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: HR@nwhumanservices.org | 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.