What are the responsibilities and job description for the Reentry Navigator position at Sponsors, Inc.?
Sponsors Purpose
Sponsors seeks to improve opportunities and outcomes for individuals with conviction histories and to assist individuals released from incarceration with their successful reintegration into our community. Sponsors is a nationally recognized model in reentry services.
Sponsors Values
- Empowerment: We support each person in making their own choices to lead their best life.
- Dignity: We respect and believe in the goodness of every person.
- Community: We are stronger when everyone is able to fully participate and contribute.
Position Supervision
This position reports to the Reentry Resource Center Director.
No direct supervisory responsibilities. May provide oversight and mentorship to identified interns.
Job Description
Provides direct individualized support to people recently released from prison or jail to obtain and maintain long-term housing stability through extensive case management and resource navigation.
Responsibilities:
Long-Term Housing Program
- Provide Individualized Services to people living in Sponsors long-term housing, including The Oaks at 14th and “The Way Home” (TWH) Program Participants residing in scattered site housing.
- Develop an individualized case plan, outlining small action steps to navigate the transition from short-term housing to a long-term housing unit.
- Inform and guide the housing search process for Section 8 voucher-holders, including assistance obtaining necessary documentation, completing and submitting rental applications, appealing housing denials, and facilitating the Section 8/Public Housing move-in process with property managers and participants.
- Support participants in advocating for themselves with local landlords and county agencies through requests for reasonable accommodation, letters of explanation, and other relevant efforts.
- Monitor and discuss participants’ employment, savings, and financial management, particularly as it relates to successfully maintaining housing. Assist participants in completing budgeting exercises and in submitting requests for financial assistance.
- Work in collaboration with Parole and Probation to assist participants in maintaining housing and proactively addressing areas of need or concern.
- Utilize assertive engagement techniques to maintain regular communication with individuals on assigned caseload, regardless of housing status, to note any perceived barriers to maintaining housing/employment/benefits and identify opportunities for referrals to services or supports.
Program Data Management and Coordination
- Maintain detailed and timely records, both written and electronic, to inform service delivery (e.g., housing prioritization) and to support ongoing program evaluation.
- Serve as the primary point of contact with assigned Parole Officers as it pertains to individuals on your caseload. This includes electronic and verbal communication regarding program participants
- Maintain clear and timely communication with the public housing agency, Homes for Good, to support eligible participants in navigating the voucher application process and support referrals to public/affordable housing units
- Utilize web-based programs (e.g., Sponsors database and log, HMIS) and other systems (e.g., shared network drive, referral tools) to chart participant progress, maintain accurate entry/discharge records, and ensure timely and coordinated participant service delivery across Sponsors
Intra-Agency Collaboration and Communication
- Attend and actively participate in scheduled team and all staff meetings.
- Participate in scheduled training as requested by management staff.
- Maintain regular direct communication, both written and verbal, with partner agencies, local property managers, supervisors and other Sponsors staff regarding resident progress and conduct, facilities operations, and organizational protocols/procedures.
- Attend regularly scheduled provider meetings to maintain current information on available services and referral pipelines.
- Assist in case staffing and strategizing conflict resolution options with staff and residents.
- Provide support to the overall functioning of the Reentry Resource Center as needed.
Skills and Knowledge
- Knowledgeable about and supportive of Sponsors mission and values; committed to advancing social justice in our community.
- Ability to work effectively with a wide range of people to achieve individual and organizational objectives.
- Ability to maintain clear and timely communication, both verbal and written, with colleagues, partners, and program participants in person and electronically
- Flexibility in adapting to program changes
- Ability to employ equity while considering the individual needs of program participants
- Ability to maintain patience and humility in the face of a challenge
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to effectively organize and prioritize a wide variety of time-sensitive tasks
- Ability to act with integrity and professionalism
- Deep understanding of and commitment to professional boundaries
- Ability to excel in both independently driven and team settings
- Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and related software
- Familiarity with Fair Housing Principles
- Knowledgeable of the local rental market, including affordable and supportive housing
- Able to work independently with strong critical thinking skills to apply organizational and program policies and procedures
Education and Experience:
- 1 year of experience providing direct services in social service setting
- Higher education degree in related field preferred.
Work Environment:
- This position typically works in an office environment and uses a computer, telephone and other office equipment as needed to perform duties.
- May encounter frequent interruptions throughout the workday.
- Must be able to travel between locations in town for meetings.
Physical Demands:
- Walking up and down stairs
- Sitting or standing at a desk for prolonged periods of time
- Noise level in the work environment is typical of that of an office environment
Post-conviction Supervision Status
Successful candidates for this position must not be on parole, probation, or in a diversion program (e.g. SB416, Treatment Court, DUII Diversion, Restorative Justice).
Job Title: Reentry Resource Navigator
FLSA Classification: non-exempt, hourly
Full-Time - 40 hours/wk
Compensation: Starting Range: $19.90 – 22.05/hr
The perks of being a Sponsors Team Member:
- Work with an amazing team transforming justice in our community!
- We are one of the TOP 100 Non-profits and TOP 100 Green places to work in Oregon!
- 100% coverage of monthly premiums for basic health, vision, and dental insurance for employees and eligible dependents.
- Over 2 weeks of sick and vacation leave per year. Accrual begins with your first payroll.
- 9 paid holidays plus an additional floating holiday.
- 10% contribution to a retirement fund of your choice after 2 years of employment.
- Our organization qualifies for Public Student Loan Forgiveness.
- Annual pay adjustments, Employee Assistance Program, fun activities, and more.
Candidates who are highly proficient in English and Spanish may be eligible for 5% bilingual differential pay (certified by examination).
How to Apply:
Applications should be submitted online through our job opportunity webpage.? Questions, alternate application request, or requests for accommodation should be sent to Sponsors Human Resources Director at HR@sponsorsinc.org.
Sponsors is an equal opportunity employer committed to an inclusive, equitable, and multicultural work environment. We are stronger and more effective because of the diverse life experiences of our staff. All applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or national origin. Individuals with conviction histories are encouraged to apply.
Salary : $20 - $22