Care Specialist (Social Services/Case Management)
3/27/2026
The Care Specialist will engage in deeply impactful, hands-on work with families transitioning from homelessness into permanent supportive housing, utilizing trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches to create individualized plans. Responsibilities include building trusting relationships, conducting assessments, supporting housing stability through lease navigation, connecting participants to critical healthcare and behavioral health resources, and responding to crises.
Salary
24.33 - 28.89 USD
Working Hours
40 hours/week
Company Size
51-200 employees
Language
English
Visa Sponsorship
No
What is the position? Care Specialist – a combination of Social Services & Case Management
Full-time or part-time? Full-time (40 hrs./wk.), generally Monday – Friday, 8am – 5pm
What’s the pay? $24.33 – $28.89/hr. (non-exempt), depending on experience
Where will I be working? This position offers a hybrid work benefit and the primary in-office location will be The Aurora Apartments in East Portland
Do you offer benefits? We have a generous benefits package – see below for details
What’s the position all about?
This is a chance to do deeply impactful, hands-on work with a small group of families while being part of a highly collaborative, supportive housing community.
As a Care Specialist at The Aurora, you’ll work with families who are transitioning from homelessness into permanent supportive housing. You’ll help families navigate complex challenges, including mental health needs, substance use, and other barriers to stability. Using trauma-informed, culturally-responsive, and strengths-based approaches, you’ll partner with participants to create individualized plans that reflect their goals and priorities, while also connecting them to critical healthcare, behavioral health, and community resources.
This role is ideal for someone who thrives in relationship-driven work, is comfortable navigating complex behavioral health needs, and wants to see the direct, day-to-day impact of their work. Your efforts will help families not only stay housed, but build healthier, more stable futures.
What will I be expected to do?
- Build trusting relationships with families and provide ongoing, strengths-based case management
- Conduct intakes and assessments, develop and implement individualized goal plans with participants.
- Support housing stability by assisting with lease-up, navigating barriers, and helping residents understand and maintain lease requirements.
- Partner with property management to proactively address concerns and prevent lease violations or eviction.
- Provide trauma-informed, culturally responsive support using strengths-based and Assertive Engagement approaches.
- Connect participants to healthcare, behavioral health, and community resources, including mental health, substance use, and medical services.
- Offer coaching and practical support to build life skills and long-term stability.
- Collaborate with internal teams and external partners, including Coordinated Access and LifeWorks NW.
- Respond to crises and provide de-escalation support as needed.
- Maintain accurate documentation and ensure compliance with program requirements.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, training, and community partnerships that support program success.
What can I bring to the table?
We recognize that people gain skills through many different paths. Candidates who meet most of the qualifications are encouraged to apply.
- Any combination of education and work experience in a behavioral healthcare setting with case management totaling at least three years OR a bachelor's degree in social service/social sciences field with at least 1 year of case management experience specifically focused on behavioral health.
- Qualified Mental Health Associate (QMHA) registration and certification preferred but not required.
- 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.
- Bilingual and bicultural candidates are encouraged to apply.
So, about that generous benefits package …
We’re here to support our employees maintain a healthy work/life balance by providing:
- 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.
Want to help make a difference?
Our Just Future (OJF) counters the forces that keep people and communities in poverty by building relationships and assets that create opportunity today and for future generations.
We partner with people and communities impacted by poverty so they can achieve long-term housing and economic security. We invest in affordable housing and community assets that contribute to strong, inclusive neighborhoods. We advocate with our community for policies and investments that expand housing and economic opportunity, eliminate wealth inequality and end poverty.
East Portland/East Multnomah County, Oregon is our home and the heart of our investments, advocacy and programs.
Our Just Future envisions vibrant, healthy neighborhoods where all people can share the security, hopes, and advantages of a thriving, supportive community.
Our Just Future operates as a nimble, financially strong organization driven by our passion, strategic goals and guiding principles.
Diversity, inclusion and equity are fundamental values for Our Just Future’s, both internally and externally. OJF has an Anti-Oppression Diversity Committee, which serves as a sounding board for new internal policies and procedures to make sure that we’re taking into account diversity and inclusion. It also helps with diversity-related projects, such as coordinating staff diversity trainings and providing ongoing input into our equity work.
Our Just Future is working to end homelessness and poverty in our community because every one of us deserves a safe place to call home.
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