Housing Navigator

Mid-Willamette Valley Community Action Agency • Corvallis, OR

3d

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.

This is a day-shift position, Monday through Friday, with fieldwork throughout the four-county service area up to three days per week. The position may occasionally require work outside normal business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays. It has no supervisory responsibilities.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• Two years of relevant experience in housing, social services, landlord engagement, or case management; an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• Valid driver license, an insured vehicle available for use on the job, and a satisfactory driving record for the previous three years.
• Basic Life Support/First Aid Certification required within the first 30 days of hire.
• Pass pre-employment and random drug screenings.
• Pass Oregon Department of Human Services and comprehensive MWVCAA background screenings 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, and safety 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.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of Housing First, trauma-informed care, Fair Housing, tenant rights, subsidized housing, voucher programs, and services for Veterans experiencing homelessness.

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; fieldwork may be up to three days per week.
• 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 to maintain 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 one year
• Employee Assistance Program
• Life insurance
• Health, vision, and dental insurance
• For some positions, employees may be eligible for company-sponsored continuing education

What This Job Offers

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