Housing Navigation Specialist (Mental Health Associate) Residential & Support Svcs

Marion County requires on-site work. Remote work is not available.

Are you passionate about making a difference in the lives of vulnerable individuals and families with complex needs Do you have strong communication skills a collaborative spirit and a heart for service

Marion County Health and Human Services (MCHHS) is seeking a Housing Navigation Specialist to support our Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program. This critical role helps individuals and families experiencing mental health conditions substance use disorders and/or intellectual and developmental disabilities secure and maintain long-term stable housing.

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver individualized skills training and support services to promote independence and recovery.

• Provide comprehensive case management housing navigation and coordination of care referrals and service planning.

• Collaborate with case managers housing specialists and community partners.

• Maintain strong relationships with property managers and landlords.

• Utilize and update available housing resource databases.

• Create and implement person-centered service plans and monitor progress toward person-centered goals.

• Track and report outcome measures in monthly and quarterly reports.

Ideal Candidate Will Have:

• QMHA certification or the ability to obtain the qualification within 90-days from the hire date.

• Experience working with individuals with Serious and Persistent Mental Illness (SPMI) Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities in a community-based setting.

• Strong knowledge of trauma-informed care and harm-reduction approaches.

• Compassion organization and excellent communication skills.

• Professional experience in public services or behavioral health.

• Familiarity with local mental health housing and support services.

• Experience working with vulnerable populations.

• Understanding of person-centered planning and behavioral health concepts (case management skills training care coordination).

• Knowledge of electronic health records systems and/or other service delivery systems.

Apply now for this exciting opportunity and to be part of a mission-driven organization making lasting change and join a dedicated team working to build healthier more stable communities.

• Have an understanding of Health-Related Social Needs and the 1115 Waiver.
• Have an understanding of local housing market HUD principles and various vouchers and develop and maintain positive relationships with local landlords.
• Work directly with individuals who are houseless or at risk of losing their housing to find permanent safe housing.
• Develop person-centered housing plans that ensure individuals and families reach long-term success.
• Provides screening to individuals needing housing navigation services.
• Provides home and community-based tenancy services case management skills training and outreach services to help individuals engage and receive treatment from community providers including mental health chemical dependency and physical health care providers.
• Requires ability to work independently managing multiple individuals needs and directives simultaneously.
• Complete documentation to support data driven informed practices and bill fee-for-service when providing tenancy services case management and skills training.
• Become a trainer for Rent-Well or Ready to Rent tenant education classes.
• Work with other MCHHS team members and supervisor for clinical supervision supports and service planning team meetings and trainings regarding housing options for individuals.
• Perform other duties as assigned by your supervisor.

EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

1. Three years relevant work experience in a behavioral health services field; OR
2. Bachelors degree in a behavioral science field; OR
3. Any satisfactory combination of work education training or experience relevant to the position as determined by Marion County.

• Must possess a current Mental Health & Addiction Certification Board of Oregon (MHACBO) Qualified Mental Health Associate certification (QMHA) or register within ninety (90) days of hire and complete in accordance with MHACBO guidelines. See MHACBO website for requirements.
• Must possess a current drivers license in the applicants state of residence and an acceptable driving history. Marion County will obtain a copy of the driving record for all qualified applicants from Driver and Motor Vehicle Services and review the driving record according to the Marion County policy and procedure for Driving on County Business. The policy can be found at: finalist for this position will be required to pass a criminal history background check; however conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual for this position.
• This is a safety sensitive/special needs position. Final candidates selected for this position will be required to pass a pre-employment drug screen including testing for marijuana. The Marion County Drug and Alcohol Use and Testing Policy can be found at: position is within a Drug & Alcohol Treatment program must be able to obtain CADC1 certification within 6 months of date of hire.
• This position may be subject to the following: Must not be excluded from participation in the federal health care programs (Medicaid Medicare and other federally funded programs that provide health benefits); AND must not be excluded from participating in federal procurement (Federal Acquisition Regulation) and non-procurement activities (Executive Order No. 12549).
• This assignment is represented by a union.
• This is a full-time regular position which is eligible for overtime.
• Typical Work Schedule: Monday through Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm hours may vary depending upon the needs of the department and program.

PUBLIC SERVICE LOAN FORGIVENESS
Marion County is a qualifying public employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program. Through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program full-time employees working at the County may qualify for forgiveness of the remaining balance on Direct Student Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments under a qualifying repayment plan. Questions about your student loan eligibility should be directed to your loan servicer or the US Department of Education.

VISA SPONSORSHIP
Marion County does not offer VISA sponsorship. Within three days of hireyou will be required to complete the US Department of Homeland Securitys I-9 form confirming authorization to work in the United States. Marion County is an E-Verify employer and will use E-Verify to confirm that hires are authorized to work in the United States.

VETERANS PREFERENCE
Applicants are eligible to use Veterans Preference when applying with Marion County in accordance with ORS 408.225 408.230 and 408.235 and OAR and . Preference will be awarded only if the applicant meets the minimum requirements of the position and attaches the required documentation at the time of application.

DOCUMENTS REQUIRED FOR VETERANS PREFERENCE

• One of the following:
  • MEMBER COPY 4 of the Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty (DD Form 214 or 215); OR
  • Letter from the US Department of Veterans Affairs indicating receipt of a non-service connected pension; OR
  • Certification that discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

• In addition to one of the above documents Disabled Veterans must also submit one of the following:
  • A copy of their Veterans disability preference letter from the Department of Veterans Affairs; OR
  • Certification that medical separation from active duty under honorable conditions will take place not later than 120 days after the submission of the certificate.

You can request copies of your military service record through the National Archives website at County is an Equal Opportunity Affirmative Action Veteran and Disability employer committed to increasing the diversity of its workforce.

Applicants with a disability may request reasonable accommodation through Human Resources in any step of the process to assist them in demonstrating their qualifications to perform the duties of the position for which they are applying. Please e-mailHuman Resourcesif you wish to request an accommodation.