Northwest Housing Alternatives is offering an exciting employment opportunity to assist in the opening and operation of the new Annie Ross House for families experiencing homelessness in Clackamas County.

The Shelter Engagement Specialist ensures quality day-to-day operations of the Annie Ross House and provides support for families from a person-centered, trauma-informed perspective.  NHA has operated the Annie Ross House since 1986 and it continues to be the only 24/7 shelter keeping whole families with children together who are currently experiencing homelessness in Clackamas County.

NHA’s Annie Ross House serves families from many different backgrounds and cultures.  Families may speak different languages or have different lived experiences. Families made up of multi-generations, that are non-traditional, and/or have same-sex parents are all welcome.  

The ideal candidate will have a learned or lived experience that enables them to work effectively with all families.

Spanish speaking candidates are strongly preferred and a pay differential of $0.75 per hour is provided for bilingual staff.

The shelter requires 24/7 coverage and evening, night, and weekend shifts are available. Shift schedules are          

2:30pm to 11pm, and

10:30pm to 7am. 

These are full-time and part-time, non-exempt positions with an hourly pay range of $15.00 - $17.00 depending on experience. 

A pay differential of $0.75 per hour is provided for bilingual staff.

Typical Duties:

     ·         Welcome new shelter families and coordinate move in and move out activities.

·         Maintain the cleanliness, security and safety of the shelter.

·         Observe and support shelter participants in following shelter policies and procedures.

·         Offer assistance to participants with housing, employment, and identifying community resources.

·         Provide childcare support as needed during case management meetings.

·         Role model effective communication.

·         Observe, identify and de-escalate conflicts.

·         Offer education on child development and/or age appropriate parenting techniques as needed.

·         Respond appropriately to instances of abuse, violence, accidents or other emergencies.

 

Desired Qualifications: 

·        AA/AS Degree, Bachelor’s preferred; or a combination of two years of lived and/or learned experience in issues related to poverty, families experiencing homelessness, and government entitlements.

·         Knowledge of empowerment, trauma informed care, issues related to mental health and substance abuse, and domestic violence.

·         Positive problem-solving skills and ability to engage in successful conflict resolution.

·         Knowledge of child development, family systems, and positive parenting techniques.

·         Experience working with families from diverse backgrounds.

·         Excellent oral and written communication skills.

·         Ability to work successfully in a team-oriented environment and independently.

·         Basic skills and abilities in Microsoft Word, EXCEL, and Outlook.

·         Able to successfully pass a criminal background check.

·         Possess a current CPR/First Aid certification, or the ability to obtain within 6 months of hire.

·         Valid Oregon driver’s license, good driving record and proof of insurance.

About Northwest Housing Alternatives

For over 35 years, Northwest Housing Alternatives (NHA) has been a leading not-for-profit developer of affordable housing in Oregon.  Our mission is to create opportunity through housing by developing, building, and managing rental housing designed for Oregonians with extremely limited incomes.  These homes help families live healthy and stable lives, allow older adults to age in place, and give people with special needs a dignified residence.  Along with providing affordable housing, NHA provides services that connect tenants to critical health and community resources, work to prevent homelessness before it begins, and offer emergency shelter and services for families experiencing homelessness.

 NHA offers a great work environment and an opportunity to work with a group of committed and passionate coworkers just seven miles south of downtown Portland.  NHA provides a full range of benefits, including but not limited to the following:

·         Excellent health coverage through Kaiser Permanente, including multiple medical and dental plan options.  Alternative care and vision included. 

                        *NHA contributes 100% of the cost of coverage for the employee each year, plus an additional subsidy if the employee adds dependents

·         7% match after the first year of employment for our 403(b) retirement plan

·         Generous vacation and sick leave

·         4 weeks of paid parental leave

·         A pay differential of $0.75 per hour is provided for bilingual staff.

NHA is committed to building a culturally diverse and inclusive environment and are actively seeking to recruit a diverse applicant pool.

NHA is committed to supporting a diverse workforce and does not discriminate in employment based on race, color, gender, religion, national origin, age, disability, marital status, sexual orientation or gender identity, or any other status protected by law.