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Role 

Under the supervision of the Outreach-Based Case Management (OBCM) Program Manager, the Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of RV Safe Parking and Armory/Overlook Shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. 
 

Position Overview 

Identifies and places participants of RV Safe Parking and Armory/Overlook shelter into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in fewer than six months of acceptance into the program.
 

  • Develop and maintain accurate and current housing portfolio. Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
  • Establish communication links with and for clients- phone/cell phone, mailing address, e-mail, meeting locations, social support contacts
  • Coordinate with case managers to support participants in becoming ready for housing navigation services
  • Assist participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed
  • Assess for potential to reconnect with family/friends for housing
  • Provide psychological/emotional preparation and support for clients around obtaining housing. This includes but is not limited to: setting realistic expectations of wait times, being transparent about realistic expectations of housing options within budget, communicating the benefits and challenges of living with others, remaining hopeful, addressing fears/ambivalence of being housed, addressing unhealthy coping skills/street behavior that could disrupt housing, explaining tenant obligations, and providing conflict resolution tools and skills.
  • Help participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
  • Assist clients with move-in to new unit and with transitioning support to permanent supportive housing service provider(s) and/or other resources.
  • Help clients complete housing program or site specific paperwork to obtain particular units or subsidies
  • Assist clients with obtaining the resources necessary to apply for and move into housing (application fees, security deposits, first month rent, moving service, furnishings, etc.)
  • Advocate on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing
  • Determine rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval
  • Review key elements of rental agreement and expectations to ensure understanding as well as any subsidy agreement
  • Work with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment
  • Consider need for In-Home Supportive Services (IHSS), and if so, support IHSS application and worker selection process as needed
  • Conduct outreach and expand access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, internet search, and networking events. Develop expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
  • Establish method for ensuring rent payments made on time
  • Report regularly to the OBCM Program Manager about caseloads at the RV Safe Parking Program and the Armory/Overlook Shelter and the status of each participant along their path to housing, and any complications that require the Program Manager’s support, advice, intervention, or special attention
  • Attend collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions
  • Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings
  • Perform all other related duties as assigned

Qualifications 

  • Experience in human services, property management or leasing, or similar field
  • Understand the basics of landlord-tenant law, rental contracts, and fair housing requirements in order to assist landlords, program participants, and case managers
  • Demonstrate organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload and work with a diverse population

Requirements

  • A valid driver's license with own personal transportation
  • Knowledge of and experience with computer-based systems (e.g., Word, Excel, and HMIS)
  • Passion for combating homelessness
  • Ability to maintain a positive approach with community partners 
     

This position is a full time, non-exempt, benefited position. Full time expectations are 35-40 hours of work per week. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with or without reasonable accommodation. 

 

Accommodations can meet the needs of people with all types of neurodivergencies and disabilities as long as they do not pose an unreasonable burden on the employer. To make a reasonable accommodation request, please speak with your direct supervisor about filling out our 'ADA Reasonable Accommodation Request Form,' which you can write yourself, or contact your supervisor and the two of you can write it together. If there are any concerns or questions, the administrative team will make an assessment as to whether or not the request poses an unreasonable burden on the employer and respond to your request promptly. People First also reserves the right to request additional documentation with regards to the nexus of the disability and reasonable accommodation. 

 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to type, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk and stand for extended periods of time. The employee must be able to lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. 


To apply, please submit a complete, unabridged resume to contact@peoplefirstscc.org