Housing Navigator

New Avenues; Portland (OR); On-site; USD 25,000 - 35,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Paid time off

Retirement savings plan

Employee discounts

Job summary

New Avenues for Youth is seeking a Housing Navigator in Portland, OR. The role focuses on strengths-based advocacy, housing placement and rent-support services for homeless youth, partnering with Case Managers to move youth into housing and provide ongoing supports.

You will identify housing options, build landlord relationships, coordinate with service organizations, and deliver Rentwell tenant education. The position requires mobility, a valid driver’s license, and a commitment to equity and

Qualifications

• Degree in Human Services or 2+ years experience with homelessness or housing programs.
• Proficient with Excel and basic computer skills.
• Strong understanding of diversity and equity.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized skill-building and coaching to youth to strengthen housing skills.
• Organize housing tours and facilitate housing-focused groups and workshops.
• Advocate for youth and coordinate with providers to secure and retain housing.
• Maintain accurate records and documentation for programs and funding.

Skills

Youth empowerment

Cultural competency

Driver's license

Education

Degree in Human Services

Tools

Excel

Job description

$21.75 an hour. Full-time; Monday through Friday 10am to 6:30pm

314 SW 9 th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 and other New Avenues locations

Are you eager to be a part of the change and care that supports youth in our community? Do you have the drive or experience to be an assurance and lift for young people facing houselessness? If so, New Avenues for Youth is seeking a Housing Navigator to join our Housing team.

Overview:

The Housing Navigator provides strengths-based advocacy and housing placement services for homeless youth, including preparing for, locating, securing and retaining housing through subsidy, site-based housing, various vouchers, and rental. They work closely with Case Managers and other team members to successfully house youth and provide them with other supports, as needed. The Housing Navigator understands the housing market and is versed in landlord/tenant laws, rights and responsibilities. They will play a key role in identifying housing options, building positive relationships with landlords, and moving youth into housing units. Responsibilities include case planning, coordination and contracting related to housing, advocacy, resource brokerage and referral, skill-building, follow-up and after care, provision of clinical and financial record keeping related to job duties. They will work in partnership with multiple service organizations serving homeless youth through the Homeless Youth Continuum and transfers to the Adult & Family or other systems. This position will also provide Rentwell tenant education courses to HYC clients.

Qualifications:

• Degree in the Human Services field, or a minimum two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, or two years of experience working in a Housing Program.
• Computer competency including strong proficiency with Excel
• Understanding of, and respect for, cultural and human diversity and intersectionality
• Ability to empower and support youth in life choices and change
• Must have routine access to an automobile and a valid driver’s license

What You'll Do:

• Support Growth and Learning: Provide individualized skill-building and coaching to youth to strengthen essential life and independent housing skills, facilitate housing-focused groups and workshops, organize housing tours, all in the spirit of expanding one’s knowledge and potential housing opportunities.
• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant and intentional experiences to instill confidence and build trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own career journey.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.

Who You Are:

• Supportive: You agree to center the youth experience, build trust, and follow through on your investment to the young people that we serve.
• Compassionate: You offer empathy without judgment, listen effectively, and create a safe space for young people to share their stories and struggles.
• Resourceful: You provide strengths-based advocacy and a tenacious approach to housing placement services for homeless youth, including preparing for, locating, securing and retaining housing.
• Collaborative: You work closely with Case Managers and other team members to successfully house youth and provide them with other supports.
• Equity: You understand how systemic oppression impacts the lives of youth in programs and the systems that you will support youth in navigating.

Join New Avenues and…

• Make an Impact: Provide consistent support, guidance around resources, and advocacy.
• Thrive in a Supportive Team: Join a collaborative and inclusive environment where your contributions are celebrated.
• Grow as a Professional: Receive ongoing training, mentorship, and opportunities for career advancement.
• Enjoy a Robust Benefits Package: We value your well-being and offer a robust benefits package that includes health, vision, and dental insurance at zero cost to the employee (with options to cover family members), generous paid time off, a comprehensive employee assistance program, a retirement savings plan, and access to employee discounts.

This position requires a high level of mobility, meaning the successful candidate must be able to swiftly move and adapt to different situations and tasks. This may or may not also include different agency locations or locations within the community being served. A person in this position must be able to perform with or without accommodation the essential functions of this job including any physical requirements associated with this role. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may be routinely exposed to outdoor weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. If the position may require the use of any personal protective equipment, New Avenues will have such equipment on hand for the employee’s use.

Any candidate deemed viable for this position based on resources and resume submission will be contacted to participate in a screen interview to discuss interest and job compatibility. Of those screened, advancing candidates will be asked to participate in a subsequent interview or interviews to evaluate job qualifications and interest further. From this process, a hiring selection will be made. New Avenues for Youth is an equal opportunity employer.

New Avenues for Youth is an Equal Opportunity Employer.