Focus on projects, policy and messaging to support low-income tenants across Houston struggling for housing stability because of economic hardship or predatory landlord practices that force them into eviction court.
Founded in 1988, Texas Housers is Texas’ foremost policy organization working at the intersection of housing, community development, and poverty. We promote sound housing policy, assist communities to establish housing programs, conduct research, evaluate programs, support tenants’ rights, and more. Our work includes ground-breaking agreements to help low-income Texans recover from climate disasters and avoid eviction for COVID-related reasons. www.texashousers.org
JOB DESCRIPTION
The Community Navigator focuses on housing instability faced by tenants. The position involves working with tenants and other stakeholders to effect change at the local and state level. The Community Navigator is responsible for understanding landlord/tenant practices, experiences in the courtroom, create messaging about housing instability and promoting understanding of tenant protections and needed policy changes.
This position is funded for two years. The Community Navigator is based in Houston and reports to Texas Housers southeast regional director Julia Orduña.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify problems in Harris County faced by tenants, with a focus on those at risk of eviction
- Identify, engage, and educate grassroots tenant leaders on tenants rights, eviction, fair housing and other affordable housing information that impact their lives and communities
- Assist community leaders in making their case for landlord tenant reform
- Collaborate with Texas Housers staff, advocates, government officials, and tenant leaders to understand tenant protections and promote eviction equity
- Create messaging that addresses tenant housing instability and promotes tenant protections and eviction solidarity
- Monitor and coordinate volunteer and paid court observers working on the Houston Eviction Solidarity Network
- Translate observation records into messaging or reports to further tenant advocacy
- Travel as necessary
- Other duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS – REQUIRED:
- Bachelors’ degree or higher education
- Strong commitment to social and racial justice, civil rights, and economic equality
- Experience in grassroots community outreach, education and engagement
- Adept at using social and traditional media to engage in grassroots in outreach
- Critical thinking and problem-solving skills
- Able to manage and execute multiple projects with modest oversight
- Strong computer literacy
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills
- Organized, good communicator, relates well with people
- Self-starter, time management and project management skills
- Understanding, empathy for the economic challenges faced by people with low incomes
- Access to reliable transportation
- Ability to travel in state
LANGUAGE PROFICIENCIES
- English; proficiency in Spanish or other language is preferred
PREFERRED COMPETENCIES – NOT REQUIRED BUT HELPFUL:
- Bilingual
- Education/experience in legal & courtroom procedures, eviction court, civil rights law
- Knowledge of Houston and Harris County history, culture, and communities
- Strong skills in research and policy analysis
- Strong report writing and graphic generation skills
- Attention to detail in all communications, data handling, and work products
- Knowledge of public administration and public policy, especially in the fields of housing
- Familiarity with contemporary social science research in housing policy, urban and rural sociology, economics, African-American or Mexican-American history or related areas
- Ability to work effectively and diplomatically with strong personalities, peers, attorneys, civil servants, neighborhood leaders, media, public officials
COMPENSATION:
- $44,000-52,000 full-time (40 hours per week)
- Health Insurance
- Two weeks of paid personal time, one week sick leave, eleven paid holidays
- Eligible for retirement contributions in third year
TO APPLY:
Interested candidates should submit via emails to Karen Paup at karen@texashousing.org with “Community Navigator” in the subject line and the following:
- A thoughtful cover letter
- Resume
- Three professional references
- Writing samples (max 3 pages)
