Tenant Education Specialist

Job Title: Tenant Education Specialist

Department: Tenant Education Support Department

Employment Type: Full-Time (as funding supports) (Remote-Hybrid, Portland, Oregon)
Compensation: Hourly Rate: $28.13 – $30.05 (Non-exempt, Union Represented position)

Reports to: Tenant Education and Support Manager

Location: Based in Multnomah County with scheduled in-person work in the surrounding area.

Duration: Through June 30, 2026 (renewal dependent on funding)

About CAT

The Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT) is Oregon’s only statewide, grassroots, tenant-led membership organization. Founded in 1996, CAT’s mission is to educate and empower tenants to demand safe, stable, and affordable housing. Our membership base includes low-income tenants, predominantly low-wage workers, families with children, people living with disabilities, seniors, and tenants from diverse backgrounds.

CAT builds tenant power through education, organizing, and advocacy. We operate a renters’ rights hotline, host community workshops, and organize tenants to lead a culturally humble, equity-driven housing justice movement. We are committed to long-term systems change led by those most impacted by Oregon’s housing crisis.

Position Summary

The Tenant Education Specialist supports the core functions of the Tenant Education and Support (TES) Department at the Community Alliance of Tenants (CAT), primarily through the Renters’ Rights Hotline. This role provides educational guidance on landlord-tenant law, facilitates letter-writing clinics, conducts workshops, and engages in community outreach. The position includes both in-person and virtual services.

CAT seeks a compassionate, self-directed individual committed to housing justice and community empowerment. The ideal candidate demonstrates cultural humility, emotional intelligence, and the ability to support people in crisis. Strong customer service and collaboration skills are essential.

Key Responsibilities

TES Department Support

Stay informed on tenants’ rights, policy changes, and service provider updates.

Assist with program development and fundraising efforts.

Contribute to grant and contract reporting.

Build and maintain community partnerships.

Support marketing and community engagement strategies.

Provide language support and/or coordination of services (translation/interpretation).

Coordinate and supervise volunteers.

Assist with department-wide initiatives and strategic plan goals.

Hotline & In-Person Support

Provide guidance and referrals via hotline and in-person consultations.

Train and support hotline volunteers and staff.

Supervise hotline shifts and ensure accurate data entry (HMIS/Community Services).

Stay current on Oregon landlord-tenant law.

Maintain hotline systems and provide technical support.

Support writing, editing, updating, and development of educational hotline materials, including social media content.

Support rental assistance distribution when necessary and complete internal/external referrals.

Renters’ Rights Workshops (RRWs)

Plan and facilitate workshops for tenants and partner organizations.

Update and maintain presentation materials.

Manage participant outreach, registration, and logistics.

Track attendance and workshop data.

Letter-Writing Clinics (LWC)

Coordinate Letter Writing Clinics, possibly weekly (on-site, off-site, virtual).

Support tenants one-on-one and train volunteers.

Develop sample letters and maintain tracking systems.

Tenant Advocacy & Engagement

Collaborate with CAT’s Advocacy and Engagement team.

Support regional and statewide organizing efforts.

Assist with leadership development and legislative campaigns.

Survey Follow-Up

Conduct follow-up calls with past hotline users and other programs.

Collect feedback and outcome data.

Support staff and volunteers with survey efforts.

Additional Duties

Provide moderate translation/interpretation and/or coordination.

Work one evening per week and at least one Saturday per month.

Attend community events with flexible scheduling.

Use standard office software and reporting tools.

Required Qualifications

Excellent writing, communication, and interpersonal skills.

Highly organized and detail-oriented.

Ability to work independently and collaboratively.

Experience in public speaking or training.

Commitment to social justice and restorative practices.

Open to and committed to active engagement towards the eradication of racism towards People of the African diaspora and all types of racism.

Ability to support people in crisis with empathy.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and database systems.

Reliable transportation and ability to travel locally.

Willingness to work evenings and weekends.

Commitment to anti-racism and equity.

Ability to work in-office and remotely.

Must live in Oregon or nearby in Washington.

Required Education & Experience

High School Diploma or GED (minimum).

At least one year of relevant experience or equivalent combination of education and experience.

Valid driver’s license and car insurance if driving for work.

Working Conditions

Must work one evening per week and at least one weekend day per month.

Ability to remain seated or standing for extended periods.

Occasionally lift or move up to 20 pounds.

Travel locally and occasionally statewide.

Work in office, off-site, and remote settings.

Preferred Qualifications

Fluency in another language (e.g., Spanish, Vietnamese, Arabic, etc.).

Lived experience or understanding of race-based disparities.

Experience working with BIPOC communities and housing instability.

Familiarity with Renters’ Rights and Landlord-Tenant Law.

Experience working with or supporting immigrant/refugee populations.

Experience centering BIPOC communities most harmed by the housing crisis.

Background in call centers or social service agencies.

Compensation & Benefits

Hourly Rate: Hourly Rate: $28.13 – $30.05, depending on experience.

Benefits Package Includes:

100% paid medical and dental coverage for employee, spouse/domestic partner, and children. (subject to change based on renewal periods)

Oregon Sick Leave.

Personal Time Off (minimum of 120 hours per year).

Family Leave after 180 days of employment.

Opportunity to participate in the Oregon Saves Roth IRA program.

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, CAT is reliant on annual government grants as its primary source of funding. This position is funded through various grant funding at various percentages. This position is subject to the availability of those funds. 

Environment: CAT is a family-friendly workplace. Flexible hours and scheduling offered as they pertain to your team requirements. 

CAT is an Equal Opportunity Employer: Community Alliance of Tenants provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability. CAT complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment. BIPOC, Women, LGBTQ, Two Spirit, and low-income renters are encouraged to apply to all of our open positions.