Housing Navigator - SSVF

A career at SupportWorks Housing, Virginia Supportive Housing is a choice. We are here because we are driven to make a difference. We serve our most vulnerable neighbors by removing the barriers that have prevented them from maintaining stable housing, health, and wellness. We meet people where they are and treat them with dignity and respect. We support them through their unique challenges and traumas resulting from homelessness, substance abuse, and mental health issues. We give them support even when they don't know they need it. We don't give up.

We embody our values: Compassion, Diversity and Inclusion, Respect, Wellness, and Integrity. We expect every teammate to embrace our core competencies of Communication, Collaboration, Persistence, Safety, and Quality in everything we do.

This work can be hard, but the impact is real. If you are committed, caring and resilient and looking to make a difference, a career at VSH is for you.

The Role: Housing Navigator, SSVF

What You'll Do: You'll assist Veterans in our Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program with securing and maintaining permanent housing utilizing a Housing First approach. As a part of the SSVF team, the Housing Navigator uses their expertise in landlord/tenant laws, Fair Housing and mainstream housing resources to actively assist Veterans who are homeless and/or at risk of losing their housing.

• Complete a thorough housing barrier assessment, budget and action plan for each program participant.
• Meet regularly with other housing location providers to ensure effective coordination of landlord outreach, retention and recognition activities.
• Develop and maintain professional relationships with housing providers including realty brokers/agencies, private landlords, public housing authorities, social services and government agencies and other stakeholders to enhance service delivery.
• Prepare clients for interviews with housing providers, including assisting them with completing rental applications.
• Negotiate lease terms on behalf of clients including monthly rent, security deposit, length of lease, etc.
• Assist participants with zero or low income, with a challenging criminal and credit history to locate and secure permanent housing
• Calculate housing affordability and conduct habitability and lead-based paint inspections
• Actively outreach and recruit landlords and maintain an outreach log

What You'll Bring to SupportWorks:

• Bachelor's degree preferred or related skills and experience, with at least one year of experience working with low-income and/or homeless adults
• HQS inspection certification or ability to earn within 2 months of employment is required
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and landlord/tenant law is required
• Good computer and interpersonal skills, plus effective oral and written communication skills
• Valid VA Driver's license and reliable transportation for local travel
• Experience with HUD VASH vouchers preferred
• Knowledge of the Veterans Service System as well as the military culture strongly preferred

What We Offer: A comprehensive benefits package that includes medical, dental and vision plans starting after one month of employment. Short term/long term disability and life insurance at no cost, plus voluntary life insurance. An Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) and a 403b retirement plan with a company match. A generous PTO plan including vacation, sick and personal days, and 13 paid holidays!

SupportWorks conducts pre-employment drug testing, criminal background and reference checking on all applicants hired.