Eviction Legal Defense Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator

United Way Equity Definition 

We recognize that structural racism and other forms of oppression have contributed to persistent disparities in our region. We must focus our work on the most marginalized groups, and we know that centering race and ethnicity is critical to ending the historical and social inequities that continue to exist in our region. 

Purpose of this Role 

United Way of the Columbia Willamette is seeking a dedicated and compassionate professional to fill the Eviction Legal Defense Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator role to join our Housing Stability team. The Eviction Legal Defense Enrollment and Outreach Coordinator will play a crucial role in achieving our overall goal of improving housing stability through integrating services in our organization and enrolling eligible members in various housing programs.  The incumbent in this role will collaborate with the Eviction Legal Defense (ELD) program and the Health-Related Social Needs (HRSN) program to enhance resources necessary for stabilizing the households served. 

Additionally, this role will be responsible for empowering and educating tenants by providing advocacy, educating them on their rights, and offering financial literacy resources. This position requires excellent communication skills, strong interpersonal skills, and practical organizational and time management abilities. The incumbent will need to be committed to supporting housing justice and possess the skills to apply a trauma-informed approach in serving vulnerable and marginalized populations.   

The incumbent will collaborate with legal partners, housing advocates, and other team members  while also engaging in community outreach and program enrollment. This will require a high degree of public engagement and collaboration with the public and community partners.  

Key Accountabilities 

• Case Management Support: Provide light-touch case management and systems navigation between the ELD (Eviction Legal Defense) and HRSN (Health Related Social Needs) Program to support enrollment and eligibility. The incumbent will be responsible for collaborating with legal partners, Housing Stability Managers, and other internal and external partners and stakeholders. 

• Housing Navigation: Assist clients displaced by eviction or who may need to relocate to avoid eviction. Assist in identifying and securing safe and affordable housing options. This may include navigating the housing application process, securing rental assistance, and other community-based resources needed to improve housing stability. 

• Tenancy Support: Work with members to address landlord/tenant issues that may negatively impact housing stability. Communicate and inform landlords about both the ELD and/or HRSN programs, their benefits, and other available resources. 

• Resource Navigation: Connect clients to relevant community-based resources, such as rental assistance programs, food banks, healthcare services, and employment support.   

• Advocacy: Provide advocacy and eviction prevention navigation using Fair Housing and Housing First practices to prevent displacement. Advocate for tenants' rights and needs, which may include mediation and negotiation with landlords, social service agencies, and other service providers. 

• Data Collection & Reporting: Responsible for data entry between multiple platforms. Maintain accurate and up-to-date record keeping. Utilize Apricot, a case management platform that collects client demographics and other data metrics.   

• Outreach & Engagement: Participate in community outreach activities and events to raise awareness about the ELD and HRSN program and enrollment of potential members. 

• Tenant Education: Coordinate and conduct tenant education training in the community that provides support and information to prevent eviction while empowering renters of their rights.   

This job description describes the general nature and level of work performed by employees assigned to this position. This is not an exhaustive list of all required duties, responsibilities, and skills. Reasonable accommodation may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. 

Additional Competencies and Required Skills 

• Exemplary customer service using trauma-informed techniques and strategies 

• Highly developed interpersonal skills 

• Professional demeanor 

• Strong planning and organization skills 

• Strong project/time management skills 

• Ability to organize a variety of tasks, meet deadlines, and attend to details 

• High level of communication – oral and written 

• Must be able to work in a fast-paced environment with sometimes competing priorities. 

• Must be able to meet specific deadlines and make appropriate adjustments to changing circumstances as necessary. 

• Possess a strong work ethic and be flexible in your approach to change. 

• Experience or training as an OHP Assistor would be a plus. 

• Commitment to racial equity as a guiding principle of UWCW’s mission 

• Community Health Worker or OHP Assistor highly preferred 

Supervision and Working Relationships 

Supervisory Direction Received: 

• This position works closely with the Senior Director of Housing Stability and Program Managers in the Housing Stability department.  Work is subject to review and evaluation by a supervisor.  

Working Relationships: 

• United Way staff, local, regional partners, community and nonprofit organizations, and community members. 

Supervises: 

• No direct reports. 

Education, Skills, Experience, and Training Required for this Position 

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, or another related field preferred; equivalent education, work, and lived experience may be considered. 

• Three years of experience working with marginalized communities and individuals experiencing housing instability preferred. 

• Strong knowledge of housing resources and programs in the Portland Metro area.  

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills. 

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, to include Excel.   

• Ability to manage multiple and sometimes competing tasks with efficiency. 

• Proven ability to effectively prioritize tasks. 

• Experience utilizing a racial equity lens and working with communities of color. 

• Understanding of Landlord/Tenant Laws, Fair Housing practices, Housing First modalities, and providing Trauma Informed Care. 

• High degree of flexibility and agility, possessing the ability to pivot quickly to address needs 

• Must complete Rent Well Instructor certification within the first quarter of employment. 

Technical Knowledge 

• Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, and PowerPoint) is essential. 

• Experience utilizing data tracking platforms such as HMIS, MMIS, Apricot, Unite Us or other case management programs. 

Physical Requirements 

• Currently working a hybrid work schedule 

• Work is primarily performed indoors, within an open office setting with a moderate noise level and occasional exposure to scents. 

• Frequently required to sit/stand at computer in a stationery position. 

• Frequently operates a computer and other office productivity equipment, such as copy machine, printer, phone, and fax machine. 

• Frequently required to move about inside the office for meetings, access to information, office equipment, etc.