What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Navigator position at Wellroot Family Services?
Job Summary :
The Housing Navigator is employed by Wellroot and is directly responsible to the Director of Residential Programs. The key purpose of this position is to assist young adults in locating and securing the best possible housing solution for their individual circumstances and support the life skills development to increase self-sufficiency and stability. The Housing Navigator assists young adults in housing search and placement and develops housing partners. The Housing Navigator is responsible for ensuring that clients receive sufficient and appropriate care and that the mechanisms to end homelessness are being accessed effectively.
The ideal candidate for the Housing Navigator is compassionate, trauma-informed, and has excellent skills for engaging young people. He / she is well-organized and skilled in relationship development, housing markets, and understands general HUD requirements.
Responsibilities :
- Assist clients in locating, obtaining, and retaining suitable housing, including tenant counseling (e.g., understanding their lease, being responsible for rent as indicated in the lease).
- Assist clients with addressing all barriers that hinder them from obtaining permanent housing, such as rental arrears, credit, past utility bills etc.
- Assist clients in obtaining necessary identification, income verification, and other documentation required for completing rental applications.
- Ensure clients understand their rights and responsibilities as tenants and as program participants.
- Advocate for client with prospective landlords, including assisting with search for permanent housing when the program ends.
- Assist clients with challenges that may arise related to rent payment, housing conditions, or other concerns.
- Educate property managers on the benefits of Rapid Re-housing and negotiate more flexible evaluations of tenant applications to lower barriers to leasing.
- Assist clients with resolving prior evictions or rent / utility arrears.
- Attend local housing-stakeholder meetings (e.g., Continuum of Care, Public Housing Authority) and develop relationships with local landlords and apartment associations.
- Assist clients with setting up utilities in their name.
- Coordinates and assists with move-in and move-out procedures and unit turnovers.
- Conducts apartment inspections that are in accordance with the quality standards established by US Department of Housing and Urban Development.
- Complete documentation of rent payments, utility payments, and deposit payments in HMIS.
- Assist client in making maintenance requests for needed repairs.
- Actively looking for community partnerships such as furniture resources, utility resources, and other housing community resources beneficial to our clients.
- Conduct home visits for application assistance / housing upkeep.
- Educate and assist clients on the rent savings process and ensure rent savings is paid when applicable.
- Orients all clients on the program policies and procedures.
- Maintains professional relationships with clients and treats all information with the highest level of confidentiality.
- Develops and maintains partnerships and networks with community agencies.
- Complete warm handoffs from Case managers and support a caseload of clients (individuals and / or families) ages 18-24, with the goal of securing permanent housing for each client.
- Complete case notes in Extended Reach documentation system
- Adhere to all federal regulations regarding the implementation of housing support as outlined by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development and grant guidelines.
- Completes data collection and report requirements for various funding sources.
- Completes weekly vacancy report.
- Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and workshops deemed appropriate by the Director of Residential Services.
- Assist with completing receipt reconciliation through Microix system.
- Support the intake process completing screenings , background checks and other requirements.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Requirements :
Work Environment :
This position is located out of our office in Gainesville, Georgia and works both at our office and in the local and surrounding community. Occasional remote work is permitted. Work is conducted in an office setting as well as in the field. Fast-paced, working environment with vulnerable clients. The ability to maintain a flexible work schedule which will include evenings and weekends is required. Must be able to lift up to 25 pounds. Usually sits in front of the computer 40% of the time.