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Position Summary:
The Housing Navigator assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in identifying and securing safe, stable, and affordable housing. The Housing Navigator works closely with program participants, landlords, property managers, and community partners to locate housing opportunities, facilitate lease agreements, and support successful housing placement. This position plays a key role in reducing homelessness by helping participants transition into permanent housing as quickly as possible.
Key Responsibilities:
Housing Identification & Placement Identify and develop relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers willing to rent to program participants. Maintain a database of available housing units and rental opportunities. Assist participants in locating suitable housing based on program requirements and participant needs. Conduct housing searches and accompany participants to view potential housing units when necessary. Assist participants with housing applications and lease documentation.
Client Support:
Work collaboratively with case managers to ensure participants are housing-ready. Educate participants on tenant rights, responsibilities, and lease obligations. Support participants through the housing placement process including move-in coordination. Assist with addressing housing barriers such as poor credit, rental history issues, or lack of documentation. Landlord Engagement Build and maintain strong relationships with landlords and property management companies. Serve as a liaison between landlords and program participants. Address landlord concerns and mediate potential tenancy issues when needed. Promote program benefits to encourage landlord participation.
Program Coordination:
Coordinate housing inspections and ensure units meet program standards when applicable. Assist with securing rental assistance or deposits as required by the program. Document housing placements and maintain accurate client records in the program database or HMIS. Track housing outcomes and support program reporting requirements. Community Collaboration Develop partnerships with community organizations, housing agencies, and service providers. Attend community housing meetings and housing-focused collaborations.
Qualifications:
Education Bachelors degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration, or related field preferred.
Experience:
1-3 years of experience in housing services, homeless services, case management, or social services preferred. Experience working with vulnerable populations including individuals experiencing homelessness, veterans, or low-income households.
Knowledge & Skills:
Knowledge of local housing resources and affordable housing programs. Effective communication and relationship-building skills. Ability to work effectively with diverse populations. Detailed organizational and documentation skills. Ability to manage multiple housing placements simultaneously.
Technical Skills:
Experience using case management databases such as HMIS preferred. Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).
Additional Requirements:
Valid drivers license and transportation. Ability to conduct community outreach and attend off-site housing visits. Ability to pass background screening if required.
What We Offer:
Opportunity to innovate sustainable housing solutions for people experiencing homelessness Supportive, mission-driven work environment Professional development and growth opportunities Fully paid benefit packet for full-time employees
General Physical Demands:
Working in an office/site requires prolonged sitting at the computer workstation, standing, bending, reaching, and lifting to 40lbs. and some driving.
Work Environment:
Employees work in a dynamic, community-based environment supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability. The role involves regular interaction with participants who may be navigating complex challenges, including trauma, mental health concerns, substance use, and systemic barriers. Work is grounded in trauma-informed, person-centered, and harm-reduction approaches that prioritize dignity, respect, and choice. The environment is collaborative and mission-driven, requiring flexibility, empathy, and strong professional boundaries. Employees may work across multiple settings, including supportive housing sites, shelters, offices, and community locations. Situations may at times be unpredictable, requiring sound judgment, de-escalation skills, and adherence to safety protocols. Staff are supported through supervision, team collaboration, training, and wellness-focused practices. While the work can be emotionally demanding, it is also deeply meaningful and offers opportunities to make a lasting impact on individual and community wellbeing.