COMPETITIVE SIGN-ON BONUS!!

ABOUT CHILDREN SERVICES OF ROXBURY: Founded in 1972 Children’s Services of Roxbury’s (CSR) mission is to provide high quality services to economically-disadvantaged children, youth, families, and individuals thereby promoting and strengthening family life and individual growth. CSR serves approximately 6,000 families across Massachusetts, serving families through four key services areas: Early Education and Care, Behavioral Health Services, Youth and Family Services and Housing and Stabilization. There are 22 programs operating under those four services areas. CSR operates across in 4 cities, has a staff of 400 employees, and an operating budget of $28M.

OVERVIEW: The lack of adequate, affordable housing further destabilizes economically-disadvantaged adults and families. CSR’s Housing and Stabilization Services staff is committed to addressing the needs of individuals and families struggling with homelessness, by providing permanent or temporary shelter along with food and clothing. Our safe, secure, and nurturing environments help families and individuals regain their self-esteem, develop life skills and financial independence, while remaining healthy and connected to their communities.

SUMMARY:

The Housing Navigator works closely with prospective property owners and managers to promote permanent housing opportunities for families experiencing homelessness. This involves outreach/education of potential landlords and community partners regarding the nature and scope of CSR’s housing programs and services. The Housing Navigator also closely collaborates with program staff to support families with complex barriers or limited opportunities for housing.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Establish and maintain relationships with property managers/owners.
• Actively seek and find opportunities for families who have barriers to housing and shares information with the team.
• Establish, update, maintain and communicate a list of available housing opportunities.
• Ensure effective service delivery by notifying Case Managers/Housing Advocates of all community resources and opportunities.
• Assist Housing Advocates in writing advocacy letters, housing appeals, and completing emergency status applications.
• Network and collaborate with area housing resources and maintains a presence at all housing-related community meetings
• Prepare materials for presentations to realtors, property managers, and/or property owners.
• Field inquiries from prospective property owners to provide information on our area’s housing assistance programs.
• Negotiate with landlords and troubleshoot landlord barriers to renting to shelter families.
• Perform other duties as required and as assigned

EDUCATION, EXPERIENCE AND SKILLS NEEDED:

• Written and verbal fluency in the English language required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Full vaccination against Covid-19 required.
• 3-years housing search and placement experience required.
• Ability to speak/write in Spanish and/or Haitian Creole preferred.
• Bachelor’s Degree in human service or a related field preferred.
• Familiarity with current housing market information, housing trends, community resources/incentives for landlords and available affordable housing resources.
• Experience assessing and addressing housing barriers for families experiencing homelessness
• Experience working with landlords and property managers
• Excellent emotional intelligence and cultural awareness
• Ability to work independently in a self-directed manner to accomplish tasks
• Uses supervision and consultation in decision making
• Must be consistent but flexible and able to adapt to quickly changing circumstances
• Proven ability to work well with others, including community members, a diverse team, and people experiencing homelessness
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Strong planning, organizational and computer skills to be able to set up systems to gather, track and manage all information related to housing search and navigation
• Strong attention to detail, deep knowledge of subsidized housing to be able to share accurate and up-to-date information
• Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills; thoroughly assess a situation, seek to understand multiple perspectives, develop solutions, and communicate with stakeholders in a timely manner.
• Strong interpersonal skills; actively listens, self-regulates, conveys empathy, and demonstrates self-awareness.
• Must be willing and able to travel to local meetings

BENEFITS

• Paid vacation, personal and sick leave
• Health, vision and dental insurance, FSA, AFLAC
• Employer-paid long- and short term-disability, life insurance and AD&D
• 401K plan
• Access to free, on-line CEU-approved educational courses
• Employee discounts program providing discounts on thousands of products and services
• Work with a professional, dedicated and compassionate team of people
• Help us continue the important work of changing and saving lives

COVID-19 VACCINATION REQUIRED