Housing Navigator

Reports to: Executive Director

Program: Housing Assistance Program

Location: Irvington, NJ

Employment Status: Part-time

Salary Range: $25.00 – $30.00

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates for TPCS shelter participants in locating, securing, and retaining affordable permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these resources.

The principal duties are performed in a general office environment and in the field/community where program participants reside.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Identifies and places emergency shelter participants into appropriate housing, with the goal of housing them within fewer than 120 days of acceptance into the program.
Assess participants’ housing needs and develop an individualized plan to secure safe, affordable housing.

Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues that may impact housing eligibility.
Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
Assists participants with housing applications, including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions.
Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
Explain and review the lease and any housing agreements with program participants.
Help field questions and concerns from individuals denied services, whether due to lack of funds or ineligibility.
Works with case managers to address any emerging housing and community adjustment issues.
Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events. Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
Assists clients with moving (e.g., helping them locate affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.).
Develop and facilitate educational workshops and groups focused on housing (including available housing resources, apartment search techniques, and other best practices).
Develop and maintain a database of resources, including a listing of brokers, landlords, and management companies.
Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county and TPCS guidelines. Utilizes the HMIS system for maintaining and reporting client data.
Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings.
Understand and adhere to TPCS policies around confidentiality and all standards of conduct as described in the TPCS Personnel Manual.
Perform other duties as assigned by the Shelter Program Director and/or Executive Director.

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in human services or a comparable field required.
A minimum of two years of related professional experience.
Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness.
Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e., Section 8, Rapid Rehousing, PSH, TRA, etc.).
Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources, including housing options, locations, and availability. As well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources, among others.
Bilingual (English/Spanish)

ESSENTIAL ABILITIES

Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and Google Suite applications (email, calendar, drive, docs, etc.). Willingness and ability to learn additional databases.
Possess superb oral and written communication skills.
Strong time management and organizational skills.
Strong human relations and interpersonal skills.
Ability to work independently, accurately, and efficiently.
Experience leading/supporting programs serving homeless families and victims/survivors of domestic violence/sexual violence.
Proven ability to be flexible and to work in a fast-changing environment.
Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations.
Proven ability to develop relationships and strong linkages with various stakeholders.
Possess knowledge and skills necessary to secure permanent housing for the homeless population.

AGENCY PROFILE

TPCS is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization committed to providing secure housing and supportive services to women and families. Our mission is to positively impact the lives of women experiencing homelessness and abuse through innovative programs and resources that support independence, nurture intrapersonal growth, and prepare them for a more prosperous future. Our vision is to become a comprehensive solution that adequately addresses all the challenges faced by women and families experiencing homelessness.

TPCS provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This applies to all employment terms and conditions, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.