Eviction Prevention Specialist

Central City Concern is an innovative nonprofit agency providing comprehensive services to single adults and families in the Portland metro area who are impacted by homelessness, poverty and addictions. We hire people that are skilled and passionate to meet our mission to end homelessness through outcome-based strategies which support personal and community transformation.

The Eviction Prevention Specialist (EPS) will work across Central City Concern's (CCC) supportive housing programs to provide eviction prevention support to residents at a high risk of eviction. The EPS will engage with clients when issues become more complex, requiring specialized expertise, or when initial interventions by Resident Services Coordinators have not been successful. This position focuses on intensive, targeted interventions aimed at preventing eviction when the risk is high. The EPS must have a good understanding of dual relationships, professional boundaries, and appropriate behavior. The incumbent will have the skills, experience and flexibility needed to support and assist clients in maintaining residency.

Schedule: Monday-Friday 8am-4:30pm

Location: Supportive Housing locations (118 NW 3rd Ave. Portland, OR 97209)

Compensation: Starting at $24.52/hr

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor's degree in Business or relevant Social Services field and 2 years of housing experience that includes some eviction prevention work; -OR-
  
  
  
  • Associate's degree with emphasis in relevant studies and 3 years of housing experience that includes some eviction prevention work; -OR-
  • High School Diploma/GED and 4 years of housing experience that includes some eviction prevention work.
  
  
  
  
• Will be required to work at multiple locations.
• Knowledge of fair housing laws and tenant rights and familiarity with social, health and benefit resources in Multnomah County.
• Must possess a current driver's license, access to a vehicle, pass a DMV background check and be designated an "acceptable" driver as outlined in Central City Concern's Fleet Safety Policy. Must pass an initial driver training within 60-days of being an approved driver and continued recertification training. Must maintain vehicle insurance coverage of a minimum of $100,000/$300,000 personal auto liability coverage.
• Understanding of recovery terminology and ability to apply concepts.
• Competent with MS Office suite of software including ability to create basic business documents and spreadsheets and manipulate data.
• Must pass pre-employment drug screen and background check.
• Must not actively be on probation or parole.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phones will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Must adhere to agency's non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern's drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy, and productive work environment and complies with the Drug-Free Workplace Ace of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations and treat everyone with respect and dignity.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bi-lingual, Spanish-speaking preferred.
• Familiarity with community resources available to clients specific to the Portland Metro area.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Responds to situations that pose an immediate risk of eviction to CCC residents, such as severe illness, hospitalizations, or legal issues.
• Provides assessment or problem-solving information to individuals and families facing possible eviction, referred by CCC Resident Services Coordinators.
• Provides in-person assessment and support with the client facing eviction, using established assessment tools, trauma informed interventions, and motivational interviewing.
• Offers ongoing support for tenants who are at high risk of eviction despite regular interventions.
• Partner with Case Manager to develop complex case plan to mitigate eviction risk, with frequent check-ins and partnership with property management staff.
• Offer consultation to onsite staff on complex cases before they escalate to full team involvement.
• Attend appropriate community professional meetings. Assist in completing required reports for the Housing Department, Supportive Housing Department, Health Services, and/or Administration Department promptly and accurately.
• Participate in compliance, quality assurance and quality improvement activities as directed.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy regulations, including HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2, and to CCC policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Support compliance with all privacy and security requirements pursuant to community partners' and outside providers' patient confidentiality agreements, including privacy and security requirements for EMR access. This includes immediate reporting of any PHI breach of CCC or outside provider health record to the CCC Legal and Quality departments, as well as to the program administrator.

DESCRIPTION OF OTHER DUTIES:

• Participate in training opportunities to advance skills and knowledge in addictions, mental health, and criminality.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Ability to consider the impacts and outcomes for underserved communities during decision-making processes.
• Ability to consider impacts of systems of oppression, structural racism, and individual bias on client outcomes.
• Knowledge of chemical dependency as a disease, treatment, and intervention methods.
• Ability to understand mental health assessment, treatment and service terminology and apply the concepts.
• Ability to work as a team member and to establish priorities.
• Ability to display a non-judgmental attitude, and a willingness to learn new skills.
• Demonstrated ability to work without supervision.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community, social agencies, and self-help groups.
• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Ability to communicate clearly and concisely both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to manage time and meet deadlines.
• Ability to understand and follow verbal and written instructions.
• Ability to work courteously with the public, tenants, and co-workers.
• Ability to maintain accurate records and necessary paperwork.
• Ability to access and enter data into a web-based data system.
• Ability to learn and apply training instruction.
• Knowledge of de-escalation methods or ability to be trained in de-escalation methods.
• Ability to effectively communicate with clients, co-workers, corrections personnel, police, merchants, the public at large and supervisor.
• Ability to provide leadership.
• Ability to provide advocacy, as appropriate.
• Professional maintenance of appropriate boundaries.
• Ability to establish and maintain cooperative working relationships with those contacted during work.

BENEFITS: Central City Concern offers an incredible benefits package to our Regular/FT employees

• Generous paid time off plan which provides up to 4 weeks of PTO accrual in the first year. Accrual increases with longevity.
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with competitive employer match with 4.25% in the first year, 6% in the second year, and 8% in the 3rd year.
• 11 Recognized Holidays PLUS 2 Personal Holidays to be used at the employee's discretion.
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer Paid Life, Short Term Disability, AND Long Term Disability Insurance!
• Excellent relocation package for those roles that qualify.
• Sabbatical Program offering extended time off at years 7, 14, and 21.

This description is intended to provide a snapshot of the work performed and is not designed to contain a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of the position.

As an agency deeply rooted in recovery, part of our policy and commitment to a drug and alcohol-free workplace includes post-offer, pre-employment drug screens. Please note we follow Federal Guidelines regarding prohibited substances, even for those legal at the state level.

Central City Concern is a second chance employer and complies with applicable laws regarding consideration of criminal background for employment purposes. Government regulations, contractual requirements, or the duties of this job may require CCC to conduct a background check and take appropriate action to address prior criminal convictions.