Housing Navigator

Community Economic Defense Project•Denver, CO

10d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP) is a Colorado-based nonprofit launched in 2020. Initially formed as the COVID-19 Eviction Defense Project, CEDP has evolved to offer an integrative approach to housing stability, legal aid, and economic justice. The organization serves over 1,000 people monthly, employing a diverse team of legal, economic, data, policy, organizing, and technology professionals. CEDP has assisted over 68,000 low-income Coloradans across 54 counties, distributing more than $280 million in emergency assistance and influencing significant legislation. Building on its eviction prevention work, CEDP now offers expanded services including disaster response, predatory towing, debt collection, benefit access, long-term rental assistance, and homelessness response. These services provide a continuum of care that includes navigation, advisory services, targeted payments, legal support, and advocacy opportunities. The Housing Navigator role is crucial in assisting families and individuals in identifying and securing suitable housing options that align with their preferences, needs, and budget. This role also involves building and maintaining relationships with landlords and property managers. The Housing Navigator acts as a guide throughout the housing search process, simplifying the complexities of the housing market for clients and fostering collaboration between landlords and CEDP programs. The primary objective is to expedite the housing search, ensure a smooth client experience, and facilitate placement in appropriate housing.

Requirements

A minimum of three to five years of experience in an advocacy, social services, or law-related environment.
Demonstrated proficiency working with Customer Relationship Management databases or similar tracking and organizing technologies.
Fantastic organizational skills and ability to self-manage and prioritize a complex workload with rapidly changing demands.
Ability to work under pressure, meet deadlines, and manage a caseload to achieve required case-completed volume goals.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team in an agile environment.
Brilliant written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office and the Google Suite.
This role requires being in our Denver office 2.5 days a week.
Some driving and transportation to and from meetings required; a valid driver's license and reliable transportation is necessary.
Candidates must reside in Colorado, ideally within the greater Denver Metro area.
As in-person work is required, all employees at CEDP & CED Law are expected to maintain current vaccination status in keeping with CDC recommendations.

Nice To Haves

Housing navigation service experience is preferred.
Ability to apply prior experience to improve processes and collaboration in a startup environment that requires rapid adaptation to change with minimal supervision.
Analytical thinker with a detail-oriented, self-starter attitude and a strong ability to solve problems.
Employees who utilize two languages or more at work are eligible for a $2,000 salary differential per year added to the salary grade listed above. Language assessment will be conducted by the organization as a requirement to receive the differential

Responsibilities

Engage with clients, in-person or virtually, to understand their housing needs, including preferred location, budget, desired amenities, and specific requirements.
Research and curate tailored housing options for clients, considering their preferences and constraints, and providing insights for informed decision-making.
Guide clients through the housing application process, assisting with paperwork, required documentation, and meeting deadlines.
Provide continuous support to clients throughout the housing search, addressing questions, offering advice on lease negotiations, and resolving potential issues.
Utilize various resources to gather information on available housing options (apartments, houses, shared accommodations), including online searches, contacting property managers, and collaborating with real estate agents.
Maintain accurate records of housing options, including availability, pricing, and contact information, in a database.
Develop and execute strategies to attract new landlords and expand housing inventory.
Cultivate and nurture strong relationships with existing landlords, providing excellent customer service.
Promote CEDP's services and benefits to potential landlords through outreach efforts.
Negotiate mutually beneficial agreements with landlords, including lease terms and rental rates.
Promptly and effectively address landlord concerns, complaints, and disputes.
Stay informed about local real estate market trends, rental laws, and industry best practices.
Maintain detailed and precise records of landlord interactions, lease agreements, and property information in the database.
Work with local PHAs and other partners to ensure timely scheduling of intake documentation and voucher briefings for clients.
Be proficient in risk assessment, crisis response, and crisis follow-up.