Housing navigator, Social Work

$21.75 an hour. Full-time;
Monday through Friday 10am to 6:30pm

314 SW 9 th Avenue, Portland, OR 97205 and other New Avenues locations

Are you eager to be a part of the change and care that supports youth in our community? Do you have the drive or experience to be an assurance and lift for young people facing houselessness? If so, New Avenues for Youth is seeking a Housing Navigator to join our Housing team.

The Housing Navigator provides strengths-based advocacy and housing placement services for homeless youth, including preparing for, locating, securing and retaining housing through subsidy, site-based housing, various vouchers, and rental. They work closely with Case Managers and other team members to successfully house youth and provide them with other supports, as needed. The Housing Navigator understands the housing market and is versed in landlord/tenant laws, rights and responsibilities.

They will play a key role in identifying housing options, building positive relationships with landlords, and moving youth into housing units. Responsibilities include case planning, coordination and contracting related to housing, advocacy, resource brokerage and referral, skill-building, follow-up and after care, provision of clinical and financial record keeping related to job duties. They will work in partnership with multiple service organizations serving homeless youth through the Homeless Youth Continuum and transfers to the Adult & Family or other systems.

This position will also provide Rentwell tenant education courses to HYC clients.

• Degree in the Human Services field, or a minimum two years of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, or two years of experience working in a Housing Program.
• Computer competency including strong proficiency with Excel
• Understanding of, and respect for, cultural and human diversity and intersectionality
• Ability to empower and support youth in life choices and change
• Must have routine access to an automobile and a valid driver’s license

• Support Growth and Learning: Provide individualized skill-building and coaching to youth to strengthen essential life and independent housing skills, facilitate housing-focused groups and workshops, organize housing tours, all in the spirit of expanding one’s knowledge and potential housing opportunities.
• Be a Mentor and Guide: Build genuine connections with youth, share relevant and intentional experiences to instill confidence and build trust.
• Empower Through Advocacy: Help young people navigate complex systems, access resources, collaborate and coordinate with other providers, and make informed decisions about their own career journey.
• Document the Journey: Maintain accurate and timely records, ensuring that our programs have the data they need to thrive and continue serving those who need it most.

• Supportive: You agree to center the youth experience, build trust, and follow through on your investment to the young people that we serve.
• Compassionate: You offer empathy without judgment, listen effectively, and create a safe space for young people to share their stories and struggles.
• Resourceful: You provide strengths-based advocacy and a tenacious approach to housing placement services for homeless youth, including preparing for, locating, securing and retaining housing.
• Collaborative: You work closely with Case Managers and other team members to successfully house youth and provide them with other supports.
• Equity: You understand how systemic oppression impacts the lives of youth in programs and the systems that you will support youth in navigating.

• Make an Impact: Provide consistent support, guidance around resources, and advocacy.
• Thriv…