Housing Navigation Specialist

Title: Housing Navigation Specialist (Veteran Services)

Dept: Housing

Reports to: Housing Program Manager

Wage: $30.00/hr.

Type: Full-Time/40 hours per week, Non-Exempt

Location: Seattle, WA; hybrid-optional (WA residency required)

Note: Hybrid-optional positions can be performed by combining telecommuting with on-site work. When telecommuting, a private workspace & reliable internet are required.

To Apply

Go to: https://wellspringfs.org/about/careers and click on “Career Center” to apply.

Who We Are

Our Vision: A community in which every child has a safe and stable home.

Our Purpose: To prevent and address homelessness by connecting families and individuals in crisis to the support and resources they need to regain stability.

For over 130 years, Wellspring Family Services has been dedicated to ending homelessness by helping individuals and families in crisis access the critical services they need to regain stability. As a non-profit, multi-service agency serving Greater King County, we focus on providing wraparound support that promotes lasting, positive change.

Through our Housing Services, we help families maintain and regain stable housing. Our Early Learning program provides Pre-K education to children experiencing homelessness, ensuring they get a strong start in life. The free Family Store offers essential clothing and items for children aged 0–17, while our Employee Stability Program helps individuals maintain housing stability and stay gainfully employed as they navigate life’s challenges.

At Wellspring, we empower families to thrive by connecting them with the resources they need to build a brighter, more stable future.

Wellspring Family Services is committed to a diverse and accessible workplace. Everyone is welcome. We strongly encourage applicants from under-represented communities, including BIPOC, non-conforming gender identities & sexual orientation, people with lived experience of homelessness, veterans, immigrants, and people with disabilities.

All applications are reviewed by a real person. To request disability accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact HR@wellspringfs[dot]org.

Position Purpose

The Housing Navigation Specialist will be responsible for supporting veteran families in King County. This role aims to connect veteran families with available housing resources, provide advocacy, and foster a supportive community network. The specialist will work closely with local veteran organizations, government agencies, and community groups to ensure comprehensive support for veterans and their families.

Essential Functions

Housing Navigation (50%)

• Assist veteran families in identifying and securing stable and affordable housing options.
• Conduct comprehensive needs assessments to develop individualized support plans and coordinate services.
• Use harm reduction, trauma-informed care, and motivational interviewing to help veterans achieve their goals.
• Provide advocacy and referrals for services such as healthcare, education, employment, and mental health.
• Build and maintain relationships with veteran organizations, government agencies, and community partners.
• Participate in community meetings, networking events, and trainings to stay informed about best practices.
• Manage housing program applications, benefits navigation, and case conferencing with other service providers.
• Maintain accurate and confidential records, including case notes, progress reports, and outcome data.
• Monitor and document client progress, making necessary adjustments to plans.
  
  

Employee Stability Specialist (25%)

• Catalog community resources to provide coordinated support for employees of contracted organizations.
• Assist clients in securing and maintaining housing, including lease navigation and landlord mediation.
• Develop and implement stability plans tailored to each client’s needs and goals.
• Conduct detailed case management, maintaining accurate records and engaging clients in creating support networks.
• Maintains collaborative working relationships with funders, landlords, property managers and referral partners and resources.
• Participates in local networks and professional groups, providing information on program services and outcomes to internal and external audiences.
  
  

Eviction Prevention Specialist (25%)

• Process housing assistance applications, ensuring timely support for 10-20 clients weekly.
• Conduct eligibility screenings and assist with housing paperwork.
• Provide administrative support, including accurate recordkeeping and financial documentation.
• Collaborate with the housing team to advance program initiatives and special projects.
• Maintain strong relationships with landlords, property managers, and referral partners.
  
  

Additional Responsibilities

• Support Wellspring values by acting in a manner consistent with those values.
• Support the organization and attend community events, workshops, and meetings to promote services and resources for veteran families.
• Additional tasks and projects may be assigned as needed.
  
  

Requirements

• Minimum three years of experience in outreach, case management, or social services, preferably working with veterans or military families.
• Strong knowledge of veteran resources, benefits, and services.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build rapport with diverse populations.
• Strong organizational and time management skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and database management.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
• Experience troubleshooting minor software problems.
• Highly developed cultural competency and awareness; practices appropriate, relevant, and sensitive strategies for working with a culturally diverse population.
• Highly developed awareness of diversity, equity, and inclusion, with evolved ability to practice appropriate, relevant and thoughtful strategies for working with diverse populations .
  
  

Physical & Mental Requirements

• Washington State resident at start date
• If an employee chooses to telecommute, they must be able to provide their own private workspace with reliable, secure internet.
• Regular and predictable attendance.
• The ability to understand, express and exchange complex ideas in a fast-paced environment.
• The ability to communicate detailed or important information to clients and/or co-workers through written documents and emails and through verbal means over the telephone, using virtual meeting platforms, and in person.
• The ability to use a computer for long periods of time. Adaptive accommodations may be available as needed.
• A moderate amount of moving around in a standard office environment may be needed.
  
  

Please note that employees should expect to perform some tasks that are outside the scope of the job description.

Employee Benefits

Choice of 3 Medical Plans

• 30 days paid time off per year, plus 10 paid employee holidays
• Dental
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability
• 403b Retirement Plan
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Health Savings Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• Employee Resource Groups
• Counseling Session Reimbursement
• Diversity, Equity, Inclusion & Accessibility (DEIA) Training
  
  

As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, Wellspring employees may use their time with us toward their participation in the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF).