Housing Navigator - Bilingual

CAPECO is a diverse group of people who are committed to creating a thriving community by providing education, resources, and services dedicated to eliminating poverty and contributing to the success of our community members. We hire people from all walks of life not because we must, but because we know it makes us stronger. If you share our passion for community, then we would love to meet you!

Position: Housing Navigator
Supervised by: Program Manager & Director
Department: Housing
Classification: Regular Full Time
Position Status: Non-Exempt
Location: Hermiston Office
Salary: $4,017/month 6% English/Spanish Differential Pay
Benefits: Health, Dental, RX, Vision, FSA, Life Insurance, 401K Plan, Vacation, Sick and Holidays

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Housing Navigator must have the ability to engage with those experiencing homelessness that may be experiencing crisis. This role is designed to guide individuals and families through the complex landscape of housing options, services, and resources. This position focuses on understanding the unique needs of each client, offering tailored advice and support to secure stable housing. By maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of available housing and application processes. The Housing Navigator will work to remove barriers to housing access. Their efforts are aimed at not only finding immediate solutions but also at fostering long-term housing stability for those they assist. Through collaboration with other service providers the Housing Navigator ensures that clients receive the holistic support necessary to navigate their housing journey successfully. When necessary, conduct mobile outreach to the unsheltered chronically homeless living on the streets and in other places not meant for human habitation. Conducts participant intakes, determines applicant eligibility, and prepares client files for Case Managers.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

An employee in this position may be called upon to do any or all of the following essential functions. These examples do not include all the duties which the employee may be expected to perform. Other duties, responsibilities and activities may change or be assigned at any time with or without notice. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential function satisfactorily with or without reasonable accommodation.

• Respond to inquiries from clients seeking agency programs.
• Conducts detailed confidential intake and eligibility assessments for potential housing program participants while assessing the clients’ housing needs and preferences.
• Conduct mobile outreach to unsheltered homeless individuals and families living on the street and other places not meant for human habitation.
• Respond to homeless service requests made by city staff, law enforcement, businesses and concerned residents in a timely manner.
• Participate in community outreach events.
• Follow-up of clients that are seeking housing.
• Prepares and maintains accurate client files that require retention of supporting documentation.
• Enter information into tracking system and agency database.
• Prepares reports and correspondence as needed.
• Assist households in their search for housing including identifying housing, facilitating the application process for housing which includes gathering necessary documentation and ensuring timely submission of applications, and interpreting leases.
• Identify and secure affordable housing options that meet the specific needs of clients, including advocating with landlords and property managers.
• Provides clients with information on tenants’ rights, responsibilities and advocates on behalf of clients to ensure housing accommodations are made in compliance with fair housing laws.
• Teach and model to the clients how to build and maintain a landlord relationship
• After housing is secured use resources to assist the client in obtaining household necessities.
• Become certified as a RentWell instructor and facilitate classes.
• Become active in the landlord community to identify housing opportunities for households experiencing homelessness and those at-risk of becoming homeless.
• Create and/or maintain a list of landlords and properties and the relevant selection criteria they utilize.
• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords concerns and complaints, acting as a liaison to connect landlords, tenants and housing case managers.
• Coordinates and collaborates with community partners and possesses knowledge of services they offer in order to make appropriate referrals to ensure clients have access to necessary support services.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, ABILITIES & MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, abilities, and minimum qualifications necessary to perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Bilingual: must be proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English and Spanish.
• Associate degree in related field which can be substituted for two years of comparable experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
• Computer experience and have a working knowledge of Word and Excel.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demand and work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to bend, kneel, and crouch. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and distance vision. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. The employee must occasionally lift, and/or carry/move objects up to 25 pounds.
• This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, smart phones, photocopiers/scanners, shredders and filing cabinets.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Must pass a criminal history background investigation however, a conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual from this position.
• CAPECO is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug screening will be required. Due to federal funding, our drug screening includes the use of marijuana.
• Possession of or ability to obtain a valid driver’s license and insurable driving record is required.

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

CAPECO does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices based on race, color, national origin, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity/transgender status, age, disability, veteran or marital status, genetic information or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.