Housing Navigator

Clackamas Women’s Services

Position Description

Position: Housing Navigator

Status: Permanent, Non-exempt, Full-Time

Starting pay: $27.00 - $30.25/hour, DOE, benefits available first of month following hire

Hours: Regular schedule, Primarily weekdays

Responsible to: Housing Admin Manager

Location: On-site

Staff with bilingual competencies provide an additional and essential value to our organization and we increase our starting wage accordingly for bilingual staff.

Note to Candidates:

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they believe they meet every single one of the qualifications as described in a job description. Clackamas Women’s Services is committed to building a diverse and inclusive organization, and we strongly encourage you to apply, even if you don’t believe you meet every one of the qualifications as described or if you require a reasonable accommodation to apply for or perform job duties.

About Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS):

Clackamas Women’s Services (CWS) was incorporated in 1985 as Clackamas County’s first shelter for survivors escaping family violence and domestic abuse. CWS’ service delivery framework is built on trauma-informed best practices that promote safety and self-determination. Our vision is to live in a society that no longer tolerates domestic and sexual violence but rather thrives on mutual respect.

CWS offers comprehensive, responsive solutions for adults and children impacted by sexual assault, domestic violence, stalking, the sex industry, and elder abuse. Through our emergency shelter, A Safe Place Family Justice Center, satellite offices, and throughout the community, CWS coordinates services with other public and private agencies in order to best serve survivors seeking help. Participants in our programs receive no-cost services by highly trained staff.

CWS is committed to building an organizational culture that reflects our values. We envision a community of survivors, staff, partners, volunteers, and donors who are deeply committed to breaking the isolation of domestic and sexual violence. We do this by creating community and partnership, honoring and celebrating survivors, and engaging in work toward equity and social change through community engagement and by investing internally in continual improvement and learning processes. We are dedicated to the ongoing work of creating and sustaining a community where everyone can thrive.

Benefits of working at CWS:

Clackamas Women’s Services is proud to offer competitive wages, paying above market for all positions and offering a full package of benefits, including:

• 100% employer-paid health, dental, vision, and alternative care benefits for employee and dependent child(ren).
• 100% employer-paid long-term disability and life insurance.
• Generous PTO (28.5 days in the first year based on accrual).
• 10 days of Holiday pay of your choosing.
• Paid day off for birthday.
• Paid parental leave.
• Monthly retirement plan contribution of 5%.
• Anniversary bonus, $25/year of service.
• $100 monthly travel stipend.
• Employee Assistance Program.
• Professional development opportunities.
• CWS was voted one of the 100 Best Nonprofits to Work for in Oregon in 2024! (2022 & 2023 too!)
• Work with a heart-centered team providing culturally responsive emergency, transitional, and long-term support and services. CWS helps survivors build hope and resilience so they can achieve their goals for personal safety, physical and mental wellness, financial autonomy, and family stability.

Position Purpose:

Responsible for providing access and navigation for tenancy and utility support through HRSN and Coordinated Housing Access systems and supporting the Housing Managers with the maintenance and upkeep of the DV By Name List. This role requires an ability to provide non-judgmental support with unconditional positive regard, transparent and honest communication as well as the ability to be flexible and creative in a variety of changing situations.

Key Responsibilities

• Receive and triage referrals and warm handoffs for housing assistance from housing systems such as HRSN and CHA.
• Submit HRSN referrals and provide navigation through the process to access funds for tenancy, utility support, etc.
• Respond to CWS answered CHA DV line, providing in-the-moment screening and assessment
• Complete necessary referral and eligibility with participants as needed (for CHA, HRSN, diversion, etc.) and ensure all paperwork is done thoroughly and accurately and all required documentation is collected.
• Utilize the Unite Us platform to receive and submit HRSN referrals and track and submit time and services provided.
• Utilize the HMIS Comp site database to track demographics and services as required.
• Coordinate with landlords and system partners to ensure support and access through the process of obtaining financial support for housing and utilities.
• Assist the Housing Program Manager with matching appropriate housing referrals on the CWS DV By Name List.
• Assist the Housing Program Manager with housing waitlist follow-up and clean-up, triaging into appropriate systems and resources.
• Assist participants in finding and obtaining safe and stable housing, including but not limited to:

o Finding available units

o Completing apartment applications for participants online or in person

o Providing support during lease signing

• Provide individualized case management for participants receiving short-term assistance, including:

o Home visits

o Safety planning

o Crisis intervention services

o Supporting participants in their goals for self-sufficiency and growth (i.e., budgeting, financial empowerment, domestic violence education, physical and mental health, parenting education, etc.).

o Domestic violence and sexual assault education

o Accompaniment to appointments or meetings with a variety of service providers (DHS, Court, Immigration, etc.)

o Providing transportation to participants in agency vehicle

• Maintain updated and accurate file notes in all participant files.
• Maintain daily CWS database (Alice) data entry.
• Complete and submit Finance Request forms for approved housing funds, including standing monthly payments and unique one-time payments.
• Reach out to former housing participants to complete periodic follow-up as required by funders.
• Attend housing-related community meetings (for example, HRSN, CHA, or Housing Navigators meetings).
• Assist Housing Program Managers in providing training and support to all CWS Staff about HRSN, Coordinated Housing Entry and diversion.
• Provide support as requested to Shelter/Housing Team or other CWS Teams as needed.
• Other duties as assigned.

General Responsibilities:

• Represent the mission and values of CWS to program participants and community partners.
• Represent and reflect the values of the Village Model through direct communication with coworkers and participants. Model values of collaboration, equity and inclusion in decision making and daily work.
• Complete documentation of all services, including intakes, releases of information, demographics tracking, and statistics within the CWS database and HMIS for all participants on a minimum of a weekly basis.
• Maintain appropriate participant confidentiality in accordance with advocate privilege and federal statutes.
• Provide consultation and support for community partners through collaboration and information sharing regarding the dynamics of domestic violence and sexual assault and its impact on survivors.
• Work in conjunction with other staff to provide consistent services to participants.
• Attend CWS all staff meetings and regular team meetings.
• Meet regularly with the supervisor to plan and prioritize projects.
• Submit necessary monthly timesheets and mileage reimbursement forms.
• Manage daily schedule appropriately.
• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bicultural preferred.
• Willingness to complete 40-hour confidential advocate training.
• A minimum of two years of experience working in domestic violence/ sexual assault programs.
• Minimum 1-year experience providing housing services.
• Demonstrated understanding of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, and positive parenting approaches.
• Demonstrated experience working with women and children from diverse backgrounds, providing culturally responsive services.
• Demonstrated understanding of anti-oppression issues, ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds, and understanding of culturally competent service delivery methods.
• Enthusiasm for working collaboratively with a wide range of public and private systems intersecting with the DVSA field (law enforcement, DHS, courts, education, etc.).
• Valid driver’s license; must be able to travel throughout Clackamas County and the Greater Portland Area.
• The person in this position frequently moves throughout CWS worksites and the community to meet with participants and staff. The person will also periodically move supplies and other items (up to 50 lbs.) from one place to another, participate in community events, and work in all types of weather.

We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workforce that represents the communities we serve. Women, people of color, LGBTQ , older adults, and people with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Clackamas Women’s Services complies with applicable federal civil rights laws and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, disability, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, or age.

Clackamas Women’s Services operates its program, services, and activities in compliance with federal nondiscrimination laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 - $30.25 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Housing: 1 year (Required)
• Domestic/ Sexual Violence: 2 years (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Oregon City, OR 97045 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $25