Housing Navigator

Description

The Housing Navigator is responsible for securing housing (apartment units, condos, single-family homes, townhouses, etc.) for new residents and internal moves, developing relationships with local housing providers, and engaging property managers in housing retention efforts.

Requirements

Responsibilities: (to be performed with or without reasonable accommodation):

1.Operate within the DuPagePads Core Values, which supports providing care in accordance with the Trauma Informed Policy and Practices of the Agency.

2.Housing Coordination and Outreach

        a.Manage a Housing Directory and collaborate with interdepartmental housing teams to share information and resources.

        b.Conduct and coordinate outreach to community stakeholders, business owners, realtors, property owners, property managers, housing developers, and service providers to identify new and existing leasing opportunities.

        c.Build strong working relationships to better assist residents in accessing and maintaining stable housing.

        d.Coordinate housing moves, including facilitating applications, viewing apartments, executing leases, setting up utilities, coordinating movers, and organizing home furnishings.

         e. Oversee move-out procedures and unit turnovers, such as arranging item removal, cleaning, contamination mitigation, and minor repairs.

3.Direct Client Services

          a. Manage application and leasing for assigned clients engaged with the Move Makers team to provide case management support, including goal setting, service referrals, and ongoing monitoring.

          b. Oversee housing assignments for clients engaged with the Move Makers team to identify strengths and address barriers to achieving housing goals using a client-centered and trauma-informed approach

          c. Respect client rights to privacy and adhere to confidentiality laws, operating in accordance with the NASW Code of Ethics.

4.Eviction Prevention

           a. Build rapport and trust with property managers and clients to foster engagement and long-term housing stability.

           b. Accompany case managers on home visits, as needed, to enhance safety and eviction prevention efforts.

5. Administrative Support

           a. Provide department support, including document scanning, researching housing and compliance topics, updating directories, recordkeeping, and file destruction.

           b.Maintain accurate and timely records, including case notes and reports, to ensure compliance with HUD, IDHS, and agency standards.

6. Agency and Team Collaboration

              a. Leads Supportive Housing Move Makers Team to coordinate housing connections and supports other Housing staff in the agency to enhance interdepartmental collaboration.

              b. Maintain collaborative relationships with co-workers to support client-centered care.

              c. Operate in alignment with Trauma-Informed Policy and Practices.

             d. Participate regularly in client staffing, supervision, team meetings, and training.

             e. Adhere to agency guidelines for attendance, punctuality, and program standards.

            f. Flexibility in scheduling to accommodate client needs and housing complexities.

            g. Perform other duties as assigned by leadership.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1.Ability to handle and work with resident and agency sensitive confidential information/data.

2.Excellent engagement skills.

3.Strong organizational skills with attention to detail.

4.Experience working with people with disabilities, serious mental illness, individuals of various ethnicities, socio-economic, LGBTQIA+, and social backgrounds; demonstrates cultural sensitivity.

5.Effective written and oral communication skills.

6.Ability to effectively use Microsoft Office Suite products (Access, Excel, Word) as required.

7.Ability to work independently and work collaboratively as part of a team.

8.Ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and to meet deadlines.

Qualifications:

1.Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or related field preferred, or equivalent work experience.

2.Strong customer service focus.

3.Experience in issues related to homelessness preferred.

Other:

1.Provide own transportation.

2. Be able to lift 50 pounds.

Classification Status: Full-time non-exempt