Housing Navigator
START/END DATE: 9/1/2022 - 8/31/2023
Program Overview
Community and technical colleges are an affordable way for people to get a higher education, yet fewer than half of community college students earn a credential. Further, the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated the importance of a college education. So far during the pandemic, the unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma has been roughly twice that of those with a bachelor’s degree at 9% and 4.8% respectively, disproportionately impacting black, indigenous, and people of color individuals. Benefits Hub helps students stay in school and complete their education by offering financial tools and resources through coaching, workshops, and grants. In the 2022-2023 school year, Benefits Hub will provide 30,000 interventions to 7,000 students and target our efforts toward students of color, parenting students, and first-generation college students to take steps towards undoing systemic inequities.
The Benefits Hub team is a dynamic cohort of direct service AmeriCorps members working in collaboration with community-based organizations, and campus faculty and staff to connect community and technical college students to financial resources. As part of this cohort, you will be supported and provided with trainings, tools, and resources to be successful. You will become a resource navigation expert in housing navigation, public benefits, and client services. As a Benefits Hub Housing and Resource Navigator, you will support our service delivery partner, Neighborhood House, in providing housing support services and information on public benefits to community and technical college students experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, or financial instability.
Locations
Housing and Resource Navigators will serve from the Neighborhood office located in South Seattle and/or an NH location that is convenient for the student.
Member Roles & Responsibilities:
Review housing assistance applications submitted on online portal for completeness and compliance with program requirements
Compile and process rent applications by working closely with Neighborhood House staff, students, Benefits Hub coaches, and vendors
Support Neighborhood House program staff in developing housing support resources and referral information for students and Benefits Hub coaches as needed
Work closely with Neighborhood House staff to develop and implement strategies to connect students to Benefits Hub/Neighborhood House services, and outside resources
Input data into United Way and Neighborhood House database systems and ensure data integrity and compliance with documentation requirements
Ensure quality service delivery by attending team trainings and responding to email and phone calls daily during service hours
Develop and maintain professional communication with team, partners, staff, faculty, and other resource organizations to ensure full continuity of support for students
Promote other United Way services, including but not limited to tax preparation, meal services, and AmeriCorps opportunities
Support NH staff with providing in depth information on public benefits to inquiring students
Make referrals to American Financial Solutions to assist with budgeting and financial stability
Participate in any United Way or NH outreach in person and out in the community that involves providing direct services to students such as assisting with sign up to public benefits, accessing food resources, and other services
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Length: 12 months
Benefits & Compensation
Bi-weekly stipend of $1158 (pre-tax)
$6495 Education Award upon successful completion of service
Additional $1000 completion bonus from UWKC upon successful completion of service
Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally-backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs for up to one year after completing service
Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
Unlimited free transportation with a pre-paid ORCA Card
Childcare assistance
10 days sick leave, 10 days personal leave plus 11 federal holidays
Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
Monthly team meetings, high-quality training, professional development, and networking opportunities
Lifelong friends and colleagues who are passionate about service!
Professional Development Benefits:
Robust professional development to support your personal, professional, and service goals and growth
Skills to be gained include but not limited to: Interpersonal and Intercultural communication, community outreach, adaptability, relationship building, conflict management, customer service, resource navigation, data entry, knowledge of WA public benefits, knowledge of inner workings of non-profits and community college systems
One time $100 Professional Development stipend
Optional career development trainings provided by UWKC AmeriCorps team
Previous trainings include: How to Network, Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, How to make your LinkedIn Profile Shine
Networking opportunities within United Way, Campus Departments, and Community Partners
Optional Certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit (Required by sites with Food Pantries)
What We’re Looking For:
We believe that the communities we serve must be centered in the work we do, therefore people of color, first generation college students, and community college graduates are highly encouraged to apply
Second language skill is highly desirable so that we can offer services to students in their preferred or native languages
Some knowledge and experience working with vulnerable populations and/or people experiencing housing insecurity
Strong communication and organization skills – oral/written, listening, and attention to details
Ability to work remotely and comply with both UW and NH established policies and performance standards which may include productivity/personal responsibility, client/customer services, teamwork, and maintaining professional demeanor
Demonstrated ability to complete technical documentation in a timely manner while managing several projects, and creating positive problem-solving solutions
Cultural humility and commitment to racial equity is a must to ensure that services are relevant and accessible
Preferred Knowledge and Experience:
Familiarity with Washington State, especially communities most greatly impacted by housing insecurity
Strong computer skills and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media sites
Experience as a tutor, mentor, or resource navigator
If you do not have the preferred knowledge, experience, or qualifications, please do not be discouraged from applying. We offer professional development, support, and on-the-job learning.
As a member of this cohort, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed.
This is a full-time position and members will serve approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of their service term.
AmeriCorps Program Eligibility
Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
Must be available 40 hours per week through August 2023. Exact hours may vary by site placement, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington
Per United Way of King County Policy, AmeriCorps members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of service. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Please reach out to ------------ if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.
To Apply: visit our website at ------------/careers/americorps/benefits-hub-navigator/
No resume or cover letter is required.
The application process moves quickly, please expect a response within 1-2 days.
Please contact ------------ with any questions.
Program Overview
Community and technical colleges are an affordable way for people to get a higher education, yet fewer than half of community college students earn a credential. Further, the COVID-19 crisis demonstrated the importance of a college education. So far during the pandemic, the unemployment rate for those with a high school diploma has been roughly twice that of those with a bachelor’s degree at 9% and 4.8% respectively, disproportionately impacting black, indigenous, and people of color individuals. Benefits Hub helps students stay in school and complete their education by offering financial tools and resources through coaching, workshops, and grants. In the 2022-2023 school year, Benefits Hub will provide 30,000 interventions to 7,000 students and target our efforts toward students of color, parenting students, and first-generation college students to take steps towards undoing systemic inequities.
The Benefits Hub team is a dynamic cohort of direct service AmeriCorps members working in collaboration with community-based organizations, and campus faculty and staff to connect community and technical college students to financial resources. As part of this cohort, you will be supported and provided with trainings, tools, and resources to be successful. You will become a resource navigation expert in housing navigation, public benefits, and client services. As a Benefits Hub Housing and Resource Navigator, you will support our service delivery partner, Neighborhood House, in providing housing support services and information on public benefits to community and technical college students experiencing housing insecurity, food insecurity, or financial instability.
Locations
Housing and Resource Navigators will serve from the Neighborhood office located in South Seattle and/or an NH location that is convenient for the student.
Member Roles & Responsibilities:
Review housing assistance applications submitted on online portal for completeness and compliance with program requirements
Compile and process rent applications by working closely with Neighborhood House staff, students, Benefits Hub coaches, and vendors
Support Neighborhood House program staff in developing housing support resources and referral information for students and Benefits Hub coaches as needed
Work closely with Neighborhood House staff to develop and implement strategies to connect students to Benefits Hub/Neighborhood House services, and outside resources
Input data into United Way and Neighborhood House database systems and ensure data integrity and compliance with documentation requirements
Ensure quality service delivery by attending team trainings and responding to email and phone calls daily during service hours
Develop and maintain professional communication with team, partners, staff, faculty, and other resource organizations to ensure full continuity of support for students
Promote other United Way services, including but not limited to tax preparation, meal services, and AmeriCorps opportunities
Support NH staff with providing in depth information on public benefits to inquiring students
Make referrals to American Financial Solutions to assist with budgeting and financial stability
Participate in any United Way or NH outreach in person and out in the community that involves providing direct services to students such as assisting with sign up to public benefits, accessing food resources, and other services
Perform other duties as assigned
Position Length: 12 months
Benefits & Compensation
Bi-weekly stipend of $1158 (pre-tax)
$6495 Education Award upon successful completion of service
Additional $1000 completion bonus from UWKC upon successful completion of service
Loan deferment and payment of interest accrued during service year on qualified student loans (loans must be federally-backed; personal/private loans not eligible)
Noncompetitive eligibility for federal jobs for up to one year after completing service
Health benefits that meet the minimum standards of ACA compliance
Unlimited free transportation with a pre-paid ORCA Card
Childcare assistance
10 days sick leave, 10 days personal leave plus 11 federal holidays
Enrollment in an assistance program with 24-hour access to phone counseling
Access to emergency assistance program to mitigate unforeseen financial emergencies that put your continued participation in AmeriCorps service at risk
Monthly team meetings, high-quality training, professional development, and networking opportunities
Lifelong friends and colleagues who are passionate about service!
Professional Development Benefits:
Robust professional development to support your personal, professional, and service goals and growth
Skills to be gained include but not limited to: Interpersonal and Intercultural communication, community outreach, adaptability, relationship building, conflict management, customer service, resource navigation, data entry, knowledge of WA public benefits, knowledge of inner workings of non-profits and community college systems
One time $100 Professional Development stipend
Optional career development trainings provided by UWKC AmeriCorps team
Previous trainings include: How to Network, Resume Workshops, Mock Interviews, How to make your LinkedIn Profile Shine
Networking opportunities within United Way, Campus Departments, and Community Partners
Optional Certifications: Mental Health First Aid, Food Handler’s Permit (Required by sites with Food Pantries)
What We’re Looking For:
We believe that the communities we serve must be centered in the work we do, therefore people of color, first generation college students, and community college graduates are highly encouraged to apply
Second language skill is highly desirable so that we can offer services to students in their preferred or native languages
Some knowledge and experience working with vulnerable populations and/or people experiencing housing insecurity
Strong communication and organization skills – oral/written, listening, and attention to details
Ability to work remotely and comply with both UW and NH established policies and performance standards which may include productivity/personal responsibility, client/customer services, teamwork, and maintaining professional demeanor
Demonstrated ability to complete technical documentation in a timely manner while managing several projects, and creating positive problem-solving solutions
Cultural humility and commitment to racial equity is a must to ensure that services are relevant and accessible
Preferred Knowledge and Experience:
Familiarity with Washington State, especially communities most greatly impacted by housing insecurity
Strong computer skills and experience using Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and social media sites
Experience as a tutor, mentor, or resource navigator
If you do not have the preferred knowledge, experience, or qualifications, please do not be discouraged from applying. We offer professional development, support, and on-the-job learning.
As a member of this cohort, you will be supported with a robust orientation, ongoing professional development opportunities, training, check-ins, and the tools and resources you need to succeed.
This is a full-time position and members will serve approximately 40 hours per week for the duration of their service term.
AmeriCorps Program Eligibility
Must be over 18 years old on the first day of service
Must be a U.S. citizen, national, or legal permanent resident of the United States. Unfortunately, F1 visas are not sufficient.
Must be available 40 hours per week through August 2023. Exact hours may vary by site placement, but will primarily be Monday – Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Must undergo a Washington State Patrol background check, FBI background check and National Sex Offender Registry Check, plus state of residence background check if not currently living in Washington
Per United Way of King County Policy, AmeriCorps members must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by the first day of service. Being fully vaccinated means that an individual is at least two weeks past their final dose of an authorized COVID-19 vaccine regimen. If you are a selected candidate, you will be required to provide proof of vaccination. Please reach out to ------------ if you need information on medical or religious accommodation.
To Apply: visit our website at ------------/careers/americorps/benefits-hub-navigator/
No resume or cover letter is required.
The application process moves quickly, please expect a response within 1-2 days.
Please contact ------------ with any questions.
