Housing Navigator

Job Title: Housing Navigator

Reports to: Director of Economic Empowerment

Position Type: Full Time, Non-Exempt

Start Date: May 2025

Salary: $63,000 – $66,000

Organizational Overview:

Footsteps supports and affirms individuals and families who have left or are contemplating leaving, insular ultra-Orthodox Jewish communities in their quest to lead self-determined lives. Based in New York City with remote options nationally, Footsteps offers members peer and emotional support groups, educational and career programs, divorce and custody support, social events and celebrations, and referrals to partner organizations for additional resources. Since Footsteps began in 2003, we have served over 2,500 individuals as they work to define their own identities, build new connections and communities, and lead meaningful lives on their own terms.

We have recently completed a robust strategic planning process, which has laid out a clear vision for Footsteps through 2027. In 2024, as we continue to recalibrate post-COVID, we expect our budget to surpass $5.5M with a staff of over 30. This is both an exciting and critical time to join the Footsteps team as we strengthen our internal infrastructure and capacity to meet the expanding needs of this community.

Position Overview:

As the Housing Navigator, a new position at Footsteps, you will provide direct support to Footsteps members navigating the NYC housing landscape while also managing Footsteps’ Housing Fund. You will assist members in identifying housing opportunities, understanding their rights, and accessing resources such as government vouchers and subsidies. Additionally, you will cultivate relationships with landlords and housing agencies, develop educational programming, and create spaces—both virtual and in-person—for members to learn and share experiences.

Responsibilities include:

Housing Support Services

• Provide 1:1 housing support to members, including intake assessments, goal setting, and referrals to appropriate housing resources.
• Assist members in applying for housing subsidies and programs, such as CityFHEPS, Section 8, and other voucher-based housing opportunities.
• Educate and empower members to advocate for their housing rights, navigate the application process, and prepare for housing interviews.

Housing Fund Management

• Manage the Housing Fund, including developing guidelines for equitable distribution, overseeing the application process, reviewing requests, and awarding funds based on eligibility and need.
• Coordinate with the operations team to ensure timely disbursement of funds to members or landlords.
• Monitor and evaluate the program’s impact, regularly tracking outcomes, keeping accurate records and providing progress reports for internal and grant reporting purposes.

Landlord & Housing Agency Engagement

• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords and property managers who accept government housing vouchers.
• Build partnerships with NYC housing agencies and advocacy organizations to streamline member access to available services.
• Develop relationships with housing organizations in other US cities to help with housing-related needs for members outside of the greater NYC area.
• Act as a liaison between members, landlords, and agencies to facilitate successful housing placements.

Housing Education & Programming

• Design and deliver workshops and events to educate members on their rights, tenant responsibilities, and housing search strategies.
• Develop virtual and in-person platforms for members to share housing resources, experiences, and challenges.
• Stay informed on NYC housing policies, subsidy changes, and tenant protections to provide up-to-date guidance to members.

Administrative & Program Coordination

• Maintain accurate case notes and track housing placements, subsidy applications, and member progress.
• Assist with planning and coordinating housing-related programs and events, including logistics, materials, and outreach.
• Collaborate with Footsteps staff to ensure a holistic approach to member support across economic empowerment and social services.

Qualifications:

• Commitment to and passion for Footsteps’ mission and values and for housing justice and economic empowerment
• 1 – 3 years of recent experience working in housing services or tenant advocacy.
• Familiarity with NYC housing programs, including government vouchers and affordable housing resources.
• Experience in case management and/or coaching individuals through housing processes.
• Strong relationship-building skills with the ability to engage landlords, housing providers, and government agencies.
• A non-judgmental approach, with the ability to provide member-centered support.
• Experience in data tracking, impact assessment, and grant reporting, including the ability to collect, analyze, and report on program outcomes to funders and stakeholders.
• Experience managing financial assistance programs or tracking funding disbursements is a plus.
• Comfort in facilitating workshops and public speaking.
• Ability to navigate complex systems and advocate effectively for members.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple, shifting priorities.
• Proficiency in Google Suite, Microsoft Office, and database management systems.
• Comfort in representing Footsteps publicly.

Location: Greater New York City

Start Date: May 2025

Salary: $63,000-$66,000

This is a hybrid position, with in-office days expected approximately 1-2 days per month. The ideal candidate works well in the office and from home.

COVID update:

All staff are required to be vaccinated. The office is currently open to staff on a voluntary basis. Program offerings and services are offered both virtually and in-person, at the office and offsite.

How to Apply:

Please send your resume and cover letter to opportunities@footstepsorg.org, indicating your name and “Footsteps Housing Navigator” in the subject line. In the cover letter please address why you are interested in working at Footsteps and why you are passionate about housing work. We will review applications on a rolling basis, so we encourage you to apply soon.

Team Benefits:

You will be joining an amazing team of passionate, mission-driven colleagues. We offer a competitive benefits package that includes: 20 vacation days, 13 paid holidays, unlimited sick days, 5 personal days, summer Fridays, 12 weeks of paid parental leave, paid sabbatical after 7 years of continuous service, health, dental, and vision insurance, 3% match for IRA retirement plan, flexible spending accounts for health care and transit, and a professional development stipend.

We are committed to promoting an equitable, safe, and welcoming environment for our members and staff. Footsteps values a culture of respect and inclusive community: honoring personal choice, different sets of beliefs, and diverse lifestyles that promote individuals’ rights to determine the course of their own lives. Footsteps promotes diversity in the workplace and believes it is critical for our continuing success. We know that women, trans, non-binary, and other structurally marginalized people are more likely to apply to jobs only if they meet 100% of the qualifications. We strongly encourage you to apply even if you don’t meet every requirement.

Footsteps is an equal-opportunity employer. Immigrants, people of color, formerly ultra-Orthodox individuals, LGBTQIA people, people with disabilities, and people who come from poor and working-class backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. Footsteps does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.