HUD Family Advocate

OUR JUST FUTURE • Portland, OR

4d • $22 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

This is an opportunity to do meaningful, relationship-centered work that directly helps families move from homelessness to stability. This role is ideal for someone who enjoys problem-solving, advocating for others, and building strong partnerships with both participants and community providers. Every day in this role offers the chance to make a tangible difference by helping families secure housing, maintain stability, and move toward a future with greater opportunity.

As a Family Advocate, you will partner with families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability and support them as they secure housing, build stability, and work toward the goals that matter most to them. Rather than simply connecting people to services, you will build ongoing relationships that help households navigate barriers, strengthen skills, and create long-term stability.

Working within our HUD-funded Rapid Re-Housing and Permanent Supportive Housing programs, you will guide households from the moment they enter the program through their journey in housing. Using strengths-based, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive approaches, you will help participants develop personalized action plans focused on housing stability, income, education, wellness, and family well-being.

Requirements

• A bachelor’s degree in social services, social sciences, or a related field with at least six months of case management experience, OR a combination of education and relevant work experience totaling at least two years.
• Experience working with: People experiencing homelessness, poverty, or housing instability. Crisis intervention, community resources, and service coordination. Discussing sensitive topics such as substance use, domestic violence, mental health, and criminal history in a non-judgmental manner. Build trusting relationships and support participants in identifying strengths, goals, and solutions.
• Cultural humility and experience working with diverse communities.
• Understanding of the systemic causes of poverty and homelessness.
• Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a team environment.
• Basic-to-intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook.
• A valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance since fieldwork is an important part of the position.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive case management and advocacy to program participants, including eligibility screening, program intake, and ongoing support throughout the duration of enrollment.
• Work collaboratively with households to develop individualized goal plans addressing housing stability, income, education, wellness, and family stability.
• Support participants in securing and maintaining housing by assisting with housing searches, landlord communication, reasonable accommodation requests, and addressing potential lease issues.
• Maintain consistent engagement with households through regular meetings, providing coaching, resource connections, and life-skills support.
• Coordinate with property managers, resident services, and community partners to help households stabilize and prevent eviction.
• Apply trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices, including Assertive Engagement and strengths-based case management.
• Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with HUD requirements, including eligibility verification, recertifications, and case notes.
• Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and community partnerships that support program success.

Benefits

• Free (employer-paid premiums) for employee health insurance (medical, dental, vision) through the 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 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.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level