Tenant Education & Support Coordinator, Bilingual

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, predominately 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 & Support Coordinator plays a key role in the Tenant Protections Team (TPT), a specialized sub-department within CAT’s Tenant Education and Support (TES) Department. This position supports culturally specific communities through strategic partnerships, education workshops, hotline and in-person support, letter-writing clinics, and eviction counseling. The ideal candidate is emotionally intelligent, culturally competent, bilingual, and passionate about housing justice. 

Key Responsibilities 

Program Coordination & Support 

Recruit and support cohort groups based on building, language, culture, or geography. 

Collaborate with the Tenant Advocacy & Engagement Department to implement community education models. 

Assist renters with building-based organizing, including canvassing, meetings, workshops, and crisis navigation. 

Develop and update educational materials and social media content. 

Support program development and funding efforts in collaboration with the TES managers. 

Maintain and expand partnerships with culturally specific organizations and legal service providers. 

Contribute to strategic initiatives aligned with CAT’s 2025–2027 Strategic Plan. 

Maintain and update tracking systems of program activities and participation. 

Provide translation/interpretation as needed. 

Renters’ Rights Workshops (RRWs) 

Plan and facilitate online and in-person workshops for tenants and partner organizations. 

Draft MOUs with community partners. 

Maintain and update workshop materials and presentations. 

Manage participant outreach, registration, and logistics. 

Track attendance and workshop data. 

Lead bilingual and/or monolingual workshops in a non-English language. 

Hotline & In-Person Support 

Provide multilingual tenant support via hotline and in-person consultations using Landlord-Tenant and Fair Housing law. 

Train and supervise hotline volunteers and staff. 

Ensure timely and accurate data entry into HMIS and stay current on Oregon housing laws. 

Coordinate referrals and provide technical support for hotline systems. 

Letter-Writing Clinics (LWC) 

Organize and host clinics, including outreach and one-on-one tenant support (possibly weekly). 

Develop sample letters and maintain tracking systems. 

Translate and draft letters to a non-English language as needed. 

Eviction Court Counseling 

Identify tenants facing eviction and provide outreach and support. 

Maintain a presence at eviction court to assist tenants in crisis. 

Additional Duties 

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

Attend community events with flexible scheduling. 

Utilize standard office software and reporting tools. 

Required Qualifications 

Fluency in Vietnamese, Spanish, Chinese, Arabic, Swahili, or other languages relevant to service provision, in both verbal and written. 

Strong writing, communication, and organizational skills. 

Ability to work evenings and weekends. 

Lived experience or understanding of race-based disparities. 

Experience in public speaking or training. 

Commitment to social and restorative justice. 

Ability to support people in crisis with empathy and calm. 

Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Google Workspace, and database systems (e.g., HMIS Community Services). 

Reliable transportation and ability to transport materials. 

Commitment to anti-racism and equity. 

Preferred Qualifications 

Experience working with BIPOC communities impacted by housing instability. 

Knowledge of Renters’ Rights and Landlord-Tenant Law. 

Experience with immigrant and refugee communities. 

Personal experience with housing instability. 

Compensation & Benefits 

Hourly Rate: $30.53 – $32.93, 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 pertinent to your team's 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 our open positions.