AmeriCorps Housing Support Navigator - Douglas County

UCAN AmeriCorps Members engage in meaningful service that meets critical community needs throughout Southern Oregon. UCAN projects improve access to social services by bridging barriers to educational opportunities, mentoring, job skills development, employment resources, family stability, and having healthy futures. Our  members engage clients in their dedicated service project within one of our many social service programs. Our positions are a dynamic combination of serving in a dedicated project (85%) and engaging in civic and professional development opportunities, alongside our AmeriCorps cohort (15%). 

Within all our projects is the chance for our AmeriCorps Members to gain valuable experience through professional development. We are committed to providing our AmeriCorps Members with comprehensive training that will assist in their ability to access meaningful career opportunities. Through a variety of trainings, certifications and networking opportunities, we are confident that anyone who serves in our program will leave with tangible assets that will benefit them in their professional journey.   

SERVICE TERM

February 1, 2027 – July 31, 2027 (Full-time; 6 months – 900 hours)  

MEMBER LIVING ALLOWANCE 

$10,800 living allowance paid over the 6-month service term 

EDUCATION AWARD

$3,697.50 Segal Education Award upon successful completion of the term of service 

POSITION TITLE

AmeriCorps Housing Support Navigator

PROJECT HOST SITE

United Community Action Network – Housing &  Homeless Services  

PROJECT LOCATION

Douglas County | 251 NE Garden Valley Blvd. Roseburg, OR 

POSITION SUMMARY

Join UCAN as an AmeriCorps Housing Support Navigator and help support our clients secure housing and support those at-risk of losing housing. At UCAN, we're committed to getting folks housed and helping them remain in stable conditions. As the Housing Support Navigator, you will be providing services such as supporting renters workshops, teaching smart energy practices to lower monthly utility bills, assisting tenants in becoming knowledgeable of their rights, and conducting outreach to our unhoused communities. You will also be helping our team in building a comprehensive resource navigation guide to support our clients in accessing services available to the community. Furthermore, you will help support our emergency warming and cooling shelters when they are activated in response to extreme weather conditions.

As the AmeriCorps Housing Support Navigator, you'll play a pivotal role in UCAN’s Housing and Homeless Services program, contributing to our efforts in supporting stable housing for our clients in Douglas County. Serving within this project will require a passion for leading educational activities and the desire to help people who are experiencing difficult situations. This position will be conducting outreach to unhoused camps and getting folks connected with services. You will be helping people at risk of losing housing in developing the knowledge and ability to navigate situations necessary to maintain stable housing. In addition, this position will be serving alongside our Life Skills Educator who will be leading an adjacent service project at our low-barrier 24/7 shelter. There will be frequent opportunities for these two positions to interact and support each other.

Your service project will be key in expanding programs for our clients in Douglas County. Join us in making a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES (to include, but not limited to)

• Plan, coordinate, and support renters workshops.
• Develop a smart energy practices workshop.
• Support tenants rights class.
• Explore new initiatives & programs.
• Assist outreach for unhoused population.
• Collaborate with the Life Skills Educator to achieve project aligned goals.
• Contribute to the development and implementation of strategies aimed at improving services to our clients.
• Maintain knowledge of rules, regulations, and best practices to support our clients.
• Participate actively in ongoing training and professional development opportunities to enhance skills and knowledge relevant to supporting unhoused & at-risk individuals.
• Foster a positive and inclusive work environment by promoting collaboration, respect, and empathy among team members, contributing to a culture of mutual support and growth.
• Complete and submit all necessary UCAN paperwork and reports in a timely manner.
• Attend and complete all UCAN training and service requirements including orientation, trainings, team meetings, and National Days of Service (Make A Difference Day, MLK Jr. Day, and June Service Event).
• Wear AmeriCorps apparel and/or appropriate identifiers while performing service or attending official events. 

MARGINAL RESPONSIBILITIES (to include, but not limited to)

• Attend regular team meetings and trainings
• Complete agency reports regarding program progress
• Collaborate with other AmeriCorps Volunteers and UCAN staff to support community outreach events.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to effectively communicate with diverse populations.
• Ability to navigate difficult situations and utilize de-escalation techniques.
• Ability to facilitate workshops for small & large groups.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail, with the ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities simultaneously.
• Valid driver’s license
• 18 years of age or older, at beginning of service term.
• U.S. citizen, U.S. national or lawful permanent resident.
• Possession of a high school diploma or equivalent, or commit to earning one prior to receiving an education award.
• Ability to commit to the full term of service for which they are applying.
• Must successfully pass a National Service Criminal History Check provided through UCAN and/or Project Host Site.
• Regular and reliable attendance.
• Have not previously served the equivalent of two 1700 hour terms in an AmeriCorps*State or National program. Volunteers are only eligible for the equivalent of two full-time education awards in their lifetime.
• Applicants must disclose if they have ever been removed for cause from any national service program.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• A college degree in social services and/or experience working with unhoused individuals.
• Familiarity with community resources and organizations serving low-income populations.
• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish.
• Experience with motivational interviewing, trauma-informed care, or other relevant areas of professional development.
• Experience in program evaluation or quality improvement activities, with the ability to analyze data and identify areas for improvement.

SERVICE CONDITIONS

• Member will serve in an office environment and will provide outreach at local community events across Douglas County. 

PHYSICAL & INTELLECTUAL DEMANDS

• May require bending, color identification, crawling, gripping with hands and fingers, hearing alarms and voice conversation, keyboarding, kneeling, occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds, operating passenger vehicles, pulling, pushing, reaching, running, shoveling/digging, sitting, standing, standing long periods, walking, exposure to chemicals, dust or pollen, epoxy chemicals, fumes, intense light, noxious odors, sun, noisy areas. A reasonable amount of driving is required.

EQUIPMENT USED

• Computer
• Vehicle
• General Office Equipment
  
  

TRANSPORTATION INFORMATION

• Organizational vehicles are available for service activities. Volunteer is covered by organization’s vehicle insurance policy.
• Project site is accessible by public transportation.
• Personal vehicles are recommended. 
  
  

MEMBER BENEFITS INCLUDE

• $10,800 living allowance paid over the 6-month service term (approx. $900 bi/weekly, before taxes). 
• $3,697.50 education award upon successful completion of the term of service which can be used to repay student loans or for further education in an accredited institution of higher learning, vocational or trade schools. The education award is taxed in the year that it is used. Volunteers that are   55 and older may transfer the award to one child or grandchild.
• May be eligible for Loan Forbearance & Interest Accrual Repayment on qualified loans (after successful completion of a term of service, AmeriCorps will pay the accrued interest on qualified loans, which is taxable).
• Basic medical insurance (covers Volunteers only, not dependents; vision and dental not included).
• SNAP benefits for those who qualify.  
• Child care allowance for those who qualify.
• Professional development, trainings and networking opportunities. 

EQUITY & INCLUSION
UCAN values diversity and seeks to provide an inclusive space that rejects intolerance. Qualified individuals with disabilities and those from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. UCAN is an AA/EEO employer. UCAN provides reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals and conducts all activities in fully accessible settings.

FLSA STATUS - Volunteer Exempt status.

Salary : $900