Program Specialist Jobs in Oregon
Program Specialist jobs in Oregon are concentrated in Portland, Salem, and Eugene, where state agencies, healthcare systems, and nonprofit organizations drive consistent hiring at every level from coordinator to senior specialist. Oregon Health & Science University, the Oregon Department of Human Services, and Nike are among the most established employers in this market, with recurring openings in health program management, workforce development, and social services administration. Oregon's robust public sector and its network of community health organizations make it one of the more active markets in the Pacific Northwest for this role. See the openings below and apply to the ones that match your experience.
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Note : This job will be posted through 11:59 PM of the day prior to the end date listed.
Current Washington County Employees: Please apply through the employee portal to be considered for this opportunity.
Job Type:
RegularPay Range:
$30.10 - $36.58 HourlyDepartment:
Housing ServicesFLSA Exemption Status:
Non-ExemptAbout the Opportunity:
The Department of Housing Services is currently hiring for a Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program Specialist to contribute to our mission of creating pathways out of homelessness, promoting housing stability, and investing in affordable communities for Washington County and our residents.
In this role, the FSS Program Specialist will play a key part in administering and strengthening the (FSS) program, including developing and maintaining the Action Plan, tracking participant progress, maintaining accurate case management records, and compiling program data to meet reporting requirements. The role also provides direct case management, working closely with FSS and Foster Youth to Independence (FYI) participants to identify goals, remove barriers, and connect them with community resources. By combining structured program administration with personalized coaching and skill‑building support, this position helps participants advance toward economic stability and long‑term housing success.
Ideal Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs):
- Thorough knowledge of the Family Self-Sufficiency (FSS) Program, including participant goal-setting, barrier reduction, and resource coordination to support long‑term economic self-sufficiency.
- Ability to assess participant needs and connect households with community services, employment opportunities, financial literacy resources, and other supports that align with individualized FSS goals.
- Skill in developing and maintaining the FSS Action Plan by gathering stakeholder input and ensuring the plan reflects program goals and community needs.
- Proficiency in maintaining accurate case management records, tracking participant progress, and managing program data to meet HUD and organizational reporting requirements.
- Effective written and verbal communication skills, including representing the FSS program at community events, trainings, and partner meetings.
- Ability to promote a supportive, inclusive, and motivating environment for participants and colleagues, with a commitment to access and opportunity.
- Capacity to identify process improvements within FSS service delivery, enhancing efficiency, participant outcomes, and compliance with regulations. Knowledge of and ability to adhere to applicable HUD regulations, agency policies, and reporting procedures relevant to FSS operations.
To review the complete classification, including the full list of knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) associated with this position, use this link: Program Specialist | Washington County, OR
Minimum Qualifications
Education and Experience:
- An Associate's Degree in a social service, business administration, or related field; AND, One (1) year of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, or coordination, and /or contract administration; OR Three (3) years of work experience in program administration, development, evaluation, and/or contract administration.
Additional Requirements
Must complete a post-offer criminal history check in accordance with Oregon Administrative Rules.About the Department/Division:
The Department of Housing (including the Housing Authority of Washington County) is an innovative organization responsible for rent assistance, affordable housing development and operations, public housing, and homeless services programming across our community. We are a dynamic team that highly values a culture of access and inclusion, differing perspectives, and life experiences. We embrace collaboration, work-life balance, hybrid work, a supportive workplace, and are passionate about the work we do to serve and support our community.
Selection Process:
You can review our standard selection process here .
Our commitment to you:
Washington County is an equal opportunity employer committed to using a merit-based system in which recruiting, selecting, and advancing employees is based on knowledge, skills, and abilities. Our organization embraces innovation, collaboration, and work-life harmony. We promote employee development and offer an award-winning benefits and wellness program as well as an opportunity to serve and support our vibrant community .
Veterans' Preference:
If you are a Veteran and would like to be considered for Veterans' preference for this recruitment, please review the instructions using this link: Veterans' Preference Points .
Accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act:
Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in the selection process for this recruitment. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-846-8606, or email: Careers@WashingtonCountyOR.gov at least 48 hours before any step in the recruitment and selection process for which you feel you need accommodation.
Status of Your Application:
You will be advised by email of your status at each step in the application process, from initial application to final employment disposition. Please note that Washington County communicates with all candidates via email.
Notice: Washington County is currently undergoing a comprehensive classification and compensation study. The purpose of this project is to create new job descriptions and create new classification and compensation systems. Outcomes of the project will include changes to classification titles, which could impact compensation structures. No one will have their pay rate lowered because of this project. For represented positions, appropriate bargaining processes will be utilized prior to implementation.
Questions?
Recruiter:
Gregory GarabedianEmail Address:
Gregory_Garabedian@washingtoncountyor.govSee All 17 Program Specialist Jobs in Oregon
Find roles in Oregon that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
Find Program Specialist JobsProgram Specialist Jobs by City in Oregon
Where Oregon roles are concentrated, by current openings.
Program Specialist Job Market in Oregon
A snapshot from current Oregon openings, updated as new roles post.
Who's Hiring



What Oregon Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in program specialist jobs across Oregon.
- Bachelor's degree in public administration, social services, health, or a related field
- Two or more years of program coordination or case management experience
- Proficiency with data tracking systems and reporting tools such as Salesforce or similar platforms
- Strong written and verbal communication skills for stakeholder and community engagement
- Demonstrated ability to manage multiple program deliverables under state or federal compliance requirements
- Experience working within Oregon's public health, education, or human services regulatory frameworks
Program Specialist Jobs in Oregon: Frequently Asked Questions
How do you become a program specialist in Oregon?
Most program specialist roles in Oregon require a bachelor's degree in a relevant field such as public administration, social work, education, or public health, though some positions accept equivalent experience in lieu of a degree. Oregon does not issue a universal state license for program specialists, but roles in behavioral health may require registration with the Oregon Health Authority, and those in workforce development often call for familiarity with Oregon's employment services infrastructure. A background in a related government or nonprofit setting strengthens most applications.
Which companies hire program specialists in Oregon?
Companies currently hiring program specialists in Oregon include MADD, New Avenues for Youth, and AZAD Technology Partners, per current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Oregon's large public-sector presence, including state agencies and community health organizations, means government and mission-driven employers make up a significant share of openings alongside private healthcare and technology firms.
Which Oregon cities have the most program specialist jobs?
Portland, Salem, and Medford account for the largest concentration of program specialist openings in Oregon. Portland dominates due to its size and density of healthcare systems, nonprofits, and corporate headquarters, while Salem's role as the state capital produces steady demand within Oregon's government agencies, and Eugene's university environment and community health organizations sustain a consistent share of listings.
Are there remote program specialist jobs in Oregon?
Yes, and more than many comparable roles, since program specialist work is often desk-based and documentation-driven. About 63% of program specialist openings tied to Oregon are remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting a shift that accelerated across Oregon's public and nonprofit sectors. Roles focused on grant reporting, data analysis, and policy coordination tend to be the most consistently remote, while positions requiring direct community outreach or in-person service delivery are typically on-site.
How can I get hired as a program specialist in Oregon with little or no experience?
The most realistic entry path is through a program coordinator or program assistant role at an Oregon state agency or large nonprofit, where structured onboarding is common. The Oregon Department of Human Services and Oregon Health Authority both post entry-level program positions that do not require prior specialist experience. Lateral moves from case management, administrative coordination, or community outreach work are widely accepted, and candidates who hold an Oregon-recognized credential in a relevant field such as social work or public health gain a meaningful edge in screening.
Where can I find and apply to program specialist jobs in Oregon?
You can find and apply to program specialist jobs in Oregon on Migrate Mate, which lists current Oregon openings updated regularly. Search for roles that match your experience level, preferred location, and area of focus, then apply directly to the ones that fit. No sign-up is required to view or apply to listings.
See All 17 Program Specialist Jobs in Oregon
Find roles in Oregon that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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