Housing Navigator bei Urban Peak

Job Summary

Under the supervision of the Housing Program Manager, the Housing Navigator will be responsible for assisting youth experiencing homelessness in identifying, securing, and maintaining safe and stable housing. This position works closely with housing case managers, landlords, property managers, and community partners to reduce barriers to housing, ensure housing stability, and promote self-sufficiency. The Housing Navigator will schedule meetings with property managers regarding openings, tenant issues, and payment plans. Additionally, the Housing Navigator is responsible for scheduling and facilitating any appointments necessary for a youth to move into community housing, assisting the Housing Program Manager with One Home referrals, youth assessments, client data collections, documentation, file maintenance, reporting maintenance issues, and ensuring that the program is facilitated in a manner that meets Urban Peak’s mission. Housing Navigators will work with youth who are either engaged in Urban Peak programs or youth from other organizations. 

This position will ensure that interactions, interventions, and environments at Urban Peak are trauma-informed and emphasize the physical and emotional safety of youth and staff.

Who You Are: 

• A High School Diploma or equivalent with a minimum of three (3) years full-time of experience working high-risk youth OR  A Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology or human services or a related field AND a minimum of one (1) year of experience working with youth 
• Lived experience reflective of the youth we serve encouraged but not required
• Experience working with community landlords preferred.
• Experience with transitional housing programs preferred.
• The ability to connect well, work effectively and communicate in a culturally responsive manner with a diverse youth population.
• An understanding of trauma-informed interactions and/or a willingness to learn and adopt this approach.
• Data collection and the ability to maintain accurate and thorough client files and Salesforce/HMIS database.
• Skill in operating office equipment, such as computers, software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; email) and telephones.  
• Skill in oral and written communications, organization, and problem-solving skills   
• Able to function as a member of an interdisciplinary team and work with collaborating agencies.  
• Team-oriented and able to coordinate with various departments and staff. 
• Ability to be insurable as a driver on Urban Peak’s auto liability policy to transport youth using an Urban Peak vehicle and an approved personal vehicle
• Ability to pass both federal and state background checks
• Ability to pass pre-employment TB Screening
• Ability to pass pre-employment physical examination

What You Will Do:

•  Develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords and property owners willing to rent to youth
• Provide education to landlords regarding program supports, rental assistance, and tenant rights
• Conducts and/or assists with housing searches, housing orientations, lease-ups, and coordinates unit turns, move-out inspections (as appropriate)
• Assist with collecting necessary verification such as IDs, income, disability documentation, and other eligibility requirements 
• Assists participants individually and in groups with completing housing applications either in the office or in the community.
• Assist clients referred through OneHome with navigating the systems required for housing placement
• Meets with clients to review market rate, affordable/tax-credit, and subsidized rental options
• Serves as a liaison between landlord/property owners, community members, and service providers to help facilitate ongoing supportive services.
• Helps facilitate the relocation process as needed including identifying new units and completing all necessary forms for relocation
• Accurately document all services including assessments, pre-lease, lease up, and any other necessary case notes, and specific services received by clients in Salesforce/ HMIS.
• Collect and maintain accurate data on an ongoing basis.
• Maintain clear and effective communication with other staff regarding clients. 
• Work to ensure client confidentiality.
• Complete thorough intakes as needed in a manner that begins to establish comfort and trusting relationships
• Maintain close communication with Program Housing Manager regarding the daily operations of the program
• Maintain updated lists of available units and landlord contracts

What We Offer:

• Salary: $ 24.02
• Shift Schedule:    Monday through Friday 8am to 5pm
• 100% Employer paid Medical and Dental plans - Buy-up plans available
• Vision Plan
• Flexible Spending Plan – Health & Dependent Care
• Accident Coverage | Critical Care & Hospitalization Ancillary Plan
• Employer paid Basic Life and AD&D
• Employee Voluntary Life Insurance
• Employer paid Short-Term and Long-Term Disability
• Colorado Paid Famli Leave Private Plan – Employee / Employer Split @ 50%
• 403(b) Retirement Plan with 2% Agency Match
• Employer paid RTD Eco Pass
• 10 Paid Holidays
• 48 hours Paid Sick Time 
• 120 hours of Vacation to start on an accrual basis
• Robust Employee Assistance Program
• Second Language pay differential
• Staff support for lateral growth through training and mentorship

Who We Are:

Founded in 1988, Urban Peak is the only non-profit organization in Denver that provides a full convergence of services for youth ages 12 through 24 experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless. Our goal is to meet youth where they are and to provide them with the assistance and support, they need to become self-sufficient or obtain the necessary services they need to exit a life on the streets.

Urban Peak provides numerous programs and services that are founded on the principles of trauma-informed care and Positive Youth Development to assist youth in reaching their potential and living a successful life off the streets. Services include street outreach, a 136-bed shelter for youth ages 12 through 24, daytime drop-in services, supportive housing, education and employment services, case management, life skills courses, behavioral health evaluations, meals and more. The youth served at the shelter come from a variety of backgrounds, and we strive to be a safe community for all youth, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, religion, class, educational background, sexual orientation, gender identity, or ability status.

Urban Peak embraces diversity and considers all qualified candidates that have an interest in the non-profit sector.  We prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, HIV/AIDS status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. We encourage all candidates to apply.