Housing Navigator

***$1,000 HIRING BONUS***

With completion of terms

Lived Experience Preferred

SUMMARY OF JOB PURPOSE:

Responsible for recruitment and relationship building with housing vendors, landlords, or private owners. Explain the benefits of working with housing programs. Provides support and assistance to individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This class specification lists the major duties and requirements of the job and is not all-inclusive. Incumbent(s) may be expected to perform job-related duties other than those contained in this document and may be required to have specific job-related knowledge and skills.

• Connect with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with private landlords and other housing providers to expand housing landlord portfolio.
• Advocate with landlords for participants with such rental barriers as prior evictions, poor credit, and criminal history.
• Complete environmental reviews, on buildings where units are located.
• Arrange for timely and Conduct Housing Quality Standards inspections and work with landlords to correct any unit deficiencies.
• Conduct rent reasonableness assessments for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
• Ensures data is entered into Homeless Management Information Systems (HMIS) daily.
• Provides factual information regarding various program regulations and procedures; assist clients in completing rental applications, forms, and lease agreements; works with clients on housing tenancy, may advocate for the client with other organizations and property owners.
• Work with Case Managers, other Housing Navigators, or agency staff to identify appropriate housing units for clients in TH or RRH housing programs, with the goal of housing clients within 30 days of acceptance into the program.
• Assist clients in the TH or RRH in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
• Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with participants’ housing needs and geographic preferences.
• Assist the household with acquiring the necessary documentation and mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, and unfavorable landlord references as necessary.
• Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming client(s)/sub-tenant.
• Assist households with acquisition of furniture and move-in essentials if needed.
• Work with TH- RRH Case Managers; develop a plan with clients to move to permanent housing.?
• Maintain thorough and accurate progress notes, files, and correspondences while maintaining confidentiality of tenants, successfully deal with client issues and concerns.
• Maintains and directs the maintenance of accurate records and files; prepares correspondence, reports, training information and a variety of written materials.
• Contributes to the efficiency and effectiveness of the unit's service to its customers by offering suggestions and directing or participating as an active member of a work team.
• Represents the organization with dignity, integrity, and a spirit of cooperation in all relationships with staff and the public.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree Psychology, Social Work, or a related field; AND two (2) years of professional case management, experience working with homeless population, working with issues of homelessness, affordable housing and /or housing discrimination OR an equivalent combination of education, training and experience.

Required Knowledge and Skills

Knowledge in:

• Demonstrated desire and ability to work with individuals and families who are homeless, providing appropriate support, motivation, and compassion.
• Demonstrate a working knowledge of Housing First and Low barrier housing principals.
• Knowledge of TH, RRH housings subsidy programs
• Bilingual (Spanish and English).
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Demonstrates experience and ability to interact sensitively and respectfully with persons of different backgrounds, culture, etc.
• Demonstrates common sense and good judgment.
• Willingness to work flexible hours as needed and have impeccable attendance.
• Ability to handle various projects concurrently.
• Theories and practices of social work ethics, homeless programs, assessment and counseling.
• Crisis intervention and counseling techniques.
• Principles and practices of program management.
• Federal, state and local laws related to operations.
• Standard office practices and procedures, including filing and the operation of standard office equipment; record keeping principles and practices.
• Computer applications related to the work.
• Basic budgetary and accounting policies and practices.
• Correct business English, including spelling, grammar, and punctuation.
• Techniques for working with a wide variety of people from various backgrounds where relations may be strained or confrontational.

Skill in:

• Performing effective crisis intervention and counseling.
• Organizing own work, setting priorities and meeting critical deadlines.
• Reviewing and evaluating transition plans and providing constructive recommendations.
• Interpreting, applying and explaining applicable laws, codes and regulations.
• Using initiative and independent judgment within established procedural guidelines.
• Preparing clear and concise reports, correspondence and other written materials.
• Working successfully with a variety of individuals from various socioeconomic, ethnic and cultural backgrounds, in person and over the telephone, often where relations may be confrontational or strained.
• Communicating effectively in oral and written forms.
• Contributing effectively to the accomplishment of team or work unit goals, objectives and activities.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, AND REGISTRATIONS:

Continued employment is contingent upon all required licenses and certificates being maintained in active status without suspension or revocation.

• Nevada driver’s license.
• Housing Quality Standards (HQS) Certification
• CPR and First Aid certification within six (6) months of date of employment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS & WORKING ENVIRONMENT:

The physical demands described herein are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Mobility to work in a home and office setting, use standard home appliances and office equipment; drive a motor vehicle in order to transport members; vision to read printed materials; stamina to sit, stand and walk for extended periods of time; strength to lift and carry up to 20 pounds; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen, and hearing and speech to communicate in person and over the telephone. Work is subject to performance under exposure to adverse environmental conditions, and extensive travel.