Program Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION: PROGRAM SPECIALIST

Full-Time, Non-Exempt | 40 hours per week

Reports to: Village Manager

Pay Range: $27.47–$30.00 per hour

Hiring Range: $27.47 per hour

WHO WE ARE

WeShine is a tax-exempt nonprofit formed in 2021 to develop and operate welcoming, safe, and empowering transitional micro-villages in Portland neighborhoods for some of the most vulnerable individuals among our houseless population. Vulnerable populations include but are not limited to LGBTQIA , Black Indigenous or People of Color, adults fleeing interpersonal violence, adults with multiple chronic conditions, adults with disabilities, veterans, students, and more. We establish partnerships with property owners and neighborhoods, faith-based communities, local nonprofits and businesses to create our supportive temporary micro-villages.

WeShine honors cultural and spiritual diversity in the communities we serve and Voice and Choice through trauma-informed practices. We are committed to Social Justice and are constantly assessing our organizational values and the extent to which we are succeeding in meeting our goals and benchmarks or need improvement. We specifically are seeking staff who are representative of the populations we serve our villages.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION OF THE ROLE

The Program Specialist (PS) is a direct-service role responsible for supporting villagers through case coordination, goal-setting, crisis prevention, documentation, and community engagement. Program Specialists help maintain a safe and supportive environment while assisting villagers in achieving self-identified goals related to housing, health, stability, and personal development.

Program Specialists build trusting relationships with villagers while modeling trauma-informed communication, supporting villager accountability, and contributing to a healthy, connected village culture.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Program Operations & Service Coordination

• Support admission and exit processes including admission coordination and orientation.
• Complete data entry and outcomes tracking (e.g., Service & Outcome Tracker, Wellness Checks, Daily Log, Graduate Contact updates).
• Conduct weekly care coordination check-ins with each villager, documenting progress and needs.
• Enter progress notes within 24 hours of all resource meetings.
• Update Villager Self-Directed Plans including goals, progress indicators, and priorities.
• Participate in quarterly assessments of villager needs, progress, and service adjustments.
• Conduct safety and risk assessments in collaboration with the Safety Committee.

2. Accountability & Support

• Assist in drafting Improvement Plans or Safety Plans with clear expectations and follow-up dates.
• Track villager follow-through on plans and document in the record-of-events log.
• Communicate emerging concerns in engagement, conduct, safety, or participation to the Village Manager promptly.
• Maintain non-oppressive, person-driven approaches when supporting accountability.

3. Community Engagement & Events

• Help plan, coordinate, and facilitate activities, workshops, outings, and community events.
• Support coordination of meals, celebrations, shared learning, and enrichment opportunities.
• Encourage villager participation in community offerings and volunteer engagement events.
• Support community-building practices consistent with WeShine’s values.

4. Village Environment & Culture

• Model trauma-informed communication, grounding techniques, and supportive engagement.
• Mediate or de-escalate minor conflicts when appropriate.
• Encourage villager participation in chores, community meetings, and wellness practices.
• Support cleanliness and accessibility of shared spaces, ensuring a welcoming environment.
• Reinforce community agreements through positive engagement and strengths-based support.

5. Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, confidential documentation for each villager.
• Follow all WeShine, HSD, and partner compliance documentation requirements.
• Assist with updating required forms, confidentiality agreements, and participation records.

6. Collaboration & Teamwork

• Participate in team huddles, staff meetings, supervisions, and required trainings.
• Support Lead Program Specialist and Village Manager with follow-up tasks, service coordination, and operational needs.
• Provide timely communication with team members regarding villager updates, risks, or needs.

Scope of Responsibilities: The responsibilities outlined above describe the primary duties of this position. These examples are not exhaustive. Duties that are similar, related, or logical extensions of the role may be assigned as organizational needs evolve.

QUALIFICATIONS, SKILLS & EXPERIENCE

Required

• Experience working with adults facing houselessness, trauma, stigma, behavioral health challenges, or substance use.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with ability to maintain professional boundaries.
• Ability to use trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and de-escalation approaches.
• Competency with Google Workspace, digital communication, and basic data entry.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to follow through on tasks.

Preferred

• Lived experience with houselessness, recovery, mental health navigation, or systems involvement.
• Certification as a Peer Support Specialist (PSS), Peer Wellness Specialist (PWS), or Certified Recovery Mentor (CRM), or willingness to obtain within 6 months.
• Experience in group facilitation, community building, or supportive housing environments.

PERSONAL QUALITIES

• Commitment to the belief that every person has the ability to learn, grow, and recover.
• Respect for individual autonomy and self-determination.
• Ability to examine and manage personal biases in multicultural settings.
• Ethical conduct aligned with WeShine values and professional standards.
• Ability to build relationships, foster teamwork, and collaborate effectively.

ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS

Background Check: WeShine will conduct a background check upon hire and every two years thereafter.

Drug/Alcohol Testing: WeShine reserves the right to require drug and/or alcohol testing as needed.

Employment Status: Employment with WeShine is at-will, meaning either the organization or the employee may end the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.