AGENCY OVERVIEW:
To read Homeward Alliance’s Organizational Overview, Mission, and Core Values; Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO),Affirmative Action, and Anti-Discrimination statements, visit https://www.homewardalliance.org/hwa/careers/
Homeward Alliance encourages applications from BIPOC, individuals who have experienced homelessness, and those holding marginalized identities.
People with criminal justice system involvement are also encouraged to apply. Background checks are run only after an offer is extended, and candidates are given the opportunity to speak with the hiring manager about the results if desired.
POSITION SUMMARY:
People who are homeless struggle to obtain housing for countless reasons, including lack of access to resources, the inability to obtain basic personal documentation (e.g., photo ID), difficulties searching for housing or applying for housing vouchers, and the absence of task-oriented, housing-focused services that help people overcome systemic or individual-level barriers to housing.
Resource Navigators provide one-on-one, task-oriented support to people who are homeless, with the primary goal of empowering individuals to secure housing/escape homelessness. Resource Navigators (a) conduct intakes and enter individuals into the Northern Colorado Continuum of Care’s (NoCO CoC) Coordinated Entry system, (b) help program participants identify goals and develop individualized housing plans, and (c) using those plans, provide robust assistance that includes, but is not limited to, housing navigation (e.g. searching and applying for housing, completing housing voucher applications, and communicating with potential landlords), employment search support, document acquisition, access to public benefits, and connections to community resources (e.g. physical and mental healthcare), etc.
In addition, for families with youth under the age of 18, this position offers housing rental assistance, and access to HWA’s clothing/food/hygiene closet and related events. The Bilingual Family Resource Navigator will facilitate connections to necessary resources which may include phone calls on the families’ behalf, helping complete paperwork, and case conferencing with other agencies to help advocate on families’ behalf. Their day-to-day functions will be based on partner and family needs.
This position will be highly mobile, providing resource navigation at any and all of the following locations: domestic violence shelters, public libraries, and other community spaces or family residences.
This position reports directly to Homeward Alliance’s Family Services Program Manager.
RESPONSIBILITIES:
- Provide one-on-one, task-oriented support to people who are homeless, with a primary goal of helping people escape homelessness/secure housing.
- Conduct intakes and assessments: identify short- and long-term needs/goals, complete a VI-SPDAT and enroll participants into the NoCO CoC Coordinated Entry system, and create client-driven housing/stability plans.
- Conduct housing navigation sessions: assist participants with housing voucher paperwork, housing applications, and housing searches. Attend lease-up appointments and conduct landlord outreach, as appropriate.
- Enroll participants into connected programs and make referrals to additional services both on- and off-site.
- Assist with the acquisition of basic documentation like birth certificates, Social Security cards, Driver’s Licenses, and IDs.
- Help participants enroll in public benefits such as AND, CCAP, CHP+, Connect for Health, EBT cards, TANF. Assist with enrollment for Medicaid via Colorado PEAK system. Help clients understand and access their benefits, including explanation of benefits, printing medical cards, and accessing email and on-line health portals.
- Identify and connect participants to primary medical and/or dental providers; assist with appointments, transportation (if appropriate) and any necessary paperwork.
- Assist guests with Employment Navigation, including helping guests access the Career Closet, create resumes, apply for jobs, and practice job interviews.
- Make referrals and facilitate introductions to other Homeward Alliance and community case management for guests who require long-term assistance.
- Provide advocacy as needed, solely upon the guest’s direction.
- Enter data and case notes into HMIS, the agency’s data software, punctually.
- Locate and disseminate resource relevant information as needed. Actively research and remain informed of community resources to best serve individuals.
- If not already, must become a Notary Public within 6 months of hire date (costs covered by Homeward Alliance).
- Field Homeward Alliance phone, email, and website inquiries to appropriately connect families and single adults to housing related resources.
- Provide appointments at the Family Resource Connection site to allow families to shop for clothing, hygiene, food, and other basic needs.
- Complete and submit Homeward Alliance’s Family Housing Fund rental assistance applications on eligible families’ behalf.
- Support the planning of and attend Family Resource Fairs hosted by Homeward Alliance.
- Provide general support to Homeward Alliance’s Family Services Manager and partner agencies.
- Other duties as assigned by supervisor.
SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS:
- At least two years of experience working with the Latinx community and vulnerable and marginalized populations, including people experiencing homelessness and/or children and families in a school-based setting. This can either be demonstrated through formal work experience or informal relationships.
- A high degree of accuracy, organization, thoroughness, and attention to detail required, to meet a demanding workload.
- Strong interpersonal skills, the ability to develop strong working relationships, and the ability to manage conflict.
- Ability and desire to collaborate with staff, service providers, professionals, and those with diverse perspectives.
- Passion for social impact and advocacy for marginalized populations; sensitivity to cultural and socioeconomic characteristics of the population served.
- Self-starter with the ability to work independently.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint) or Google Workspace; comfort with technology in general.
- Ability to communicate clearly and professionally, both verbally and in writing, including listening, and mediation.
- Bilingual (Spanish) required.
- Alignment with Homeward Alliance’s values and commitment to practicing efforts which promote diversity, equity, and inclusivity, as well as Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies, and Trauma-Informed Care.
- Must be able to pass a background check, legally work in the United States, and maintain confidentiality of protected personal and health information.
- Must be able to attend meetings and visit partners/clients virtually and/or in-person with own transportation or possess a driving record and valid driver’s license (to access agency vehicles).
SCHEDULE, SALARY, AND BENEFITS:
- Regular schedule is Monday-Friday, 8:00am-5:00pm
- Position is required to work in person.
- Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required.
- $24.60/hour
- For a list of benefits visit https://www.homewardalliance.org/hwa/careers/
POSITION WILL REMAIN OPEN UNTIL FILLED
Pay: $24.60 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Latinx, vulnerable, marginalized populations work: 2 years (Required)
Language:
Work Location: In person
