Program Support Specialist

Position Open Date:

05/14/2026

Position Close Date:

05/28/2026 Interested in making a difference in your community while building a career? Join our team as a Program Support Specialist!

WHO WE ARE

For 60 years, Opportunity Council has worked throughout Northwest Washington to build just, equitable communities through service, investment, and collaboration. Our mission is to help people improve their lives through education, support, and direct assistance while advocating for just and equitable communities. Part of a national network of Community Action Agencies, we are dedicated to helping people help each other and themselves—building a community where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute.

OUR VALUES

At Opportunity Council, our values guide everything we do. Collaboration, respect, integrity, passion, and learning shape how we show up for each other and for our community. We're also committed to weaving diversity, equity, and inclusion into every part of our work—from the help we offer in the community to the kind of workplace we create for our staff. To learn more about us and our work, visit our website: www.oppco.org

WHAT YOU WILL DO

The Program Support Specialist provides support for Whatcom Homeless Service Center (WHSC) coordinated entry, with an emphasis on support/back-up for the Program Referral Specialist, Coordinated Entry Team and data entry. In addition, the Program Support Specialist will work in collaboration with the Homeless Outreach Team and Referral Specialist(s) to directly assist clients, who are accessing or waiting for housing services through Coordinated Entry. The Whatcom Homeless Service Center team works collaboratively to support the human services community and its efforts to support the needs of low-income people.

WORK SCHEDULE

Monday through Friday, 8am to 4:30pm

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Enters and audits client intake information in the housing pool database. Supports maintenance of WHSC's website and recorded phone tree Works with Program Referral Specialist (PRS) and Homeless Outreach Team (HOT) to identify clients who need to be screened for program eligibility. Works with clients to obtain eligibility documentation for program referral, including completing intakes and vulnerability assessments. Monitors availability of housing partner agencies. Communicates with clients about housing and other resources. Represents agency at community events and trainings. May provide office reception including information and referral. Conducts routine data entry duties, including but not limited to Homeless Management Information System and WHSC housing pool database. Provides administrative support to WHSC director and staff, including but not limited to updating forms, maintaining file systems, and program development. Provides training to community partners on coordinated entry system and related programs. Prepares and completes reports for coordinated entry partners and systems. Responds to requests from the public, accessing coordinated entry, via email, phone or in-person during walk in hours. Filing and organizing confidential materials. Maintains client confidentiality.

OUR IDEAL CANDIDATE WILL HAVE

Preferred experience working in an office environment, which includes spreadsheet creation and/or maintenance, data base management, and record keeping duties. Preferred experience with homeless clients and/or related service providers. Valid Washington State driver's license and five-year driving history within Opportunity Council's Auto Insurance Standards. We place a strong value in hiring individuals with lived experiences of, poverty and/or homelessness or who have previously participated in Opportunity Council programs or other social services.

OUR BENEFITS PACKAGE

We offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your well-being, growth, and work-life balance. Paid time off earned on an accrual basis (vacation, sick, personal, holidays) Paid time off for wellness needs Employer-paid holidays Employer-paid HDHP and low-cost traditional health care options HSA and FSA plans, subject to plan terms Eligibility for critical illness insurance coverage 403(b) Retirement plan with employer contribution Eligibility for health coverage for legal dependents Eligibility for employee/family dental and vision coverage Voluntary benefits such as life insurance, long-term disability, and long-term care and personal legal services

ABOUT WHATCOM COUNTY

Working with Opportunity Council in Whatcom County is more than just a job, it's a chance to be part of something bigger. Surrounded by the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest, our community is rooted in compassion, collaboration, and a shared commitment to positive change. Whether you're supporting local families, advocating for equity, or building programs that uplift our neighbors, you'll find purpose and connection here. Join us in building a stronger Whatcom County where everyone has the chance to thrive and contribute We believe our team should reflect the communities we serve. That's why we strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQIA+ individuals, Veterans, and people with disabilities to apply. Opportunity Council is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer. We do not permit discrimination based on race, creed, color, national origin, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, religion, marital or family status, pregnancy, military or veteran status, age, genetic information, disability, use of a service animal, or any other status protected by law.