Housing Navigator

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Corvallis, OR

5d • $23 - $24

About The Position

The SSVF Housing Navigator is a grant-funded position that helps eligible Veterans and Veteran families obtain and maintain safe, affordable permanent housing throughout Linn, Lincoln, Benton, and Yamhill Counties. Working with assigned SSVF Case Managers and community partners, the Housing Navigator identifies housing options, engages landlords, coordinates lease-up, addresses housing barriers, and supports housing stability. The position follows Housing First, trauma-informed, person-centered, and low-barrier practices. The Housing Navigator coordinates housing-related services and documentation but does not independently determine program eligibility or authorize financial assistance. The role offers opportunities for growth and professional development through hands-on experience.

The position works a day shift, Monday through Friday, and involves travel throughout the four-county service area, with fieldwork up to three days per week. Occasional work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, may be required.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience in housing, social services, landlord engagement, or case management.
• Valid driver's license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
• Obtain Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification within the first 30 days of hire.
• Pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• Pass an Oregon Department of Human Services background check and comprehensive MWVCAA background screening before employment.
• Knowledge of subsidized housing, public housing authorities, HUD-VASH, voucher programs, and community housing resources.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively while following SSVF, CAPO, VA, agency, confidentiality, safety, and compliance requirements.
• Knowledge of housing navigation, landlord engagement, rental practices, Fair Housing, tenant rights, reasonable accommodations, and housing assistance programs.
• Ability to build professional relationships, advocate, negotiate, mediate concerns, and maintain appropriate boundaries.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office, email, internet applications, HMIS, electronic records, and accurate data entry.
• Strong communication, customer service, organization, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to travel throughout the four-county service area and occasionally work evenings or weekends.
• Ability to maintain a calm, respectful, and professional disposition when Veterans, landlords, or others are frustrated or escalated.
• Ability to manage frequent demands for attention, time, travel, documentation, and housing-related follow-up.
• Ability to use sound judgment and follow agency safety practices while working independently in offices, homes, rental properties, vehicles, and community settings.
• Close vision and ability to focus, and manual dexterity for handling office equipment and completing computer-based documentation.
• Ability to regularly lift or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed care, Fair Housing, tenant rights, subsidized housing, voucher programs, and services for Veterans experiencing homelessness.
• Equivalent combinations of education and experience will be considered.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate with Veterans, SSVF Case Managers, landlords, and community partners to assess housing needs.
• Identify housing barriers, develop housing plans, and secure affordable permanent housing for clients.
• Support rental applications, voucher requirements, landlord engagement, lease-up, required documentation, approved move-in assistance, and housing retention.
• Collaborate with VA, HUD-VASH, housing authorities, and community providers to facilitate housing placements and referrals.
• Maintain accurate HMIS records and electronic documentation, protect confidentiality, and comply with program, grant, and agency requirements.
• Assist with obtaining or completing required rent-reasonableness, habitability, housing-quality, and move-in documentation before financial assistance is requested or issued.
• Travel throughout Linn, Lincoln, Benton, and Yamhill Counties for Veteran support, property viewings, landlord meetings, and move-ins.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to expand available housing opportunities and resources.
• Assist Veterans in addressing housing barriers, including credit, rental history, criminal history, income limitations, prior evictions, and disability-related accommodation needs.
• Educate Veterans about lease expectations, tenant rights and responsibilities, and strategies for maintaining long-term housing stability.
• Facilitate communication, problem-solving, and conflict resolution among Veterans, landlords, case managers, and community partners to support housing placement and retention.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 401k contribution after 1 year.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Life insurance.
• Health, vision, and dental insurance.
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education.
• Competitive pay and a company culture that values diversity.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Education Level: High school or GED