Housing Stability Navigator (bilingual Eng-Span)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Stability Navigator (Navigator) provides support to CLUES Economic Stability programs and participants who contact the organization with immediate needs related to economic stability, such as: housing, hotel vouchers, and rental assistance requests. The Navigator provides support and resource navigation services for other economic stability related challenges, such as food access, employment, unemployment benefits, etc. They use high level customer service skills, bilingual ability in Spanish and English, and cultural sensitivity to connect participants with appropriate resources internally or externally in an efficient and timely manner.

The Housing Stability Navigator works closely with other members of the Housing Stability team to ensure the needs of the community are met. They will provide navigation and coaching to clients as a way to support them in overcoming barriers that prevent them from achieving stability and financial wellness.

Department: Economic Prosperity
Reports to: Housing & Economic Support Services Manager
Location: CLUES St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN Offices
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Part-Time, 25 hours/week. Generally Monday – Friday Office hours.
Estimated Pay: $21.00 - $22.50 per hour (depending on experience & qualifications).
Benefits: Full benefits package available in accordance with current CLUES policies—includes: medical, dental, vision, critical illness, accident, and life insurance (with AD&D); long term and short-term disability; pre-paid legal services and ID theft protection; retirement plan; educational assistance; paid holidays; and paid time off.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Navigation and Education

• Provide linguistically and culturally appropriate services in English or Spanish, via phone, or in person for participants who contact CLUES or are referred by partner organizations (such as County workers) seeking resources to support their housing stability.
  • Typical requests include but are not limited to mortgage and rental assistance, rental search and access support, eviction prevention resources, public housing application support. etc.
• Evaluate households’ level of housing stability by performing household prescreening questionnaires, developing pre-counseling budgets, and other initial intake related tasks.
• Provide application support for rental assistance (i.e MNRentHelp 2)
• Provide participants with the necessary referral information, and if necessary, provide direct support to access income support and public benefit programs (such as unemployment, SSI, SNAP) as a way to supplement economic stability.
  • Support can consist of internal/external “warm” referrals, direct support, general overview and instruction, as well as requested resource navigation.
• Work with clients one-on-one to identify barriers to financial stability and develop clear, goal-oriented Work Plans that address these challenges
• Efficiently and rapidly provide information and referral services to callers/participants based on their situation (referrals within CLUES as well as externally to community organizations and resources).
• Participate in community outreach events, resource fairs, and program specific clinics (e.g., walk-in housing navigation services).
• Provide reoccurring in person support for Support Services distribution (i.e., Gift Cards, etc.)
• As requested, needed, and appropriate provide support for Homebuyer Education and Counseling services, by providing logistical and planning support for monthly workshops, and back-end data entry and supportive housing and financial coaching.

Data Entry & Administrative Support

• Support in confidential data collection and reporting for housing stability, homelessness prevention, and hotel voucher programs (client demographics, financial information, etc.)
• Support in providing program disclosure information, such as Privacy Policies, Program Authorizations, etc.
• Complete program and client data entry and administrative support for Housing Stability programs, utilizing various platforms as instructed (e.g., HMIS, HomeKeeper, Salesforce, Excel, etc.)
• Maintain appropriate written documentation (hard copy and/or electronic) of all action items and work plans provided to participants.
• Document all client activity within 48 hours of contact in appropriate database and maintain all case files in accordance with contracts.
• Provide weekly performance and client status reports to supervisory staff.

General Duties

• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations and ethical standards.
• Promote the mission, operating values, and services of CLUES within the community.
• Carries out all other duties as assigned by supervisor.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Other
duties or tasks may be assigned as required. Management may modify, change or add to the duties of this description at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience & Key Abilities

• High school diploma or GED required. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, business administration, finance, or related field preferred. Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.
• 1 year of customer services experience required.
• Bilingual in Spanish and English with cultural sensitivity and awareness required.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills and customer service skills, especially by phone, required.
• Must be organized, have the ability to work under pressure and stress, have attention to detail and the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment.
• Self-motivated and proactive problem solver.
• Ability to develop and communicate concise action plans for participants, and thorough, summarized case notes during, or after every client interaction.
• Familiarity and knowledge of community support services and other regularly utilized referral sources preferred.
• Knowledgeable of and experienced in accessing community resources that can serve client needs preferred.
• Strong computer background and knowledge of software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.

Language Skills

• Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, maintain accurate documentation, and respond appropriately to questions and requests.

Computer Skills

• Proficient in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) and other common software (e.g., database, reporting, client management systems, etc.).
• Must be willing to attend training to advance technical skills and maintain appropriate skill levels to perform job duties.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Background check

• Must pass a criminal background check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to periodic re-verification of these, and additional background checks.

ABOUT US

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit provider of behavioral health and human services. The organization was founded in 1981 with a vision for improving the quality of life of the Latino population in Minnesota. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and enabling leadership for systemic change. Although our services focus on the Latino family, our experience and capabilities enable us to serve individuals and families from all walks of life including new immigrants and low-income families who dream of a better future. Our programs and services encompass a holistic approach to addressing the complex and interrelated barriers our community faces, including programming that advances Community Wellness, Community Leadership, and Community Prosperity. Our approach is always to uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. Our Board of Directors is entirely volunteer and comprised primarily of experienced Latino professionals. We employ a diverse, multicultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant, including approximately 140 employees and over 700 volunteers annually.

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