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Homeless Support Worker Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

OUTSIDE IN

Youth Engagement Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$25.16 - $27.77/hr

Experience working with homeless populations and/or people with mental health and substance use ... to support program activities. This means that the employee will meet with participants in ...

OUTSIDE IN

Youth Engagement Specialist

Portland, OR · On-site

$25.16 - $27.77/hr

Experience working with homeless populations and/or people with mental health and substance use ... to support program activities. This means that the employee will meet with participants in ...

Union Gospel Mission

Be Seen First

Outreach Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$19/hr

Homeless Outreach Manager SUPERVISES: N/A LOCATION: 3 NW Third Avenue; a significant part of the ... Provide pastoral care, guidance and support. * Respond to people experiencing acute crisis or ...

Seamar

Case Manager (BH Housing)

Vancouver, WA · On-site

Works collaboratively with co-workers and with personnel from other agencies with whom we interact ... Provide peer counseling and support, drawing on common experiences as a peer, to validate client ...

Central City Concern

Health Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$24.30 - $33.25/hr

The HA is responsible for providing support to the Care Team Managers (CTM) and providers on each ... Experience working with homeless, low-income, or other vulnerable populations in a supportive role ...

Central City Concern

Health Assistant

Portland, OR · On-site

$24.30 - $33.25/hr

The HA is responsible for providing support to the Care Team Managers (CTM) and providers on each ... Experience working with homeless, low-income, or other vulnerable populations in a supportive role ...

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All JobsHomeless Support Worker JobsHomeless Support Worker Jobs in Portland, OR

Homeless Support Worker information

See Portland, OR salary details

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How much do homeless support worker jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average hourly pay for homeless support worker in Portland, OR is $18.63, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.30 and $21.25 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a homeless support worker?

Homeless Support Workers are professionals who provide assistance, guidance, and advocacy to individuals experiencing homelessness. Their role involves helping clients access housing, healthcare, employment, and other essential services. They work with people from diverse backgrounds, often addressing complex needs such as mental health issues, addiction, and trauma. The goal of a Homeless Support Worker is to empower clients to regain stability, independence, and improve their quality of life.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a homeless support worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Homeless Support Worker, you need knowledge of social care principles, experience in case management, and often a relevant qualification such as a diploma in social work or health and social care. Familiarity with client record management systems, safeguarding protocols, and local housing resources is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and cultural sensitivity help build trust and effectively advocate for clients. These skills and qualities are vital for delivering effective support, empowering clients, and achieving positive outcomes in challenging environments.

What are some common challenges faced by homeless support workers, and how can they be effectively managed?

Homeless Support Workers often encounter challenges such as managing complex client needs, handling crisis situations, and navigating limited resources. Building strong communication and de-escalation skills is crucial, as is fostering resilience and self-care to prevent burnout. Collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, including healthcare professionals and housing agencies, helps ensure holistic support for clients. Regular supervision and ongoing training further equip workers to manage these challenges effectively.

What is the difference between Homeless Support Worker vs Outreach Worker?

AspectHomeless Support WorkerOutreach Worker
CredentialsRelevant certifications, social work or counseling backgroundSimilar certifications, often with community outreach training
Work EnvironmentCommunity centers, shelters, client homesField-based, community settings, street outreach
Employer & IndustryNonprofits, government agencies, sheltersCommunity organizations, health agencies, nonprofits

Homeless Support Workers and Outreach Workers share similar credentials and often work within community settings for nonprofits or government agencies. The main difference is that Homeless Support Workers typically provide ongoing support and case management, while Outreach Workers focus on engaging individuals directly in the field to connect them with services.

What jobs can I do to help homeless support workers?

Supporting roles for homeless support workers include positions such as case manager, outreach worker, shelter assistant, or administrative staff. These jobs often require strong communication skills, empathy, and knowledge of social services, and may involve working in shelters, community centers, or outreach programs.
Homeless Support Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homeless Support Worker job openings in Portland, OR as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 21% Part Time, and 5% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $38,142 per year, or $18.3 per hour.

Peer Support Specialist - Latinx BHRN

The Peer Company

Portland, OR • On-site

$25/hr

Full-time

Posted 15 days ago

Job description

The Peer Company (TPC)

Peer Support Specialist – Latinx BHRN Job Description


Pay: $25.00 Per Hour

Schedule: 1.0 FTE (40 hours per week)

Hours and Location: 

Monday - Friday, 9:00AM – 5:00PM 

Home Office – Recovery Campus: 8935 SE Powell Blvd Portland, OR 97266

Benefits: This is a benefited position as outlined in TPC Employee Handbook

Title: Peer Support Specialist

Reports to: BHRN Program Manager

Department: Latinx BHRN


Job Summary

The Peer Support Specialist (PSS) provides peer support as someone who has similar life experiences and acts as a positive role model for living in recovery. The PSS is a member of interdisciplinary teams participating in collaboratively supporting an individual’s self-defined and self-directed care. The PSS supports the individual being served by creating their own person-directed recovery plan and accomplishing goals towards their self-defined recovery journey plan. They provide a listening, nonjudgmental presence and connect individuals being served with a full range of community resources.


BHRN Peer Support Specialists will be providing peer support via intentional outreach, community partner referrals and/or self-referrals from anyone seeking help for their drug use/addiction issues. This position is community-based serving people in their homes, social service agencies, homeless camps or wherever their peers reside. BHRN peers must drive and schedule independently. This position requires daily local travel. The PSS will process referrals in Latinx BHRNs and connect the person seeking help with the resources of their choosing.

 

Qualifications

 

Education: High school diploma or equivalent required.


Background Check: A criminal background check will be conducted by The Peer Company in accordance with The Peer Company background check policy. A criminal record does not necessarily exclude an individual from employment with The Peer Company.

 

Pre-Hire Drug Screen: As part of The Peer Company's commitment to fostering a safe, productive, and professional workplace, we require pre-hire drug screenings for all potential employees. The screening will be conducted in accordance with The Peer Company's drug screening policy, as well as applicable state and federal laws.


Motor Vehicle Records Search: For positions that require driving, The Peer Company conducts a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) search in accordance with company policy, insurance requirements, and applicable state and federal laws. 


To be eligible for a driving-required position, candidates must meet the following minimum driving standards: 

  • No major driving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - DUII, careless driving, leaving the scene of an accident, etc.) 
  • No more than 3 moving violations within the past 3 years (i.e. - speeding, failing to yield, running red light, etc.) 


Experience: 

  • Identifies as having lived experience in recovery with substance use disorder (SUD) and/or mental health challenges. Has at least 24 months of continuous, sustained recovery with SUD and/or mental health challenges before employment
  • Understands the principles of trauma-informed care, recovery, consumer-involvement
  • Must be bilingual in English and Spanish, with the ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing


Maintaining Continuous Recovery:

Employees serving in recovery-focused roles who have lived experience with substance use disorder (SUD) must maintain continuous recovery and remain abstinent by not engaging in substance or alcohol use (illegal, legal, and recreational) during their employment with TPC.

 

Licensure/Certification: 

  • Peer Support Specialist (OHA Traditional Health Worker certification) or MHACBO CRM certification required or able to be obtained within 90 days of hire
  • Valid Oregon Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance required. Access to reliable personal vehicle required

 

Skills:

  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team
  • Ability to work with people from diverse backgrounds and cultures
  • Typing and general technology skills to easily and efficiently navigate electronic systems (e.g., email, Microsoft Teams, etc.)
  • Ability to push/pull/lift/carry items up to 25 pounds

 

 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

  • Provides 1:1 peer support to diverse individuals being served in accordance with The Peer Company’s values alignment and principles of peer support 
  • Collaborates with individuals to create Person Directed Plans (PDPs) to support their individualized recovery journey
  • Participates in regular peer support supervision sessions
  • Collaborate with other service providers and interdisciplinary teams to support participant PDPs and recovery journeys
  • Attend meetings, as applicable, to gain knowledge, communicate program objectives, and advocate for the needs of the participants being served
  • Implements the regulations, policies, and procedures which pertain to peer-delivered service, The Peer Company, and community partners
  • Following the direction of the participants served, assist participants in exploring strategies that increase satisfaction with the eight dimensions of wellness
  • Travels to visit community partners and participants, occasionally transporting participants to relevant community partners
  • Support participants in crisis by helping them to deescalate and identify next steps in their recovery journey
  • Assist participants in identifying and engaging various community resources and supports
  • Documents support services in a program database in a manner that assures compliance with policies, program procedures and local, state, and federal regulations
  • Maintains accurate and up-to-date documentation as required by program deliverables
  • Meets TPC’s metric-based performance expectations based on organizational standards and contract deliverables
  • Acts as a positive role model for individuals being served and exploring their own path to wellness and recovery
  • Respects and honors a person’s rights and responsibilities and demonstrates professional boundaries and ethics
  • Adheres to mandatory abuse reporting laws and HIPAA requirements
  • Complete other relevant duties as assigned

 

The above accountabilities represent work performed by this position and are not all-inclusive. The omission of a specific accountability will not preclude it from the position if the work is similar, related, or a logical extension of the position.

 

Employment with The Peer Company is "at-will." This means employees are free to resign at any time, with or without cause, and The Peer Company may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or advance notice. As an at-will employee, it is not guaranteed, in any manner, that you will be employed with The Peer Company for any set period of time.

 

The Peer Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment opportunities at The Peer Company are based upon one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, religion, sex, gender identity, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical conditions, national origin, age, Veteran status, disability, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law.