Assessment Specialist - The ARCHES Project - Bilingual Required

The ARCHES Project is looking for an Assessment Specialist to come join their team! The Assessment Specialist plays an integral role in ending homelessness within Marion and Polk Counties. The person in this position assesses households and individuals seeking resources and housing in Marion and Polk counties. The position is renewable annually based on the continuation of project funding.

Candidates must submit application by 4/10/2025 in order to be considered for first round interviews.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School Diploma/GED and two years of experience in a public-facing, military, or volunteer position; and/or equivalent combination of education and experience.

• Experience working with adults at risk or unsheltered populations preferred.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Driver qualifications are required for this position. Valid driver license, insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory drive record for the previous three years are required.

• Candidate must pass a comprehensive MWVCAA background screening prior to employment.

• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification is required within first 30 days of hire.

• Food Handler's Card or ability to obtain within 30 days.

• Candidate must pass pre-employment and random drug/alcohol screenings.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Experience with homeless population preferred, but not required.

• Possesses advanced computer skills. Proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and Outlook, database software, online tools, and video conferencing platforms. Must possess knowledge in email use/etiquette.

• Must have excellent planning, organization and time management skills.

• Bilingual English-Spanish skills are required for this position.

• To qualify as bilingual, staff must pass a bilingual exam demonstrating fluent speaking, reading, and writing in English and Spanish.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by immediate supervisor and other management as required.

• Meets with individuals and families who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Uses assessment tools to determine what programs the individual or family is eligible for and what would give the individual or family the best chance for long-term success.

• Assists clients in accessing services beyond housing, including food, childcare, education, mental health services, healthcare, transportation and/or employment resources.

• Examines applications to determine applicant eligibility and gathers document verification as required.

• Responsible for accurate and timely data entry and data management, specifically for clients and clients on the applicant waitlist.

• Maintains flexibility and works within a collaborative team to assure that the program structure meets the needs of individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

There are no supervisory duties in this position.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL DEMANDS Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and responsibilities.

• Specific vision abilities are required of this position. Frequently required to hear and speak.

• Regularly lift up to 25lbs, occasionally lift up to 50lbs.

• Manual dexterity for handling office equipment.

• Walking short distances, up and down stairs, while carrying supplies.

• Occasionally required to walk and/or hike long distances multiple times a week into camps.

• Required to frequently reach with hands and arms; regularly required to climb, balance, walk stoop, kneel, or crouch.

• Maintains calm disposition when clients or others may become escalated, applying crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques for all participants.

• Regulates emotions during interactions with escalated clients and staff.

• Regulates emotions and handles pressures of frequent demands for attention, time and work tasks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Frequently exposed to outside weather conditions.

• Close quarters, often with a homeless/public or other client population.

• Indoor/Outdoor work environment with frequent interruptions, and multiple demands.

• Mostly indoor work environment with frequent interruptions and demands.

• Working evenings and weekends when necessary.

• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions.

MWVCAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, age, veterans, and people with disabilities or any other protected category. We welcome all people to join us in achieving our Mission. If you require any assistance in the application process, or reasonable accommodations to perform the essential duties of the position, please notify a member of our team at (503) 585-6232.

*MWVCAA is a Second Chance Employer supporting individuals with criminal records with a fair and equal opportunity at employment. A background check will be conducted for this position. A criminal record will not automatically disqualify an individual from a job, unless there is a specific legal exclusion. MWVCAA will consider convictions as they relate to job duties and responsibilities and consider the length of time since the offense.

**This is a partial list of essential duties and responsibilities. To review the full job description, download below.

If you need ADA accommodations to apply for MWVCAA job openings, please contact Human Resources at HR@mwvcaa.org or call 503-585-6232 to ask for a HR Team Member.