Housing Navigator - Bilingual

CAPECO Community Action Program of East Central Oregon•Hermiston, OR

5d•Onsite

About The Position

CAPECO is a diverse group of people who are committed to creating a thriving community by providing education, resources, and services dedicated to eliminating poverty and contributing to the success of our community members. We hire people from all walks of life not because we must, but because we know it makes us stronger. If you share our passion for community, then we would love to meet you! Position: Housing Navigator The Housing Navigator must have the ability to engage with those experiencing homelessness that may be experiencing crisis. This role is designed to guide individuals and families through the complex landscape of housing options, services, and resources. This position focuses on understanding the unique needs of each client, offering tailored advice and support to secure stable housing. By maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of available housing and application processes. The Housing Navigator will work to remove barriers to housing access. Their efforts are aimed at not only finding immediate solutions but also at fostering long-term housing stability for those they assist. Through collaboration with other service providers the Housing Navigator ensures that clients receive the holistic support necessary to navigate their housing journey successfully. When necessary, conduct mobile outreach to the unsheltered chronically homeless living on the streets and in other places not meant for human habitation. Conducts participant intakes, determines applicant eligibility, and prepares client files for Case Managers.

Requirements

Bilingual: must be proficient in reading, writing, listening and speaking in English and Spanish.
Associate degree in related field which can be substituted for two years of comparable experience and/or training or equivalent combination of education and experience.
Excellent communication, interpersonal, and customer service skills.
Computer experience and have a working knowledge of Word and Excel.
Must pass a criminal history background investigation however, a conviction of a crime may not necessarily disqualify an individual from this position.
CAPECO is a drug free workplace and pre-employment drug screening will be required. Due to federal funding, our drug screening includes the use of marijuana.
Possession of or ability to obtain a valid drivers license and insurable driving record is required.

Responsibilities

Respond to inquiries from clients seeking agency programs.
Conducts detailed confidential intake and eligibility assessments for potential housing program participants while assessing the clients housing needs and preferences.
Conduct mobile outreach to unsheltered homeless individuals and families living on the street and other places not meant for human habitation.
Respond to homeless service requests made by city staff, law enforcement, businesses and concerned residents in a timely manner.
Participate in community outreach events.
Follow-up of clients that are seeking housing.
Prepares and maintains accurate client files that require retention of supporting documentation.
Enter information into tracking system and agency database.
Prepares reports and correspondence as needed.
Assist households in their search for housing including identifying housing, facilitating the application process for housing which includes gathering necessary documentation and ensuring timely submission of applications, and interpreting leases.
Identify and secure affordable housing options that meet the specific needs of clients, including advocating with landlords and property managers.
Provides clients with information on tenants rights, responsibilities and advocates on behalf of clients to ensure housing accommodations are made in compliance with fair housing laws.
Teach and model to the clients how to build and maintain a landlord relationship
After housing is secured use resources to assist the client in obtaining household necessities.
Become certified as a RentWell instructor and facilitate classes.
Become active in the landlord community to identify housing opportunities for households experiencing homelessness and those at-risk of becoming homeless.
Create and/or maintain a list of landlords and properties and the relevant selection criteria they utilize.
Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords concerns and complaints, acting as a liaison to connect landlords, tenants and housing case managers.
Coordinates and collaborates with community partners and possesses knowledge of services they offer in order to make appropriate referrals to ensure clients have access to necessary support services.
Performs other duties as assigned.