Rapid Housing Navigator

Job DescriptionJob DescriptionWho We Are

The Road Home has been a leader in striving to end homelessness for over 100 years (1923-2024). We provide low-barrier emergency shelters, supportive services, and housing-first-minded rental assistance that helps individuals and families step out of homelessness and back into the community. We are seeking compassionate and empathetic individuals who are interested in making a difference in the lives of others and their community.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Rapid Housing Navigation Supervisor, the Rapid Housing Navigator progressively engages individuals and families facing a housing crisis to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Rapid Housing Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to serve as a general housing resource. They work directly with clients, alongside case managers and other service providers, to assess housing needs and eligibility for rental assistance programs, address barriers to accessing housing, locate appropriate housing options, and navigate interactions with property management.  

*Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions, so please still apply

*Applicants must be authorized to work for ANY employer in the U.S. We are unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa at this time.

*This is an in-person position that requires travel between various resource centers and shelters. There may be flexibility for occasional remote work with work plan approval from the Rapid Housing Navigation Program Manager

Reports to

Rapid Housing Navigation Supervisor

Position Status

Full-Time

Shift

Monday-Friday, Occasional after hours and weekends required

Grade and Starting Rate

Grade 6, $18.90

FLSA Status

Non-Exempt

EEO Class

Administrative Support Workers

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Engage with guests in the resource center and those referred through community partners to assess housing needs and provide individualized support based on each household’s unique needs and barriers, maintaining focus on Housing First approaches to supporting individuals in accessing stable housing  
• Assess all households for mainstream benefits and supportive services, including rental assistance programs to help with security deposits, utility hook-up fees, and utility deposits.  
• Assist households in locating suitable housing options that align with their unique needs and preferences, accompanying them to property viewings as needed.    
• Identify strategies and resources to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, and/or unfavorable landlord references which may impact housing eligibility.    
• Assist households with completing applications, including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation, tracking application status, and negotiating with potential property managers.    
• Track households and ensure continued progression through the housing process.     
• Maintain clear and consistent communication with clients, case managers and property managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment, engaging as the point of contact and liaison with property management to improve the likelihood of housing retention.  
• Expand access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.    
• Maintain an accurate and current housing portfolio to provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.  
• Develop expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.     
• Assist with negotiation of lease agreements between clients and property managers and participate with clients in lease signings to ensure they understand the parameters of the agreement.    

• Coordinate moves with households and set up food and furniture vouchers as needed.     
• Collect, report, and maintain accurate client and program data using approved forms and data management systems (Rise, HMIS, etc.), managing client information in accordance with agency, state, and federal guidelines.  
• Actively participate in regular supervision, team and coordination meetings with case management and shelter teams to ensure a smooth and coordinated service delivery.    
• Attend collaborative meetings with other agencies and partners as needed.      
• Attend recommended trainings and conferences to ensure ongoing professional development.    
• Other duties as assigned      

Promoting Best Practice

• Demonstrates awareness and desire to understand diverse populations
• Ability to contribute to the Agency’s commitment to enhancing awareness and appreciation
• Willingness to understand that housing first, harm reduction, low barrier access to resources is best practice and essential to our mission at The Road Home.
• Ability to set and maintain good boundaries, using Trauma-Informed Care as a guideline

*Other duties as assigned

Requirements

Education and Experience

• Lived, work or volunteer experience preferred or a degree in a related field.  
• Experience working or volunteering with diverse populations.  

Required Skills and Abilities

• Demonstrated awareness of and sensitivity to diverse populations. Ability to contribute to the agency’s commitment to enhancing awareness and appreciation of diverse ethnic and cultural heritages.    

• Familiarity with Trauma-Informed Care and Housing First philosophies.   

• Self-directed and collaborative team member who can accept feedback.   

• Ability to communicate effectively and handle difficult situations with professionalism, compassion and from a trauma-informed perspective.   

• Excellent organizational and computer skills (Microsoft Suite, Calendar, Tracking, e-mail, ETC)   

• Demonstrated experience cultivating collaborative relationships with community partners.   

• Must have a valid driver’s license and be insurable to drive an agency vehicle.    

• Must pass a pre-employment background check and drug screen.

Physical and Equipment Requirements

• Ability to lift 25 pounds.   
• Ability to stand and walk for at least an hour at a time.   
• Ability to drive a vehicle.  
• Access to a personal vehicle is a plus. Staff are eligible for mileage reimbursement when using a personal vehicle. 

Benefits

The Road Home is a 501c3 non-profit social services agency whose mission is to help people step out of homelessness and back into our community.

Come be part of the solution.

We have a robust, reasonably priced, and inclusive benefits plan for full and part-time employees (25-40 hours/week)

• Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
• HSA, FSA, HRA (We reimburse part of your deductible)

• Retirement Plan (403B with TRH contribution and match)
• FREE Life Insurance for employees
• Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick & 12 Public Holidays)
• One Floating Holiday Per Year
• Free Short Term & Long Term Disability
• Employee Assistance Program
• Free Training & Development
• Tuition Assistance for a wide variety of classes

The Road Home is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) is essential to The Road Home’s mission of helping people experiencing homelessness move back into housing. We know that having a more diverse team makes our organization stronger and leads to better experiences and outcomes for the people in our programs.  

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