POSITION SUMMARY

The Victim Advocacy Navigator (Navigator) for the Housing First Program will support survivors of domestic violence and/or sexual assault in locating and accessing safe and affordable housing. The primary responsibility of the Navigator is to connect survivors with resources and housing navigation assistance with the ultimate goal of securing safe housing and preventing homelessness.
The Housing Navigator works closely with the crime victim advocates to support survivors to attain and/or remain in stable housing.
Department: Family Services
Reports to: Director of Family Services
Location: CLUES St. Paul and Minneapolis, MN Offices
Position Type: Regular
Schedule: Full-Time. Generally, Monday – Friday Office hours.
Estimated Pay: $20.00 to $22.25 (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 & Support Services

• Coordinate individualized housing needs assessment for survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and work with the survivors to develop individualized housing plans and address barriers.
• Advocate on survivor’s behalf to secure safe and stable housing, which may include accompanying survivors to housing appointments, acting as a liaison with landlords and negotiating leases, as well as provide guidance with rent deposits, and other assistance related to housing.
• Assist survivors with housing applications and advocate for survivors with prospective landlords.
• Identify appropriate permanent housing options for survivors.
• Conduct outreach in the community to identify housing options that meet each survivor’s unique needs.
• Provide information and support to landlords, to encourage availability of rental units for survivors and their families.
• Facilitate the use of flexible funds to support survivors to attain or remain in stable housing.
• Track use of flexible financial assistance for budgeting and reporting purposes.
• Maintain client-related-tracking system and logs, including case notes, and complete data entry to ensure compliance with program outcomes and service delivery goals.
• Monitor and support survivor’s progression through their housing search plan.

General Duties

• Participate in data collection and reporting efforts as required by the program and funder.
• Attend monthly trainings organized by the funder.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, agency policies and other applicable laws, regulations, and ethical standards.
• Promotes 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.

SUPERVISORY RELATIONSHIPS

• This position has no supervisory responsibilities.

QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Education, Experience & Key Abilities*

• Associate’s degree in human services, social work, or related field required. Bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Minimum of two years of professional experience in the social services sector.
• 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.
• Knowledge about domestic violence, sexual assault and the impact of violence and trauma on survivors and their children, highly preferred.
• Knowledge of and experience in accessing community resources that can serve client needs, preferred.
• 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.
• Strong computer background and knowledge of software applications including Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook, and Internet.

*Equivalent combination of education and experience may be accepted.

Language Skills

• Effective communication in English and Spanish, both verbally and in writing, required.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret written materials, including reports, contracts, and proposals.
• Ability to effectively present ideas and information in an organized and effective manner, including writing reports.
• Ability to maintain accurate documentation and respond appropriately to questions from clients, co-workers, management, and external parties.

Transportation

• Must have access to a reliable motor vehicle for independent transportation, valid driver’s license, proof of automotive insurance, and maintain a good driving record. Must submit to and pass annual recertification of compliance with CLUES Automobile and Transportation Policy and driving record check.

Computer Skills

• Proficient working knowledge of email software, the Internet, databases, and common Windows-based programs, including Microsoft Office Word, Excel and PowerPoint required.
• 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 and driving record check. As a condition of continued employment, staff person may be required to submit to and pass these background checks, including resubmission and reverification of passing these background check requirements.

ABOUT US

Comunidades Latinas Unidas En Servicio (CLUES) is a non-profit leader in 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. Today, CLUES is Minnesota’s largest Latino agency. Our mission is to advance social and economic equity and wellbeing for Latinos by building upon our strengths and cultures, uplifting our community, and activating 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 services uphold and celebrate cultural richness and community assets as we connect individuals and families to resources, skills, institutions, and opportunities. We employ a diverse, multi-cultural staff to ensure our services are linguistically and culturally relevant.
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