Introduction:

Church World Service (CWS) is a faith-based organization transforming communities around the world through just and sustainable responses to hunger, poverty, displacement, and disaster. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, sexual orientation or identity, religion, age, disability, or veteran status in employment or in the provision of services. CWS does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations.

Primary Purpose: 

The primary purpose of the Housing Navigator role is to provide extended housing support to CWS clients, with a focus on Ukrainian Humanitarian Parolees, and to assist the Housing Coordinator in procuring safe, secure, and affordable housing. Responsibilities of the position include housing search, rental application assistance, and lease reviews with clients. The Housing Navigator also provides orientation support to clients on housing norms, rights and responsibilities (including bill payment, home safety, and maintenance follow-up), as well as orientation to landlords on the benefits of renting to refugees. 

Essential Duties as Housing Navigator:

Housing Navigation 

• Provide housing navigation to eligible clients to promote sustained learning among our newest neighbors, as well as improve their chances of self-sufficiency.

• Provide learning support and extended orientation reviews to families who are at risk of coming into conflict with their landlord over cleanliness, lease infractions, etc.

• Tracks referrals and documents all housing support services in clients’ case notes and databases. Assist with compiling this information for reporting purposes as necessary.

• Refers clients to existing community resources, information, and social services based on immediate or continued housing needs, as appropriate.

• Educates landlords and property managers on CWS navigation and resettlement programs.

• Provides program updates and highlights to fellow team members during check-ins and staff meetings. 

• Assists the Housing Coordinator in providing direct learning support to refugee clients requesting assistance in extended housing and bill payment reviews, including lease agreements, housing maintenance, and work order repairs.

• Assists the Housing Coordinator in conducting outreach and trainings to public housing providers and stakeholders on housing needs and challenges in the refugee population.

Housing Procurement and Set Up

• Assists the Housing Coordinator in securing initial housing for all refugees by visiting properties, performing safety inspections, placing housing applications, and booking AirBnB or other temporary housing, if needed.

• Assist the Housing Coordinator in liaising with landlords throughout housing negotiations, lease signing, and initial move-in.

• Monitors online rental listings and rental opportunities that arise from personal relationships, notifying the Housing Coordinator of leads and assisting in follow-ups.

• Supports the Housing Coordinator in maintaining and regularly updating records of partnering property managers and available housing units.

• Assists the Housing Coordinator in conducting outreach for new relationships with potential landlords and property managers, maintains positive relationships with local landlords, owners and property management companies.

• Connects with movers to schedule furniture moving assistance and ensures that all household furniture and supplies are placed in clients’ housing prior to clients’ arrivals.

• Identifies and coordinates volunteer support for housing set-ups. 

• Completes and submits for approval all check requests related to housing including but not limited to rent, security deposit, application fees, lease transfer fees, telephone, beds and other furniture, household goods, etc.

• Records all financial transactions in clients’ financial tracking logs. Prepares and includes housing documentation in clients’ files, including but not limited to Home Safety Evaluation forms, lease contracts, and financial paperwork.

 Common Duties:

• Advocates on behalf of refugees, and refugee-serving voluntary agencies. Keeps informed about refugee and immigrant issues, and available services to refugees, using current information to better identify and serve refugee clients.

• Represents the program relevant to the responsibilities of the position.

• Undertakes other duties as assigned.

• Performs all duties in culturally appropriate manner. 

• Works varied hours, including occasional night and weekend work. 

Qualifications: 

Education: 

Associate degree or High School Diploma/GED equivalent with two years of relevant work experience 

Experience: 

 Previous work experience in refugee resettlement or other direct social services is preferred. Ability to provide culturally sensitive services and a willingness to work with a diverse, non-English speaking clientele is required. A background in housing resources and an understanding of the local rental market is strongly preferred. 

Other Skills:

• Superior English written, and verbal communication skills are required. Fluency in Ukrainian is preferred.

• Computer literate, with proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word and Access) and internet applications.

• Strong organizational and time management skills are required.

• Able to lift furniture and other household items, up to 50 lbs.

• Must be able to travel frequently and independently throughout relevant region. 

Special Requirements:

• CWS’ U.S. COVID-19 Vaccination Policy requires all new staff to provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination as soon as reasonable, no longer than 60 days of employment. Any employee who is pregnant, who is nursing, who has a disability, or who has a medical condition that prevents them from safe vaccination, or who rejects vaccination because of sincerely held religious beliefs, may contact the CWS Benefits Administrator to request reasonable accommodation as defined by the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC).

• Must be able to pass an FBI background check and a Child Abuse/Neglect check.

• Must have access to reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license with insurable record. Must be able to keep a clean driving record.

• This is a hybrid position with some work done at home. However, the role will require flexibility and a willingness to work in the office in consultation with the program manager.

CWS offers a competitive benefits package that includes:

• 403 (b) Retirement Plan

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (15 Paid Days Off, 14 Holidays)

• Life Insurance and AD&D

• Long Term and Short-Term Disability

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Health Savings Account

• Flexible Spending Accounts