Housing Navigator

Job Description:

Job Title: Housing Navigator
Job Location: Position is mobile and requires travel across multiple cities within Contra Costa County must have reliable transportation

Compensation and Benefits:

• $30.00/hour
• Part-time; Non-exempt (up to 30 hours per week)
• Employee assistance program, medical, dental, vision, wellness program, life insurance, flexible spending account, transit and parking flexible spending accounts for commuting expenses, 403b plan , depending on hours worked.
• Mileage reimbursement for travel for work purposes; monthly cell phone stipend; and a laptop, if needed.
• Access to professional development opportunities.

Minimum Requirements:

• Valid driver's license; registered and insured vehicle required.

Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Housing Resources: A basic understanding of local housing resources, programs, and policies is valuable for connecting clients with appropriate housing solutions.
• Computer and Technology Proficiency: Familiarity with housing databases, online resources, and communication tools can enhance a candidate's effectiveness in this role.
• Advocacy Skills: Navigators should be advocates for clients, helping them navigate housing systems, access support services, and assert their rights.
• Cultural Sensitivity: Demonstrate cultural sensitivity and adaptability when working with clients from diverse backgrounds and addressing their unique needs.
• Empathy and Compassion: Housing Navigators should genuinely care about clients' well-being and be compassionate when working with individuals facing housing instability.
• Strong Communication Skills: Effective communication is crucial for building trust with clients, collaborating with housing providers, and conveying complex housing information clearly and concisely.
• Resourcefulness: Navigators should be resourceful in finding housing options, understanding eligibility criteria, and helping clients access available resources and programs.
• Problem-Solving Abilities: Candidates should demonstrate the ability to identify and address obstacles and challenges clients face in securing housing.
• Organizational Skills: Strong organizational abilities are necessary for managing client caseloads, tracking housing options, and maintaining accurate records.
• Attention to Detail: Precision in documentation and record-keeping is vital to ensure program compliance and provide evidence-based support to clients.
• Client-Centered Approach: Prioritizing clients' preferences and needs while respecting their autonomy is essential for success in this role.
• Adaptability: Housing landscapes can change, so candidates should be adaptable and open to learning new housing resources and approaches.
• Teamwork and Collaboration: Collaboration with colleagues, community partners, and housing providers is critical for effective housing navigation.
• Professionalism and Ethics: Navigators must adhere to ethical standards, maintain confidentiality, and uphold professionalism in all interactions.
• Time management: Strong time management skills with the ability to prioritize and meet multiple deadlines.
• Valid driver's license and registered vehicle-- the vehicle must meet the following limits to drive participants: $100,000 for injury/death to one person; $300,000 for injury/death to more than one person; $100,000 for property damage.

Job Duties:

• Landlord Engagement: Build relationships with landlords across the Bay Area to generate rental units for clients, collect documentation from landlords for payment, and maintain contact with Landlords to ensure they are satisfied with tenants we place in their units.
• Rental Unit Inventory: Conduct research and site visits to identify suitable units that meet clients' needs.
• Develop and manage a rental unit inventory used to match clients to units.
• Support Clients: Provide compassionate and person-centered support to individuals or families facing housing instability. Coordinate with clients, Case Managers and Housing Specialists to understand client housing needs, preferences, and any barriers preventing them from securing stable housing.
• Housing Resource Identification: Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing resources, affordable housing options, rental assistance programs, and other relevant services available in the community.
• Data Tracking and Reporting: Maintain accurate, organized landlord records and documentation on housing availability. Comply with all data reporting requirements as set by the organization.
• Advocacy: Advocate on behalf of clients to address housing-related challenges, resolve disputes with
• landlords, and navigate complex housing systems.
• Collaboration: Collaborate with colleagues, social service agencies, housing providers, and community partners to streamline housing processes and enhance housing options for clients.
• Continued Education: Stay informed about changes in housing policies, regulations, and resources to provide clients with the most up-to-date information.
• Ethical Conduct: Adhere to professional ethical standards; maintain confidentiality of clients' personal information.
• Provide transportation support to households experiencing transportation barriers.
• Other duties as assigned.

BACR Mission

BACR promotes the healthy development of individuals, families, and communities through direct services,

volunteerism, and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area.

BACR Best Practices

1. We persevere, are dependable, and act with integrity.

2. We recognize the needs and strengths of customers and support their development.

3. We are continuous learners - stretching, growing, and innovating.

4. We build healthy relationships and are guided by a caring heart.

5. Our services are based on proven models and methods.

6. We work within communities and build alliances to meet community needs.

7. We focus on results.

8. We are humble, hopeful, and have a sense of humor.

About Us:

Bay Area Community Resources (BACR) promotes the healthy development of individuals, families and communities through direct services, volunteerism, and partnerships in the San Francisco Bay Area.

We have deep respect for the communities we serve throughout the Greater San Francisco Bay Area, the dedicated staff who show up for those in need, and the opportunity we have been given through this work to promote resilience in tens of thousands of individuals every year.

BACR is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate, support, and thrive on diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment w/o regard to perceived age, marital or familial status, religion, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, race, creed, color, genetic information, ancestry, national origin, physical or mental disability including AIDS or AIDS-Related Complex or military status.

Visit our website at www.bacr.org.

Above is the pay range for this position that we reasonably expect to pay. Individual compensation is based on various factors including experience/education, skillset, and geographic location.