Housing Navigator - Emergency Rent. Bilingual Required

Community-Action-Organization; Hillsboro (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 54,000; Full time

Job summary

Community Action seeks a bilingual Housing Navigator to join our Emergency Rent team. You will support individuals and families transitioning from housing instability to self-sufficiency, building trusting relationships, advocating for clients, and coordinating housing, utilities, and support services.

The role requires bilingual proficiency (English plus Arabic/Spanish/Farsi) and experience in social services, with a focus on low-income populations.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED plus at least one year of social services experience.
• Fluent in English and Arabic; ability to communicate in Spanish or Farsi is a plus.
• Experience with low-income populations and collaborating with housing industry is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and written communication skills are essential.
• Organized, efficient, and professional with solid workload management.

Responsibilities

• Manage a client caseload providing case management to support housing stability.
• Build trust-based, culturally responsive relationships and advocate for clients.
• Conduct intake assessments and create individualized housing plans with referrals.
• Assist households with housing and utility assistance applications.
• Explain lease terms and help clients navigate program documentation and compliance.

Skills

Bilingual English-Arabic

Bilingual English-Spanish

Bilingual English-Farsi

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Word processing

Spreadsheet

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.