Housing Navigator

Family Violence Project; Augusta, Northern (ME, KY); Hybrid; USD 37,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Free health insurance

Disability insurance (short-term)

Disability insurance (long-term)

Life insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Dependent health insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Family Violence Project seeks a Housing Navigator to assist survivors of domestic violence with securing stable and safe housing across Kennebec and Somerset counties. The role includes assessing eligibility, developing Housing Stability Plans, and guiding subsidy applications.

The position is full-time, 32 hours/week, based in Augusta with travel across counties. Candidates should have crisis intervention and strong communication skills; a driving license is required for travel.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community.
• Knowledge of housing barriers faced by those experiencing homelessness and available resources.
• Experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution.
• Group facilitation experience; ability to manage multiple client needs and emergencies.
• Excellent listening, oral and written communication skills; able to work collaboratively or independently.

Responsibilities

• Assist survivors with securing stable and safe housing in Kennebec and Somerset counties.
• Assess eligibility for Navigator Services and develop Housing Stability Plans.
• Assist with applications and referrals for housing subsidies and related subsidies.
• Aid participants in housing search, understanding lease terms, deposits, utilities, and moving arrangements.
• Assess housing against HUD guidelines and provide ongoing support; build relationships with landlords and management companies.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Conflict resolution

Group facilitation

Time management

Communication skills

Listening skills

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

OneDrive

Education

Bachelor's degree in human services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Outlook

Microsoft Word

OneDrive

Job description

Full Time, 32 hours per week, Non Exempt

Job Type:

About the Role

Position Summary:

Family Violence Project seeks a Housing Navigator to assist survivors of domestic violence with securing stable and safe housing throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties. The person in this position will assess referred individuals’ eligibility for Navigator Services, develop Housing Stability Plans with program participants, and assist with the application and referral process for households that are eligible for housing subsidies. The Housing Navigator will assist program participants with their housing search, to include understanding lease terms, negotiating and obtaining security deposits, securing utilities, and making moving arrangements. They will assess housing for compliance with Housing and Urban Development (HUD) program guidelines and provide ongoing services to housed program participants. The person in this position will also provide education programs as required by state and/or federal entities who provide housing subsidies. The Housing Navigator will build and maintain relationships with landlords and property management companies to better serve those with whom they are working. Maintaining current and accurate records is an integral part of this position, as is the reporting of data as required by the agency and its funders.

This is a full-time, 32-hour per week non-exempt position with a Tuesday through Friday, 8:30am to 5:00pm schedule (which includes a half hour unpaid lunch break) that will include occasional on-call responsibilities in relation to the agency’s 24-hour helpline and may include some evenings and weekends. This position will be based out of an Augusta office and will include regular travel throughout Kennebec and Somerset counties. After one year of successful employment, a person may have the option to work from a home office.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk, climb stairs, sit (including prolonged sitting), talk, and listen. The employee is also required to operate a computer using a standard keyboard and mouse; use a fax machine, printer, scanner, and copier; and communicate using a telephone. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

The Ideal Candidate:

The successful candidate will possess knowledge of domestic violence and its impact on victims and the community. This person will also have knowledge of the housing barriers encountered by those experiencing homelessness, and available resources. Demonstrated skills and experience in crisis intervention, human relations, and conflict resolution are necessary, as is group facilitation experience. Time management skills are a must, as is the ability to prioritize work demands to meet client needs and emergencies. The successful candidate will interact harmoniously with others, communicating respectfully and effectively through excellent listening, oral, and written communication skills. The person in this position must be able to work collaboratively as well as independently, handle emergencies in a calm manner, and de-escalate situations. Applicants should be proficient in the use of Microsoft programs, particularly Outlook, Word, and One Drive. Data entry and reporting experience are helpful.

Job Requirements:

A valid driver’s license and reliable transportation are required for this position. Applicants must undergo fingerprinting upon hire and pass state and federal criminal history checks, as well as checks done through sex offender registries, the Bureau of Motor Vehicles, and the Department of Health and Human Services, among others. A bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in human services, social work, or a related field is preferred for this position but is not required; those with relevant skills and work / life experience are encouraged to apply. All new employees are required to participate in a thorough orientation process which includes successful completion of Family Violence Project’s Crisis Advocacy, Intervention, Response and Ethics Training for New Advocates.

Excellent benefits are provided for the employee, including free health insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, and life insurance. Vision, dental and supplemental insurances, as well as health insurance for dependents, are available at cost. Benefits also include paid time off (beginning with three weeks of accrued time per year), fourteen paid holidays each year, and a 403(b)-retirement plan with an employer match. The starting pay range for this position is $37,024 annually ($22.25 per hour) to $44,428 annually ($26.70 per hour), based on experience.

Equal Opportunity Employer

All qualified applicants shall receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, religion, age, ancestry or national origin, gender identity or expression, pregnancy or any other characteristic protected by law.

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