Navigation Manager Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Housing Case Management Services (HCMS) Case Manager provides intensive, long-term housing-focused case management to households experiencing prolonged homelessness and significant barriers to housing stability. This position supports participants in securing permanent housing and provides ongoing services designed to promote housing retention, stability, and overall well-being.

The Case Manager works collaboratively with participants, landlords, community partners, service providers, and internal teams using a Housing First, low-barrier, harm reduction, trauma-informed, and participant-centered approach. Services are individualized based on participant needs and may include housing navigation, tenancy support, benefits and income navigation, healthcare and behavioral health connections, advocacy, and coordination of other community-based services. This position ensures services are delivered in alignment with Just Compassion policies, Washington County Department of Housing Services requirements, Supportive Housing Services (SHS) program standards, HMIS requirements, and applicable laws and regulations.

Essential Duties

• Provides intensive, long-term housing case management to households experiencing prolonged homelessness and significant barriers to housing stability.
• Supports participants in identifying housing barriers, developing individualized housing and service plans, securing permanent housing, and maintaining housing stability.
• Provides ongoing housing retention and tenancy support after participants enter permanent housing.
• Connects participants with healthcare, behavioral health, benefits, income, employment, transportation, and other community-based resources based on individualized needs and goals.
• Maintains timely, accurate, and complete documentation in HMIS and other required systems.
• Collaborates with internal teams, landlords, property managers, community partners, and service providers to coordinate wraparound services and support long-term participant stability.

Job Functions

• Complete participant intake, eligibility documentation, assessments, and enrollment activities in accordance with HCMS program requirements.
• Develop and maintain individualized case management plans that identify participant goals, strengths, barriers, service needs, and strategies for achieving long-term housing stability.
• Assist participants with housing search, unit identification, housing applications, landlord communication, reasonable accommodation requests, and move-in coordination as needed.
• Coordinate with Regional Long-Term Rent Assistance (RLRA), property management, landlords, and other housing partners to support successful housing placement and continued tenancy.
• Provide ongoing case management and housing retention services following housing placement, adjusting the level and type of support based on participant needs.
• Support participants in understanding and meeting tenancy responsibilities, communicating with landlords or property managers, and addressing concerns that could place housing stability at risk.
• Identify emerging housing stability concerns and work collaboratively with participants, landlords, supervisors, and community partners to prevent avoidable housing loss.
• Assist participants in accessing and maintaining eligible public benefits, healthcare coverage, income supports, employment resources, and other services that contribute to long-term stability.
• Connect participants with physical health, behavioral health, substance use treatment, disability services, and other supportive services based on participant choice and identified needs.
• Provide advocacy and assistance navigating complex service systems and address barriers that may prevent participants from accessing needed resources.
• Provide individualized support with budgeting, transportation, independent living needs, community integration, and other areas affecting housing stability when appropriate.
• Coordinate services with other providers and participate in regular case conferencing to promote continuity of care and a wraparound approach to participant services.
• Conduct participant meetings in the community, participants' homes, Just Compassion locations, and other appropriate settings based on participant needs and program requirements.
• Maintain consistent engagement with participants while respecting participant choice, autonomy, and self-determination.
• Collect, maintain, and upload eligibility and program documentation into HMIS and other required systems.
• Enter timely, accurate, and complete case notes, service documentation, housing updates, participant information, and required program data into HMIS.
• Monitor data quality and maintain accurate and organized participant records throughout program enrollment.
• Complete required program assessments, housing stability reviews, recertifications, and other ongoing documentation within established timelines.
• Maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and participant dignity at all times.
• Comply with Just Compassion policies, Washington County program standards, Supportive Housing Services requirements, HMIS requirements, and applicable regulations.
• Communicate proactively with supervisors regarding workload, participant needs, housing stability concerns, operational challenges, and emerging concerns.
• Apply trauma-informed, culturally responsive, Housing First, low-barrier, harm reduction, and participant-centered practices in all interactions and services.
• Perform additional duties as assigned in support of program operations and participant services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent experience.
• Experience working with individuals or households experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or other crisis situations.
• Strong communication, organization, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to manage competing priorities in a fast-paced, housing-focused environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, cloud-based systems, and client databases; HMIS experience preferred.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality, professional boundaries, and sound judgment when working with sensitive participant information.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of automobile insurance, and reliable personal vehicle for site visits and housing navigation.
• Commitment to equity, cultural responsiveness, trauma-informed care, Housing First principles, and Just Compassion’s mission.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual or multilingual abilities, including Spanish, Russian, or other languages commonly spoken by participants.
• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.
• Previous experience providing housing-focused case management, supportive services, or Medicaid-funded services.
• Experience with rapid re-housing, housing navigation, landlord engagement, or financial assistance programs.

Supervisory Responsibilities

This position does not have supervisory responsibilities and does not have authority to hire, discipline, or terminate employees.

Working Conditions

• Ability to sit for extended periods
• Ability to walk up and down stairs and stand for extended periods.
• Ability to lift up to 20 pounds and assist with light physical tasks (e.g., setting up tables/chairs).
• Ability to perform job duties that may involve bending, twisting, or reaching.

Why Just Compassion: Benefits & Total Rewards

Just Compassion is committed to supporting the health, well-being, and professional growth of our team members. Benefits for eligible employees may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance plans
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP), providing confidential counseling, financial, and legal support at no cost to team members
• Individual Retirement Account (IRA) retirement savings option
• Paid time off (PTO) for eligible employees
• Paid sick time in accordance with Oregon law
• Paid leave benefits in compliance with Oregon Paid Leave Oregon (PLO), Oregon Family Leave Act (OFLA), and the federal Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA), as applicable
• Wellness time to support overall employee well-being
• Eleven (11) paid holidays annually
• Professional development opportunities

Just Compassion of East Washington County is committed to a policy of Equal Employment Opportunity with respect to all employees and applicants for employment. This policy prohibits discrimination on all legally recognized bases including, but not limited to, race, creed, color, gender, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, marital status, family relationship, disability, national origin, or service in the uniformed services.