Policy Assistant Jobs in Portland, OR (NOW HIRING)

The Public Policy Analyst works with elected officials, community alliances and relevant community and public/government agencies to advance policy initiatives in support of Central City Concern’s mission. The Public Policy Analyst is responsible for policy analysis, advocacy, public education, and coalition efforts to increase investments in and solutions for Central City Concern (CCC) clients and programs.

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.

Location: 121 NW Everett St. Portland, OR 97209

Compensation: $87,000 - $113,000, annually

Final comp will be determined based on relevant experience, education, credentials/licensure, and internal equity.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• A master’s degree in public policy, law, public administration, social work, urban planning or related field, plus two years' experience
  • OR a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field plus four years' experience
  • OR equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Must be in compliance with the Oregon Governmental Ethics Commission and adhere to all state and federal lobbying laws and regulations.
• Experience working with community-based organizations, social service agencies, community organizing and diverse coalitions, including culturally specific policy preferred.
• Experience with administrative and legislative advocacy preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience with effective programmatic solutions and responses to homelessness.
• Non-profit policy experience with elected officials preferred.
• Will be required to carry an agency cell phone for work use. Cell phone will be provided by Central City Concern.
• Ability to adhere to Central City Concern’s drug-free workplace which encourages a safe, healthy and productive work environment and strictly complies with the Drug-Free Work Place Act of 1988. An employee shall not, in the workplace, unlawfully manufacture, distribute, dispense, possess or use a controlled substance or alcohol in the workplace.
• Must pass a pre-employment drug screen, TB test, and background check.
• Must adhere to agency’s non-discrimination policies.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliation, cultural backgrounds, life-styles and sexual orientations, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Collaborates with and supports the Public Policy and Public Affairs teams, and program, senior and executive leadership, to identify policy/systems barriers, identify macro-level solutions, and contribute to overall advocacy activities in support of Central City Concern’s priorities and mission.
• Analyzes state and national public policies, programs, and legislation for their impact on clients served by CCC.
• Provides information and analyses, both verbally and in writing, to executive management, policymakers, advocates, coalition members, the general public and other stakeholders.
• Supports and contributes to the development and execution of successful advocacy strategies for educating policymakers and other decision makers about the needs of vulnerable populations and advancing policy solutions.
• Contributes to the development and delivery of appropriate communications materials, including fact sheets, policy briefs, grant proposals and other written materials.
• In partnership with public policy organizer(s), participate in coalitions and partner organizations to develop and pursue specific program and policy changes while fostering engagement from impacted populations.
• Build relationships with key stakeholders by helping to organize meetings and client community events.
• Facilitate group meetings, trainings, and workshops as needed and assigned.
• Oversee and coordinate committee assignments and partnerships to strategize aspects of public policy when needed.
• 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 Emergency Medical Record (EMR access). This includes immediately reporting any breach of protected health information or personal identification information of any person receiving CCC services by CCC or an outside provider to the CCC Compliance Department, as well as to your supervisor or their designee.
• Provide support to leadership in implementation of new programming as needed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Excellent written and oral communication skills. Experience and comfort with public speaking and facilitation.
• Commitment to effective networking, collaboration and demonstrated ability to build productive working relationships with diverse staff and external stakeholders.
• Demonstrable strategic and critical thinking skills.
• Understanding of the importance of coalition-building activities and their impact on issue-based social change movements.
• Strong planning, facilitation, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work under tight timelines, think conceptually, and take a proactive role in executing and completing projects.
• Ability to work well in groups and within teams as well as individually.

Benefits at Central City Concern

We offer incredible benefits to our employees, including an extensive total rewards package, competitive compensation, medical, dental, vision, Student loan repayment options, and retirement savings matching plans!

• Generous paid time off plan beginning at 4 weeks of PTO accrual per year! Accrual amount/rate increases with longevity.
• Up to 11 recognized Holidays and 2 personal holidays (dependent on work shift schedule).
• Amazing 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with an employer match of 4.25% in your 1st year, 6% in the 2nd year, and 8% in your 3rd year!
• Comprehensive Medical, Vision, and Dental insurance coverage.
• Employer-Paid Life, Short-Term Disability, & Long-Term Disability Insurance!
• 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 the 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.