POSITION ANNOUNCEMENT

*Note:

For applicants with extensive qualifications and/or years of experience, hiring range may be exceeded with approval. If approval is granted, it will be based upon careful review of the applicant's qualifications, experience, internal equity and budgetary considerations. The final rate approved will typically never be at a rate equal to or above the established midpoint of the pay range for the position.

Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks, and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver's license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.

Benefits: All regular full-time (RFT) status positions of 20 hours per week or more year round or part year of .50 FTE or higher are eligible for our outstanding benefits package including:

• Individual Medical with premium covered at 90%
• Free Dental insurance for the employee
• Health care waiving employees are eligible for a health care waiver benefit of $100 per month
• Employer matched retirement dollar for dollar for the first 3%
• Generous paid sick and vacation time
• 13 paid 0bserved holidays
• Free life and long term disability insurance
• Medex travel assistance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Rich and diverse mission-based working environment
• Possible student loan forgiveness through the Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Program
• Staff meeting program criteria for use of a second language in their position may apply for and if approved qualify for a bilingual pay benefit for $100 per month

Position Summary:

In support of the Agency's mission, this position will work with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability to access housing and support services. Using person centered, culturally responsive, and trauma informed approaches, the Housing Navigator is responsible for building supportive professional relationships with individuals and families transitioning from homelessness to housing. This includes assessment of housing barriers and additional service needs, empowering families to advocate for themselves, assisting with housing search, housing application, and appeals processes, and development and management of rental assistance plans. As an advocate for households seeking housing, this position will also develop and maintain relationships with public and private sector landlords to secure permanent housing opportunities for homeless and low-income households and administering allocation of financial assistance. This position requires working independently and in a collaborative environment to establish trusting relationships with individuals and cooperative relationships with housing and service providers.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Managing a case load of individuals assigned by Coordinated Entry, assessing, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to facilitate housing stability.
• Develop trust-based relationships with individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• In collaboration with the housing team and community partners, identify appropriate housing units for clients based on household needs and preferences.
• Establish and manage financial assistance plans for households including documentation of program eligibility and ensuring compliance with program guidelines, documentation requirements, and performance standards.
• Timely and accurate HMIS data entry in compliance with established workflows.
• Conduct Washington County Coordinated Entry assessments for eligible participants as needed and develop individualized housing plans to include appropriate referrals to Housing & Supportive Services Network (HSSN) service providers.
• Meet with low-income households at homeless shelters, day/drop-in centers or unsheltered locations as needed to facilitate housing plans.
• Provide comprehensive housing navigation services to low-income households exiting homelessness or households seeking more affordable housing opportunities.
• Assist the household with acquiring the necessary documentation and mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, and unfavorable landlord references as necessary.
• Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective action as needed for program compliance.
• Explain and review lease agreements with participants.
• Assist households with acquisition of furniture and move-in essentials.
• Conduct follow-up with participants/sub-tenants and landlords after housing placement; assist Case Management staff in mediating any landlord/sub-tenant issues that may arise.
• Network with other service and housing providers in the region to ensure coordinated service provision to low-income households.
• Maintain current information on housing opportunities, community resources and applicable Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant laws.
• Teach tenant education classes and curriculum to low-income households as needed.
• Conduct follow-up interviews with former participants and assistance recipients at regular intervals.
• Produce reports as needed to comply with funder requirements.
• Strictly adhere to all safety policies and procedures at all times and respond/correct any at-risk safety issues immediately.
• Strictly adhere to agency code of ethics and standards of workplace behavior.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet business needs including regular and reliable attendance and adherence to all company workplace behavior standards.

Marginal Functions and Responsibilities:

• Other marginal functions and responsibilities as assigned.

Required Education/Training/Experience:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of one year of social services experience, including maintaining accurate and complete case files and coordination of services with other agencies. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral and written communication skills.
• Experience working with low-income populations and demonstrated ability to work with the housing industry.
• Experience in public speaking and organizing public meetings.
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish tasks in an organized, efficient and professional manner.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently and in a collaborative work environment.
• Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license and valid insurance coverage for a private vehicle.

Preferred:

• Bilingual English/Spanish.
• Knowledge of Washington County community resources.

Required Licensing or Other Special Certifications:

• Complete RentWell Instructor training within 90 days of employment.
• Requires reliable transportation, valid driver's license and valid insurance coverage for a private vehicle.

Required Physical Demands of Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Work is usually performed in an office environment or indoor shelter. Occasional meetings in unsheltered areas may be needed.
• Occasional exposure to computer and keyboarding and telephone use.
• In normal work day, may stand/walk __3__ hrs/day; may sit _4_ hrs/day; may drive _1 - 2_ hrs/day; may use hands for repetitive grasping, pushing and pulling, typing and fine manipulation _1 - 2_ hrs/day; may use hands at or above shoulder level for _1/2_ hrs/day.
• In normal work day, may bend, squat, and/or climb frequently.
• Work is light in nature, lifting maximum of 20 lbs with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 10 lbs.
• May require walking or standing to a significant degree, or sitting most of the time with a degree of pushing and pulling of arm and/or leg controls.

How to Apply for this Position:

To be considered we must receive a completed Community Action Employment Application form. You are welcome to also include a cover letter and resume at your option. Transcripts may be required for certain positions. Applications can be completed on our website: www.caowash.org or you can print off the application to complete or pick up the application form at either of our following locations:

Hillsboro - 1001 SW Baseline St, Hillsboro OR 97123

Beaverton - 5050 SW Griffith Dr, Suite 101, Beaverton OR 97005

Be sure to submit your application in a timely manner. If you choose not to complete an online application, you can send your completed application form, optional resume and cover letter and any other required documents via fax at 503.400.3691. If you prefer to mail your application be sure to mail attention Human Resources at the Hillsboro office address above.

All application submissions will be acknowledged with a receipt notification. If you are selected for an interview, we will contact you.

All current Community Action employees are encouraged to apply for openings at Community Action which they are interested in. For current employees, some qualifications may be met by an equivalent combination or education and experience at the discretion of the employer.

COMMUNITY ACTION IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Community Action is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of sex, age, race, color, religion, marital status, national origin, disability, sexual orientation, veteran status, or other protected status in accordance with applicable federal and state equal employment opportunity laws. Applicants with disabilities may request accommodation to complete the application and selection process. Please notify Human Resources at least three (3) working days prior to the date of need.

Note: Community Action Organization reserves the right to modify, interpret or apply this job description as needed. The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the employee in this position. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties (including essential duties), and skills to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not a contract implied or otherwise and the employment relationship remains at-will. The aforementioned requirements may be subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified persons with disabilities. All positions are contingent upon funding and successful passing of all required background checks, required registry checks and physical screenings if required.

All staff in positions which regularly require driving either company or personal vehicles while performing work on behalf of Community Action are required to provide Human Resources proof of a valid driver's license for a motor vehicle record check both at hire and annually thereafter. Human Resources will conduct a motor-vehicle record. These records will be held as confidential records in Human Resources. All accidents will be reported to Human Resources within 48 hours.