, and support using Assertive Engagement, Trauma-Informed Care, and other participant-centered practices that empower households to achieve their self-identified goals.


• Coordinate with the Prevention Specialist, Property Management, CareOregon, and other internal and external partners to maximize available HRSN resources, negotiate payment plans or other housing stabilization solutions, and address barriers that place households at risk of housing loss.


• Educate participants on landlord-tenant rights and responsibilities, assist with resolving lease violations and tenancy concerns, and advocate with landlords, property management, and service providers to promote successful housing retention.


• Provide crisis intervention, problem-solving, transition planning, and referrals to community resources that address participants' housing, behavioral health, financial, legal, and other stabilization needs.


• Navigate complex HRSN eligibility requirements, Oregon Administrative Rules, housing systems, and healthcare funding guidelines while remaining current on program changes and community resources.


• Utilize Unite Us, Health Trio, and other agency systems to submit applications, coordinate services, document billable activities, track service delivery, and maintain accurate participant records and files in compliance with agency, healthcare, and funding requirements.


• Review rent ledgers, delinquency reports, lease violations, and other financial documentation to identify households at risk of eviction and develop effective intervention strategies.


• Perform other duties as assigned.

What can I bring to the table?

We recognize that people gain skills through many different paths. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.

• Any combination of education and work experience in a social services setting with case management totaling two years or a bachelor's degree in social services/social sciences field with at least six (6) months of case management experience.


• Experience with crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques, community networking and resource development, and delivering services in a culturally responsive approach using Assertive Engagement techniques.


• Ability to manage multiple priorities, solve problems creatively, and work independently while contributing to a collaborative team.


• General computer, word processing and spreadsheet skills.


• Experience with HMIS or other case management databases is preferred.


• Bi-lingual fluency preferred but not required.


• Possession of a valid driver’s license, clean driving record, up-to-date automobile insurance, and reliable transportation required.

So, about that generous benefits package …

We’re here to support our employees in maintaining a healthy work/life balance by providing:

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) with our base HMO plan and deductible reimbursement starting the first of the month 30 days after your start date.


• Flexible spending accounts for health and for dependent care.


• Free (employer-paid premiums) for short-term and long-term disability insurance, and basic life insurance.


• Opportunity to contribute to a 401k retirement plan with a 2% employer match after three months of employment.


• Generous paid time off (PTO), 13 paid holidays, and a floating birthday holiday.


• A six-week paid sabbatical after every seven years of consecutive employment with Our Just Future.


• Access to an employee assistance program.

Want to help make a difference?

Our Just Future (OJF) counters the forces that keep people and communities in poverty by building relationships and assets that create opportunity today and for future generations. 

We partner with people and communities impacted by poverty so they can achieve long-term housing and economic security. We invest in affordable housing and community assets that contribute to strong, inclusive neighborhoods. We advocate with our community for policies and investments that expand housing and economic opportunity, eliminate wealth inequality and end poverty.

East Portland/East Multnomah County, Oregon is our home and the heart of our investments, advocacy and programs.

Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where all people can share the security, hopes, and advantages of a thriving, supportive community.

Our Just Future operates as a nimble, financially strong organization driven by our passion, strategic goals, and guiding principles.

Diversity, inclusion and equity are fundamental values for Our Just Future’s, both internally and externally.

Our Just Future is working to end homelessness and poverty in our community because every one of us deserves a safe place to call home.