Rapid Re Housing- Housing Navigator

Job Summary: The Housing Navigator provides support and assistance to families and individuals experiencing homelessness and to households that are at imminent risk of losing their housing. The Housing Navigator is responsible for assessing referrals from the Program Director and facilitating the transition for households determined eligible for Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) services to housing, This position also serves as a general housing resource for households served by WCCDC.

Job Responsibilities:

• Working with Case Managers and the Program Director, identify appropriate housing units for clients in the RRH program, with the goal of housing clients within 30 days of acceptance into the program.
• Assist clients in the RRH program in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
• Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with participants’ housing needs and geographic preferences.
• Assist with landlord and Public Housing Authority (PHA) applications for permanent housing as needed.
• Assist the household with acquiring the necessary documentation and mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, and unfavorable landlord references as necessary.
• Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective action.
• Determine rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
• Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/tenant.
• Assist households with acquisition of furniture and move-in essentials.
• Conduct follow-up with participants/sub-tenants and landlords after housing placement; assist Case Management staff in mediating any landlord/tenant issues that may arise.
• Working with RRH, Case Managers, develop a plan with participants to move to permanent housing.
• Assess housing affordability rates for participants based on their income and HUD guidelines as applicable.
• Attend all required training and participate in meetings as requested.
• Comply with HMIS reporting and data quality standards.

Landlord/Property Management Relation Responsibilities:

• Connect with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with private landlords and other housing providers to expand RRH landlord portfolio;
• Advocate with landlords for participants with such rental barriers as prior evictions, poor credit, and criminal history;
• Conduct rent reasonableness assessments and complete environmental reviews on buildings where units are located.
• Conduct apartment inspections and work with landlords to correct any deficiencies.

Operational Responsibilities:

• Maintain accurate participant/tenant files, including entering data into HMIS.
• Document and retain copies of all communications with landlords and tenants.
• Work closely with the client’s assigned Case Manager to ensure that housing placement is consistent with overall service plan.
• Inform Case Manager of any changes in housing status or other housing issues.
• Update and maintain accurate monthly rental assistance schedules for all funding streams.
• Attend weekly staff and case review meetings.
• Participate in on- and off-site staff training, workshops, and outreach events as needed.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $47,500.00 - $51,700.00 per year

Benefits:

• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Education:

• Bachelor's (Preferred)

Experience:

• Homeless: 2 years (Preferred)
• engagement with landlords/property managers: 2 years (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 100% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $47,500 - $51,700