Housing Navigator - Emergency Rent, Bilingual Required

Community Action Organization; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action Organization in Hillsboro, OR is seeking a Housing Navigator to support the Emergency Rent program. This bilingual role focuses on moving families from housing instability to self-sufficiency by coordinating housing, utility, and support services with sensitivity to cultural needs.

You will build trusted relationships, advocate for clients, and manage payment processes, documentation, and referrals. A committed, organized professional with strong communication is essential.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED plus 1 year social services experience; maintain case files and coordinate services.
• Bilingual in English and Arabic, Farsi, or Spanish (spoken and written) required.
• Experience with low-income populations and collaborating with the housing industry.
• Excellent interpersonal and written/oral communication.
• Highly organized, efficient, with strong workload planning.
• Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license with insurance.
• Complete UNITE US and MMIS training within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Manage a client caseload, providing comprehensive case management services to facilitate housing stability.
• Develop trust-based supportive professional relationships using person-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Conduct prevention assessments and develop individualized housing plans, including referrals for additional services.
• Meet with low-income households to facilitate applications for housing and utility assistance.
• Assist households in acquiring necessary documentation and mitigating issues related to utility arrears, eviction notices, and eviction court agreements.
• Explain and review lease agreements with participants, empowering them to advocate for themselves.
• Establish and manage financial assistance plans, ensuring thorough documentation of program eligibility and compliance with all funder and program guidelines.
• Oversee all payment processes for participants, collaborating with utility companies and landlords from initial setup through program completion.
• Timely and accurate data entry in compliance with established workflows and funder requirements (UNITE US and MMIS).
• Develop and maintain relationships with public and private sector landlords to secure permanent housing opportunities for low-income households.
• Network with other housing and service providers in the region to streamline services.
• Maintain current information on housing opportunities, community resources, and applicable Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant laws.

Skills

Bilingual English/Arabic/Spanish

Word processing

Spreadsheets

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Job Title:

Housing Navigator - Bilingual Required

Company Background:

Community Action is a non-profit organization that provides critical services to low-income families in the areas of housing, homeless services, economic empowerment, family development, and early childhood care and education. Community Action leads the way to eliminate conditions of poverty and create opportunities for people in the Washington County area. Be the change you want!

Job Position Description:

Community Action is seeking a compassionate and highly organized bilingual Housing Navigator to join our Emergency Rent team! In this critical role, you will be helping individuals and families in our community move from housing instability to self-sufficiency. You will build trusting professional relationships, advocate for clients, and coordinate essential housing, utility, and support services.

Abbreviated Duties List:

• Manage a client caseload, providing comprehensive case management services to facilitate housing stability.
• Develop trust-based, supportive professional relationships using person-centered, culturally responsive, and trauma-informed approaches.
• Conduct prevention assessments and develop individualized housing plans, including identifying appropriate referrals for additional services.
• Meet with low-income households to facilitate applications for housing and utility assistance.
• Assist households in acquiring necessary documentation and mitigating issues related to utility arrears, eviction notices, and eviction court agreements.
• Explain and review lease agreements with participants, empowering them to advocate for themselves.
• Establish and manage financial assistance plans, ensuring thorough documentation of program eligibility and compliance with all funder and program guidelines.
• Oversee all payment processes for participants, collaborating with utility companies and landlords from initial setup through program completion.
• Timely and accurate data entry in compliance with established workflows and funder requirements (UNITE US and MMIS).
• Develop and maintain relationships with public and private sector landlords to secure permanent housing opportunities for low-income households.
• Network with other housing and service providers in the region to streamline services.
• Maintain current information on housing opportunities, community resources, and applicable Fair Housing and Landlord/Tenant laws.

Abbreviated Requirements:

• Minimum of a High School Diploma/GED plus at least one (1) year of social services experience, including maintaining accurate case files and coordinating services with other agencies. An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered.
• Bilingual - Fluent in both English and Arabic, Farci, or Spanish (spoken and written) is required.
• Experience working effectively with low-income populations and a demonstrated ability to work collaboratively with the housing industry.
• Excellent interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to accomplish tasks in an organized, efficient, and professional manner, with strong planning skills to manage workload demands.
• Basic knowledge of word processing and spreadsheet software.
• Requires reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and valid insurance coverage for a private vehicle to meet with clients and partners.
• Complete required UNITE US and MMIS training within 30 days of employment.

What Will Make You Stand Out:

• Familiarity with Washington County community resources.
• Prior experience interviewing clients, assessing their needs, and advocating on their behalf.