About the Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP)

The Community Economic Defense Project is a Colorado-based nonprofit. Our mission is to partner with low-income and working people to build economic and racial equity. We do this by confronting economic abuse and investing in community wealth.

Born out of the need to provide rapid stabilization services to families facing eviction and displacement in the pandemic, CEDP is one of the largest social services organizations in Colorado with 100+ staff who provide a variety of services to address family economic challenges, including resource connection, financial assistance, case management, and legal aid. Since March 2020, CEDP has assisted more than 31,000 people and dispersed nearly $100 million in emergency assistance. 100% of CEDP’s clients have an area median income (AMI) ratio below 80% and 74% of clients served identify as BIPOC and / or Latinx. Our model has been recognized as a best practice model by The White House, HUD, The Urban Institute, and in the news.

In addition to direct assistance and support to low income and working people, CEDP has drafted and passed transformational laws that expanded renters’ rights and dramatically curtailed predatory towing. The team also worked closely with members of the legislature to pass statewide laws strengthening the rights of mobile home park residents, establishing a fair housing unit within the office of Colorado’s Attorney General, holding overreaching homeowner’s associations accountable, and advocating for other measures designed to protect community wealth.

More about the Role

The Community Economic Defense Project (CEDP) seeks qualified candidates with exceptional ability to provide resource navigation and assistance to Coloradans across the State. Top candidates will be familiar with the social service landscape in Colorado and have connections with various service providers to support the referral and connection of CEDP clients to resources they need.

In this role you will:

• Provide personalized assistance to individuals seeking resources across Colorado, ensuring their needs are understood and addressed effectively.

• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local, state, and federal programs related to housing, rental assistance and other benefits.

• Develop and maintain strong relationships with housing agencies, social service providers and community organizations. Engage in community meetings, coalitions, and community events at the request of the Resource Navigation supervisor

• Assist individuals navigating complex systems, including online portals and paperwork, providing them with step-by-step guidance and support.

• Respond to inbound email, text and phone calls quickly and efficiently utilizing available tools assist clients in accessing resources in their communities

• Maintain accurate and confidential records of client interactions, progress and outcomes in CEDP’s CRM.

• Understand referral process for internal CEDP programs and external programs across the state

• Through a trauma informed lens, advocate for individuals’ rights and needs within the housing and benefits systems, ensuring fair and equitable access to services

• Complete other job duties as defined by Resource Equity Supervisor

Position Requirements:

• Minimum of one year of experience in case management and/or resource navigation, providing direct support to clients in a social service setting.

• Experience assisting clients with applying to public benefits such as SSI, Medicaid, and SNAP preferred.

• Analytical thinker with strong organizational skills, detail orientation, and ability to prioritize a complex workload with rapidly changing demands

• Demonstrated proficiency working with Customer Relationship Management databases or similar tracking and organizing technologies.

• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills and the ability to report up to leadership.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office, and the Google Suite

• A home office setup that includes a private, quiet place to conduct confidential telephone and video-conference sessions and a computer with reliable access to high speed internet

• Reliable transportation, some in-person work will be required for this role

• Spanish language skills are desired but not required

Additional Details:

• Candidates must reside in Colorado, ideally within the greater Denver Metro area. The position includes competitive pay, flexible time off, benefits package (including medical, dental, vision), and 401k.

• A competitive salary of $60,000 per year

• As in-person work is sometimes required, all employees at CEDP are expected to maintain current vaccination status in keeping with CDC recommendations.

• CEDP is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, marital status, ancestry, physical or mental disability, veteran status, gender identity, sexual orientation, or any other legally protected status.