Housing Navigator (Bilingual)

The Housing Navigator provides direct assistance to develop permanent housing and exit plan services to homeless and runway youth ages 18 to 24 admitted into the Latin American Youth Center Housing Programs. The Housing Navigator is responsible for providing support that includes affordable housing search, connection to long-term housing supports and co-habitation options as well as skill development around best practices in community living. Upon exit, clients have adequate skills and resources to sustain permanent housing.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY!

LAYC/MMYC is an organization that makes a difference in our community. We invite you to join our talented staff and become a part of an organization that is known for its commitment to excellence, mission, and respect for youth. We value diversity as a strength, with 85% of our staff identifying as people of color. We prioritize recruiting and supporting staff who have shared life experiences as our youth.

LAYC/MMYC’s mission is to empower a diverse population of youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through multicultural, comprehensive, and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve that mission, LAYC/MMYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 5,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behaviors, and guide youth toward successful adulthood. LAYC/MMYC also conducts advocacy and public policy work to broaden opportunities for youth.

LOCATION: Washington, DC

COMPENSATION: $55,000 - $60,000

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS

In addition to a friendly work environment, we are pleased to offer the following benefits to our employees.

• Medical, dental, and vision plans with prescription coverage.
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Voluntary long-term disability and supplemental life insurance
• Matching 401(k) program beginning at hire
• 3 weeks paid vacation leave per year, increasing to 4 weeks with tenure, 12 days (upfront) paid sick leave per year, 12 paid holidays per year.
• Eight weeks paid parental leave, including adoption and foster care.
• Health club discounts
• One to two days per week of telework for most positions (eligible after first 60 days).
• Education Assistance

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Ensures that 80% of youth exiting the LAYC Housing Programs is connected to a permanent housing arrangement.
• Researches, collects, and maintains housing resources material. Communicates information about housing to residents. Updates housing resources binders as new resources emerge.
• Conducts an initial intake with LAYC Housing clients within 2 weeks of admission to evaluate their housing needs. Communicates results of intake to Case Managers for inclusion in client case plans.
• Develops a housing service plan with Housing clients based on the needs identified in the initial assessment.
• Meets with clients on an ongoing basis, and no less than once per week, to evaluate housing options. Trouble shoots with clients to address any potential obstacle to achieving permanent and safe housing arrangement at the time of exit.
• Conducts affordable housing research and connections to long-term housing supports and assists Housing clients in identifying steps that they need to complete to accomplish their permanent housing goals.
• Supports clients in applying for housing, accompanies clients to view potential housing options, and communicates with clients about the progress of their application during each step of the process. Help clients fill out application for housing and any other form of assistance and/or employment that will facilitate a successful exit from the program.
• Collaborates with the Case Managers to ensure that updates on clients’ housing applications and case notes are properly documented in ETO and HMIS. Notes must be entered within 24 hours of contact with clients.
• Advises clients on all housing related issues such as landlord/tenant disputes and discrimination on housing.
• Assists individuals with disabilities in finding suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs.
• Coordinates with other service providers to ensure that clients receive all the help they need.
• Helps clients identify financial resources available to them through deferral government assistance programs, community organizations, and other resources.
• Accompanies clients on housing-related outings.
• Meets with the Safe Housing Program Manager for weekly direct supervision.
• Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by the time and funding constraints. Attends at least 40 hours of training annually, including required trainings.
• Performs other activities specifically assigned by the Residential Program Administrator.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, social work, psychology, sociology, counseling, or related service/science disciplines.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with at-risk youth.
• Experience in managing crisis situations.
• Knowledge of community and local resources in DC and Maryland
• Ability and desire to maintain a flexible schedule (including late nights and weekends).
• Knowledge of case management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ability to work well and communicate with a culturally diverse population.
• Ability to translate Positive Youth Development techniques into practice.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Excellent oral and written skills.
• Proficient computer skills, experience with ETO or other data collection system a plus.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Ability to maintain a flexible schedule, including late nights and weekends required.
• Minimum of one year of experience working with at-youth risk preferred.
• Bilingual or fluent/proficient: English and Spanish required.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.
• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• Ability to work well and communicate with culturally diverse populations.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 10 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

TO APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.