Housing Navigation Specialist - Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans

Organization Overview:

Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans (MACV) is a statewide nonprofit organization with a mission to end Veteran homelessness in Minnesota. MACV provides comprehensive programs in the areas of housing, employment, and legal services to support Veterans and their families throughout Minnesota who are homeless or at risk of homelessness. MACV operates a budget over $14 million annually and has a team of approximately 100 employees throughout Minnesota. The organization has office locations throughout the state, with administrative functions centralized within a headquarters office based in St. Paul.

MACV offers a competitive benefits package that includes healthcare coverage, dental, vision, life, STD and LTD insurance, generous paid time off, retirement benefits, 12 holidays per year, paid parental leave, paid family and medical leave, technology and wellness reimbursement programs, tuition reimbursement, continued professional development support, and more.

Position Overview:

The Housing Navigation Specialist supports Minnesota Assistance Council for Veterans' (MACV) mission to end Veteran homeless by working closely with Veterans who have been awarded a VASH voucher to locate and secure affordable housing. The HUD-VASH program combines a Housing Choice Voucher (HCV) with VA Case Management. Additional details about the program can be found on the VA website at https://www.va.gov/homeless/hud-vash.asp. This position will work very closely with both MACV the VA Mental Health Homeless Programs Team to prepare Veterans for housing search, identify affordable, permanent housing units, and educate landlords on the benefits of renting to homeless Veterans in Minnesota. We value the insight that a lived experience of homelessness, housing insecurity, and/or justice involvement brings. While this position is hybrid, most work is conducted during normal business hours and requires staff to be on site where required by work responsibilities. The employee normally receives supervision through MACV's Landlord Engagement Program and collaborates with the VA Housing Team on client goals.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Provide direct housing search assistance to HUD VASH enrolled Veterans, including:

• Assist Veterans in searching for and applying to affordable housing.
• Provide guidance in developing viable housing plans that reflects Veteran's current strengths.
• Transport participants to housing application appointments, housing authority appointments, and other agencies as needed.
• Commitment to treating all clients with dignity and respect, including Veterans with previous justice involvement.
• Establish relationships with landlords to assist in locating appropriate housing, especially for Veterans who have multiple barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
• Work closely with other agencies providing supportive services to Veterans.
• Maintain records and documentation in accordance with MACV standards.
• Attend agency and community meetings and trainings.
• Maintain a roster of clients being supported with housing search and provide updates on housing search progress consistent with organizational documentation practices.

Position Requirements and Qualifications

• Experience in human services, housing navigation, property management, or another related field.
• Strong interest in housing and homelessness.
• Knowledge of affordable housing basics, including Section 8, tax credits, PHA processes, Fair Housing, etc.
• Valid MN Driver's License and access to reliable vehicle for transporting clients (mileage will be reimbursed at standard IRS rate).
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality in all assignments as directed.
• Sound judgment in prioritizing projects and tasks.
• Strong self-starter with high degree of accountability.
• Persistent but respectful encouragement to support Veterans in meeting their housing goals.

Compensation details: 50000-54000 Yearly Salary

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