Program Specialist

Maintain accurate data in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System), Apricot.

DEPARTMENT: Outreach/ Emergency Services Department

REPORTS TO: Outreach Programs Manager

CLASSIFICATION: 1 (FTE), Non-Exempt, Full-time, 40 hours per week, 8:30am-5:00pm Monday through Friday, with some evenings and weekends. Eligible for telecommuting. Local travel- required.

The Program Specialist in the Outreach Department serves as the primary navigator and single point of contact for African American/Black participants experiencing homelessness or housing instability. Unlike traditional outreach, this role is designed to eliminate the "navigation burden" for participants by providing a seamless bridge to the Urban League’s full menu of housing and stability services. The Program Specialist works with participants holistically, acting as a dedicated advocate from the first street engagement through permanent housing move-in.

By utilizing assertive engagement and needs assessments, the Program Specialist proactively identifies barriers and takes full ownership of the internal and external referral process. This role focuses on early housing assessments, rapid rehousing (RRH) paperwork, and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) entry through Coordinated Access and the MSST (Multnomah Services and Screening Tool). Rather than "handing off" participants to different departments, the Program Specialist walks alongside them through every stage of the housing process—from initial applications to lease signings—ensuring a continuous, culturally responsive, and dignified path to holistic stability.

• Provide supportive services using a culturally responsive, strengths-based framework of assertive engagement.
• Conduct intakes and individualized needs assessments to identify barriers to housing and services.
• Partner with participants to develop and monitor short- and long-term goals, modifying plans as necessary to ensure progression.
• Offer "hands-on" referrals and personal advocacy to help participants obtain vital documents (, birth certificates, SSN/SSI/SSDI).
• Provide life skills education and crisis intervention tailored to the specific needs of Black/African American community members.
• Work in partnerships with internal departments such as Workforce, Empowerment and Health & Seniors to provide wrap-around services and retention services.
• Participate in the internal Case Conference and take the lead in follow-up with referrals on behalf of the participants.
• Maintain accurate data in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System), Apricot,
• Well established knowledge of the stability matrix and income calculator, and participants packets; and provide weekly shift updates to supervisor.

• Bridge Outreach and Housing:
  Walk alongside participants through every stage of the housing process—from initial assessment to move-in—to reduce gaps and delays.
• Housing Search Support:
  Assist with unit viewings, research affordable options, and completion of subsidized housing paperwork (including RRH/Rapid Rehousing and Permanent Supportive Housing entry).
• Landlord Engagement:
  Build respectful, professional relationships with landlords and property managers to support good tenancy and mediate lease-related issues and on time-rental payments.
• Move-In Coordination:
  Manage rental assistance and transition support to ensure sustainable long-term stability.

• Contribute to outreach efforts, including tabling events and community data assessments.