Emergency Assistance Specialist

Northwest Human Services is a non-profit leader in providing advocacy, quality healthcare and social services in Marion and Polk counties since 1970.  We are a mission focused organization providing compassionate and professional medical, dental, psychiatry, mental health, and wraparound services for those in our community who need it most - uninsured individuals, families, the homeless, and migrant workers.  As a Community Health Center we value a culture of equity, diverse perspectives, and life experiences. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony.

EMERGENCY ASSISTANCE SPECIALIST

Location: West Salem Clinic| 1122 Edgewater St. NW, Salem OR 97304

Job Status: Full-time

Hours:  Monday – Friday, 8am – 4pm

Northwest Human Services (NWHS) is seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Emergency Assistance Specialist to support individuals and families facing urgent financial and social needs.

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As part of the Crisis & Information Hotline team, this role reviews requests for emergency rent, utility, mortgage, and medication assistance, determines eligibility, and connects community members to critical resources and support services.

This position plays a key role in advancing NWHS’s mission by providing trauma-informed, client-centered support to a diverse population while ensuring compliance with funding and regulatory requirements.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

Review assigned emergency financial screenings, determine financial eligibility.

Maintains knowledge of funder eligibility requirements, agency finance policies and Crises Hotline financial procedures.

Collect and verify documentation (income, housing, identification, etc.)

Maintains working knowledge of tenant rights and housing discrimination laws and uses that knowledge to educate and advocate for clients who are facing eviction.

Identifies caller concerns and provides appropriate supportive services to meet the household’s immediate needs.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, or a behavioral sciences field, plus a minimum of one-year experience working in healthcare or social services setting, strongly preferred.

or

Bachelor’s Degree in finance, accounting, or a related business field, plus a minimum of one-year relevant work experience.

Ability to use creative problem-solving and decision-making skills.

Effective communication skills and professional writing abilities.

Must complete basic crisis intervention training before providing direct client services.

Must pass approval for a US Bank SinglePoint account.

Knowledge of QuickBooks and US Bank SinglePoint systems, preferred.

SUMMARY OF BENEFITS: Our Agency strives to provide a benefits program that is comprehensive and competitive within our industry.

Healthcare insurance plans: Medical, Dental, Vision

Group Life: Short-Term & Long-Term Disability 100% paid by employer

403(b) retirement plan with 2% of employer contribution and up to 3% employer match

Flex Spending Account

PTO - 10 hours a month for FT positions 40 hrs./wk. up to 20 hours monthly as your tenure grows

7 ½  Paid Holidays a year + 2 paid floating holidays for full-time positions

Continuing Education & Training Benefits

Employee Healthy Living Program – Gym Membership & Smoking Cessation

Why Join NWHS?

At NWHS, your work matters!  Join a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the health and well-being of underserved and resilient communities. Be part of a compassionate, forward-thinking team that values collaboration, inclusion, and innovation in delivering exceptional services and community support. 

TO APPLY:

To join our team please visit our website Employment (northwesthumanservices.org)

For more information, contact the HR/Recruiting Department at: [email protected] | 503.588.5828

All candidates who receive a written offer of employment will be required to undergo a criminal records check.

Equal Opportunity Employer | We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.