Housing Navigator

JOB TITLE: Housing Navigator

DEPARTMENT: Hope House / DV Empowerment Center

REPORTS TO: Program Manager

SALARY RANGE: $19.00 - $20.00

The Family Assistance Program empowers all individuals and families, regardless of age or gender, by providing the knowledge and skills to live healthy, safe, and fulfilled lives.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Navigator role is designed to guide individuals and families through the complex landscape of housing options, services, and resources. This position focuses on understanding each client's unique needs and offering tailored advice and support to secure stable housing. By maintaining a comprehensive knowledge of available housing programs, subsidies, and application processes, Housing Navigators work to remove barriers to housing access. Their efforts aim to find immediate solutions and foster long-term housing stability for those they assist. Through collaboration with other service providers and stakeholders, Housing Navigators ensure that clients receive the holistic support necessary to navigate their housing journey successfully.

MAJOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assess clients’ housing needs and preferences through detailed interviews and questionnaires to create personalized housing plans.
• Identify and secure affordable housing options that meet clients' needs, including negotiating with landlords and property managers.
• Facilitate the application process for housing, including gathering necessary documentation and ensuring timely submission of applications.
• Provide clients with information and guidance on tenants’ rights, responsibilities, and resources to support stable tenancy.
• Coordinate with social services, mental health, and other support agencies to ensure clients can access necessary services upon housing placement.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive database of local housing resources, including emergency shelters, transitional housing, and affordable rental units.
• Organize and conduct housing workshops and informational sessions for clients to educate them on the housing search process, budgeting for rent and utilities, and maintaining a healthy living environment.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with disabilities or other special needs to ensure housing accommodations are made in compliance with fair housing laws.
• Assist with other direct service components of programming as needed. Responding to emails and voicemails: address emails, voicemails, and security concerns appropriately and document observations and actions taken.
• Travel between offices, units, and business locations during the workday.

KEY COMPETENCIES

Affordable Housing Legislation

HMIS

Outlook/Email

Zoom Meeting

TEAMS

Tenant Rights Education

40-hour domestic violence training

CAP 360

Resource Allocation

Housing Market Analysis

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The employee must be able to sit and stand for long periods, Handle, grasp, and feel objects and equipment, lift up to 50 pounds, reach with hands and arms, extend both arms above the head and/or go below the waist, bend or squat, walk and climb stairs and ladders, hear in a moderately noisy environment, and use a phone or headset for extended periods.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions. If accommodation(s) are required, the employee must inform Human Resources by the first week. If accommodation is not needed at the time of employment but is later required, you must notify Human Resources when it is needed.

Work Conditions: Housing Navigators often find themselves in a dynamic work environment that blends office settings with fieldwork. Their workspace is typically equipped with standard office tools and technology, including computers and specialized software to manage client cases and housing databases. The nature of their role necessitates a high level of mobility, as they frequently travel to meet clients, inspect housing options, and liaise with landlords and housing agencies. Work hours can vary, sometimes extending beyond the typical nine-to-five to accommodate client needs or housing deadlines. This role demands a professional yet approachable dress code, balancing office norms with the need to be relatable to diverse client populations. The social environment is collaborative, with interactions not just limited to clients but also involving teamwork with other professionals in social services, legal, and housing sectors. Emotional resilience is crucial, as the job involves navigating challenging situations to secure housing solutions. Despite these demands, organizations often support a healthy work-life balance, recognizing the importance of well-being in sustaining high-quality service delivery.

MINOR DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Foster an inclusive safehouse and office environment where all clients are treated equally, regardless of race, ethnicity, national origin, disability, sex, sexual orientation, gender expression, gender identity, or religion.
• Housing Navigators must have a comprehensive knowledge of the laws governing affordable housing at the local, state, and federal levels.
• Informing clients about their legal protections and responsibilities
• The ability to anticipate market changes is essential for presenting clients with immediate and sustainable housing solutions.
• Housing Navigators excel at recognizing both systemic and individual hurdles that hinder clients’ ability to secure stable housing.
• The strategic distribution of limited housing resources among clients with diverse needs and urgencies is a critical skill.
• Mediating disputes between landlords and tenants over leases, repairs, and other housing concerns is a fundamental responsibility.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS FOR THE JOB

Education:

Bachelor’s Degree preferred.

A high school diploma, equivalent (G.E.D.), or associate of arts degree is accepted.

Experience:

1-3 years experience working with at-risk clients and previously incarcerated populations.

Excellent Networking and Social Service skills.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Experience working with clients facing issues with domestic violence, sexual assault, and other violent crimes.

Commitment to providing client-centered, empowerment-based services to victims of crime.

Other:

Bilingual preferred but not required.

Some evening, weekend, and overnight work will be involved

Valid Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.

Able to pass a background check.

Proof of Auto Insurance and Valid Registration

Have a good driving record (no more than 2 points).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.00 - $20.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $19 - $20