Youth Housing and Health Navigator
(Salary Range $39,620-$50,280 with benefits + flexible schedule)
Hybrid Position: Remote + Onsite/Field Hours (up to 15/week) in Springfield, OR

DevNW and our CDFI partner, Community Lending Works (CLW) are fostering vibrant, inclusive communities by prioritizing housing, asset development, wealth building, and small business development. To do this work we are deconstructing pervasive systems of oppression such as racism, classism, or sexism that maintain persistent disparities and perpetuate deep imbalances in power, opportunity, and wealth.

The Youth Housing and Health Navigators’ critical contributions to this work are the following:

• Ensure that participants of DevNW’s Youth Housing and Health secure stable housing and receive supportive program services that are human-centered, trauma-informed, participant-driven, and transition from homelessness into stability.
• Serve as a connector, guide, and support for participants navigating systems of care such as health agencies, workforce providers, substance use counseling, youth service providers
• Establish, nurture, and maintain collaborative partners in order to secure and leverage resources such as housing, educational support, or funding to support youth.
• Intensive one-to-one case management and coaching for participants in order to establish resourced pathways toward long-term stability and achievement of youth-identified goals.

To excel in this position, you will need these essential lenses:

• Recognize institutional, structural, and systemic barriers that many participants face, especially young adults of marginalized communities and/or identities, as the impact on housing and asset-building opportunities compromises stability.
• Thorough understanding of systems of affordable housing, basic needs services, health systems, and wider supportive service network in order to support participants navigating complex systems Commitment to Housing First principles.
• Understanding trauma-informed care as a practice that is integrated into the delivery of services sensitive to each participant’s life experience.

It is CRITICAL that you have…

• Working knowledge on systems of care and issues due to homelessness in addition to an ongoing practice of continuous learning (professional development opportunities provided)
• Must be able to independently plan and organize case management follow-up while keeping the Healthy Communities Assistant Director aware and informed.
• Experience engaging identities that are often marginalized, such as folks of LGBTQIA+, persons of color/BIPOC, parents or expecting, consumers of mental health, survivors of sex trafficking and exploitation, etc.
• Direct experience with case management, including initial intakes, providing direct services, writing thorough case notes to document next steps, actions taken, observations, etc.
• Comfort with using client reporting databases such as an HMIS, social media, apps, and software.
• Collaborate across the organization and with external partners to develop and execute integrated program approaches.
• Flexibility with time management and day-to-day prioritization of tasks based on participant needs.
• Develop, foster, and implement relationships with local, state, and national organizations to support program objectives and strategic goals.
• A sense of humor, strong boundaries, and self-care practices.

Example tasks/responsibilities for the Youth Housing and Health Navigator:

• Conduct relevant, targeted outreach based using participant criteria.
• Complete a thorough assessment for each participant to determine eligibility, existing services they are receiving, social service gaps, and additional connections needed.
• Complete intake with each participant to determine immediate and long-term needs and goals.
• Provide one-on-one case management using positive youth development practices for young adults in transition, such as direct coaching, connecting with resources, and coordinating multiple service providers toward long-term outcomes.
• Support participants in navigating the housing market and securing stable, affordable housing.
• Work with participants in addressing barriers to housing in order to create sustained stability.
• Connect with landlords and external housing providers to build relationships, address barriers, and provide eviction prevention services.
• Coordinate internal and external referrals and maintain intra-agency and inter-agency relationships.
• Coordinate classes and small group workshops about a wide variety of life skills topics, including education, employment, and financial wellbeing.
• Participated in both internal and external meetings including, but not limited to YHDP, Continuum of Care, and Youth Action Board meetings.
• Maintain complete and accurate client files.

It is GREAT if you have…

• Experience working with youth in crisis
• Knowledge of fair housing and tenant/property laws

It is a BONUS if you also have…

• Personal experience facing housing or financial instability.
• Lived experience as a member of a historically marginalized community.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills in both English and Spanish

Apply for this opportunity to support DevNW’s suite of programs and services by providing an introduction letter detailing your interest that includes the following by the priority date of March 10th to careers@devnw.org:

Dev NW is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. All qualified persons are encouraged to apply. Applications for emplo yment will be considered without regard to race, color, national or ethnic origin, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orient ation, marital status, age, disability, and any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

Studies have shown that women and people of color are less likely to apply for jobs unless they meet every one of the qualifications listed. We are most interested in finding the best candidate for the job, and that candidate may be one who comes from a less traditional background. If you meet key qualifications for the job, and believe you would be the best fit, we would encourage you to apply; please use your cover letter or introductory email to explain how you will accomplish parts of the job for which you have less experience. If you are unsure whether you meet the qualifications of this position, please feel free to contact us.

DevNW values diversity and supports a welcoming, inclusive environment where all of our employees can thrive. We value a workforce that is representative of the communities we serve.