We are happy to announce that Jennifer Lucena has been hired as the MSW Academic Advisor for the MSW Program in the School of Social Work at Portland State University beginning October 3, 2022.
Jennifer Lucena, MSW is originally from New York City and has lived in the Portland metropolitan area since 2009. Jennifer is a PSU alumni and received her Bachelors in Women’s Studies in 2014, and her Masters in Social Work in 2017, both from Portland State University.
Jennifer has over 7 years of practice working with people experiencing homelessness and basic needs insecurity. Most recently Jennifer served as a Benefit Navigator supported by 2021 Oregon legislative House Bill 2835. While in this role she connected college students experiencing basic needs insecurity with resources on campus, in the community, as well as local, state, and federal benefit programs. Before that time Jennifer worked as a housing and outreach case manager, and later manager of housing and homeless services at a local non-profit. In this role she worked to remove barriers to housing through street outreach, housing placement and retention, connection to resources, and also served as field instructor for BSW and MSW students.
Jennifer's academic interests include: uplifting social work as social justice work, centering anti-oppressive and trauma-informed practice, and working alongside people as experts in their lives to remove barriers to well-being.
In her free time she enjoys road trips, crafting, and cooking with her 13 year old kid, snuggling with their two cats, and getting hugs from their snake.
Special thanks to our search committee: Sarah Bradley, Chair, Cimone Schwoeffermann, Shayla Adkins, Kate Constable, Tiffany Kirwan, John Waddingham and search coordinator, John Barnett.
Please join me in welcoming Jennifer Lucena to the School of Social Work!
Jose E. Coll, MSW Ph.D.
Dean & Professor
School of Social Work