Housing Navigator

TRAC is located in a street-level office space where Housing Navigators provide drop-in services to the public. This program primarily aims to help tenants understand their legal rights and navigate the Residential Tenancy Branch (RTB) dispute resolution process.

This Housing Navigator position will require 28 hours of in-person work per week at our office (900 Howe Street in Vancouver).

Responsibilities

Housing Navigators help tenants navigate their tenancy issues by:

• explaining legal rights and responsibilities under BC residential tenancy law.
• assisting with Residential Tenancy Branch dispute resolution applications.
• assisting with other relevant tenant applications (e.g. RAP, SAFER, BC Housing).
• empowering tenants to communicate effectively with their landlords.
• providing referrals to other TRAC programs and services.
• providing referrals to other community resources.
• coordinating and/or facilitating legal workshops in the TRAC Classroom.
• assisting with front desk duties, including: assisting visitors to fill out required forms; maintaining an organized queue of visitors; answering phone calls from the public; assisting with data entry for reporting purposes; and distributing print publications to visitors.

Housing Navigators also assist with tasks that support and promote the Housing Navigation Program, including:

• developing and maintaining a database of referrals
• supporting the development of tools that streamline drop-in work
• attending community events to distribute TRAC publications
• offering general administrative support

Skills and Knowledge Required

• Exceptional communication skills, including: the ability to communicate with diverse visitors facing intersecting barriers; the ability to explain complex legal concepts in plain language; the ability to actively listen and respond with empathy; and the ability to set compassionate boundaries with visitors
• Knowledge of BC residential tenancy law and RTB dispute resolution policies / procedures*
• Knowledge of community referral options in the Lower Mainland and across BC*
• Passion for social justice, tenants’ rights, and working from within an anti-oppressive framework
• Sound judgment about what relevant information and options should be given to visitors
• Training in relevant areas (e.g. non-violent crisis-intervention / de-escalation and trauma and violence-informed practice) is an asset*
• Experience providing similar in-person services to the public is an asset
• Ability to speak a second language is an asset
• Existing profile in the social justice legal community is an asset

*Training can be provided to the successful applicant