Housing Navigator

The Housing Navigator is part of a suite of services aimed to build financial and housing resiliency and health for individuals facing housing barriers. The primary focus of the Housing Navigator is to work one-on-one with clients to provide housing, navigational services and coaching to achieve their goals for housing stability while connecting individuals to rental and homeownership resources. The Housing Navigator also serves as an educator to clients on maintaining housing stability once secured.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Initial Client Assessment and Goal Setting Conduct a thorough intake to understand the client's housing history, income, potential housing barriers, and goals for stability. Collaborate with clients to identify specific, achievable housing stability goals (e.g., maintaining rent payments, building savings, or resolving credit issues). Document goals in a client-centered action plan and ensure clients are aware of each step toward reaching their housing goals. Work directly with clients to provide high-quality housing navigation via individualized counseling. Develop an individualized action plan for each client, outlining steps to secure and maintain housing, manage finances, and address any personal or systemic challenges they face. Include steps for accessing rental assistance, budgeting resources, or housing search support, and identify timelines for each stage of the plan. Review and update action plans regularly to reflect clients' progress and any new needs that arise. Utilizes HUD's Housing Counseling Rules and Regulations as a guide. Where appropriate, refers clients to the Financial Opportunity Center, the PHA Housing Counseling team, and/or the Virginia Eviction Reduction Pilot (VERP) Program team for assistance with spending plan, credit repair, savings, home purchase, and financing, eviction prevention, etc. Timely client tracking via Housing Navigation database and/or Counselor Max. Financial Management and Budgeting Support Assist clients in creating a budget to manage rent and other essential expenses, helping them build financial habits that support housing retention. Connect clients with financial literacy resources, savings programs, or employment support as needed. Provide ongoing support for tracking expenses and adjusting budgets based on changes in income or housing costs. Connect Clients with Supportive Services for Sustained Stability Refer clients to mental health services, addiction recovery programs, or health care providers as needed to address underlying challenges to housing stability. Coordinate with job placement programs or workforce development agencies to support clients in increasing income stability. Facilitate workshops or resources on tenant rights and responsibilities to empower clients in managing their housing relationships. Provide resources for emergency assistance and advise clients on proactive steps to take if they face potential eviction or rental arrears. Achieve program goals for client impact and service outputs. Builds effective relationships with landlords and property management companies and maintains/updates a running inventory of affordable housing opportunities and resources. Deliver presentations and community outreach on housing navigation and our services. Adhere to all guidelines related to confidentiality. Follow regulatory and quality-control requirements. Works to ensure that satisfaction is a priority of the coaching program. Becomes certified as a Housing Counselor within 4 months of employment. Actively participates in process reviews to improve the effectiveness of housing navigation services. View and comply with the terms and requirements of contracts and agreements. In accordance with grant requirements, assists with quarterly and annual reporting to various funders. Actively engage in regular team meetings across the organization and work to build a positive and cohesive culture and develop your skills individually. Engage in ongoing skill-building training sessions including JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion) topics Actively work to build your professional capacity including attending trainings and researching financial products, consumer rights, and resources on an ongoing basis. Represent PHA in media inquiries, at events within the field, and with peer organizations. Prepare in advance; provide feedback and suggestions related to improvements as needed or asked. Strengthen organizational culture by engaging in full staff activities, contributing to a culture of openness and respect, and actively identifying, evaluating, and dismantling the beliefs and structures that perpetuate racial inequities.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIES

Strong understanding of housing navigation process. Ability to interact in a professional manner with clients, community partners, and housing providers. Exceptional interpersonal skills and human relation skills that positively benefit interactions with co-workers, internal and external clientele. A demonstrated ability to deal effectively and professionally with coworkers, volunteers, peers, and supervisors. Ability to exercise good judgment and self-control. Good comprehension skills, with the ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through verbal communication. Effective oral and written communication skills with individuals at all levels. Must be detailed oriented, able plan, prioritize, organize, multi-task and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment. Strong administrative skills. Ability to work autonomously and understand when a supervisor needs to be involved in decisions. Good decision-making skills, with the ability to analyze information, evaluate results, and implement the best solution to solve problems or challenges. Self-motivated, with an ability and dedication to learn new skills quickly, keep up-to- date technically, and apply new knowledge to your job. Demonstrated ability to operate safely in the workplace, with experience in holding peers accountable to safety standards. Experience working in diverse communities with a clear understanding of multi-cultural contexts.

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor's degree or experience/education equivalent. Current housing counselor certification OR demonstrated ability to receive applicable training to obtain such certification. 1-3 years of experience OR training in housing affordable housing or related field. Strong computer skills, with working knowledge of the primary Microsoft Office programs. Must own or consistently have a vehicle available for use, with the flexibility to travel locally and out of area (but within the state). Ability to successfully pass a background check and other pre-employment screening.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Able to lift & carry items up to 15 lbs. Able to sit at a desk comfortably while working on a computer, for extended periods of time. Able to hear and speak to customers in person and/or by phone. Able to see and read on computer screen and paper. Able to use hands and fingers to operate office equipment such as a computer, copier, phone,postage meter, etc. Ability to stand for extended periods of time with breaks.

Pay:

From $26.00 per hour

Benefits:

403(b) 403(b) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Health savings account Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance

Work Location:

In person