Resource Navigator

Parkside Business & Community In Partnership, Inc. is seeking to hire a Bi-Lingual Resource Navigator (English and Spanish). The Resource Navigator will provide assistance and advocacy to families negatively impacted by the rental and affordable housing crisis in the State of NJ. The newly hired team member will coordinate advocacy efforts for housing stability, provide referrals, create safety plans, identify qualified individuals for emergency savings plan, promote financial literacy and recommendations for emergency rental assistance grants, foreclosure assistance programs and other housing assistance needed to overcome housing barriers.. Resource Navigator will also work to build bridges between tenants and landlords to create lasting housing solutions.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals/families with finding, maintaining and securing safe, affordable housing
• Educate residents on local, state and federal housing policies and economic mobility strategies through workshops and one-on-one conversations
• Provide supportive services for participants working on overcoming their housing barriers (i.e. impending eviction, foreclosure or lock-out)
• Perform routine on-site visits with tenants of both public and private housing (via surveys, one-on-one consultation, community outreach, etc.)
• Gather information from clients and assess the best way possible to help make solid decisions concerning requirements for accessing/maintaining residency in safe secure housing
• Develop Action Plan that identifies the needs/goals, the steps necessary to meet goals, and realistic timeframes
• Create case or client files containing personal and financial information to determine the status of a homeowner or tenant
• Organize tenant meetings and workshops based on housing justice initiatives
• Provide coordinated entry and intake assessments for participants seeking housing support, identifying housing service needs and coordinating initial services.
• Help families access resources for housing related assistance (i.e. furniture procurement, utility assistance, etc.)
• Provide mediation to tenants and landlords in resolving disputes (repairs, overdue rent)
• Assist client with accessing resources for housing related assistance (i.e. rental, mortgage, furniture procurement, utility, etc.)
• Provide coordinated entry and intake assessments for participants seeking housing support, identifying housing service needs and coordinating initial services.
• Organize tenant meetings/workshops based on housing justice initiatives
• Establish a schedule for quarterly meetings (or as needed)
• Provide mediation to tenants and landlords in resolving disputes (repairs, overdue rent)
• Provides adequate documented follow-up
• Ensures client files are closed timely and in accordance with established procedures
• Maintains confidentiality of client information as required by agency and/or state and federal regulations
• Attend monthly community meetings and actively work towards increasing resident membership

Group Education:

• Provide bi-monthly webinars on eviction, foreclosure, homelessness prevention education
• Conduct community outreach and marketing for homebuyer education, foreclosure intervention and budget and credit workshops

Qualifications & Skills:

• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Proficient in operation of intermediate level office equipment and software programs; including but not limited to: Client Management System (CMS), Microsoft Suite (Word, Excel, Publisher, PowerPoint)
• Bachelor's degree in related field: Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling from an accredited college or university is preferred; consideration will be given to individuals without a degree
• Must obtain housing counseling certification within 1 year of employment
• Knowledge of HUD policies, procedures, state and federal regulations
• High degree of organizational and time/people management ability
• Ability to work a flexible schedule (some night and weekends may be required)
• Ability to complete tasks with minimal supervision;
• Sensitivity to the needs of agency clients and ability to maintain confidentiality;
• Basic computer skills;
• Knowledge of human service delivery systems and systems advocacy;
• Experience, ability and willingness to work as a team with diversified staff, volunteers and constituents;
• Ability to work independently and as part of team to deliver services;

PBCIP is HUD certified housing counseling agency. Established in 2003, the Hope Institute empowers first-time home buyers with instruction and assistance in overcoming financial challenges and acquire the skills and knowledge needed to achieve and maintain the dream of homeownership. The program provides education on financial management, improving credit scores, applying for a mortgage, and home maintenance tips. The new Housing Counselor will expand the program’s financial sustainability education by providing a much-needed service to families seeking assistance to overcome a temporary financial setback and maintain a “safe place to call home”.

PBCIP was founded on the principle that its members inspire their fellow residents to find constructive ways to take back their neighborhood. Over 25 years ago, the organization evolved when a single anti-drug march led to a community wide meeting to explore long term solutions to neighborhood blight. The meeting, in turn, led to the formation of PBCIP as a 501C3 non-profit organization which for many years was run solely by volunteers from the neighborhood.

PBCIP's declared mission is to reverse the decline of Parkside and increase the quality of neighborhood life. The organization seeks to promote its mission through a variety of strategies, including acquisition and rehab of homes with resale to low and moderate-income families. Other goals include increasing public safety; the revitalization of Haddon Avenue commercial district to promote employment and economic development.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 21 per week

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25