Housing Access Navigator

Plymouth Housing Group•Seattle, WA

6d•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Access Navigator supports individuals seeking housing in Plymouth Housing’s affordable housing portfolio. The role assists applicants with applications, eligibility screening, and move-in coordination, working directly with people experiencing homelessness, very low income, mental illness, and/or chemical dependency. The Navigator handles a high volume of paperwork, maintains accurate records, and communicates with applicants, partner agencies, and internal teams. The position also responds to questions about housing programs, leasing procedures, and community resources. The role is based in person in Seattle, Washington. Plymouth Housing is a nonprofit organization that develops and operates permanent supportive housing for single adults who have experienced chronic homelessness. Its approach emphasizes dignity, respect, hospitality, cultural responsiveness, harm reduction, trauma-informed practice, resident choice, safety, and continuous improvement.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent combination of relevant work experience.
At least 1 year of administrative or general office experience involving accurate data entry, detailed record keeping, and confidentiality.
Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, or chemical dependency in social services or housing environments.
Strong verbal and written communication skills with individuals from diverse backgrounds.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and Outlook, and ability to navigate customized databases.
Strong attention to detail and ability to manage high volumes of paperwork accurately and efficiently.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Ability to use sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and apply de-escalation techniques.
Ability to build trust and work respectfully with people from varied backgrounds and lived experiences.
Self-awareness and humility in communicating across differences, adapting approach, and treating people fairly and respectfully.

Nice To Haves

Some college or experience in a housing or human services organization.
Customer service experience.
Bilingual skills; bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

Responsibilities

Assist applicants in completing housing and subsidy applications, including Low-Income Housing Tax Credit paperwork.
Conduct intake interviews onsite and through outreach in shelters, hospitals, jails, and street locations.
Screen applicants for eligibility, communicate decisions, and guide applicants through denial or appeal processes.
Obtain and verify required documentation, including income and homelessness verification.
Track pending applications, move-in coordination, and accommodation requests.
Provide referrals to community services and maintain updated resource materials.
Coordinate applicant referrals with external agencies and service providers.
Prepare and present information for appeals following initial denials.
Respond promptly to applicant and partner agency inquiries by phone, email, and in person.
Build effective relationships with applicants, residents, social service agencies, and internal teams.
Use approved de-escalation techniques when interacting with distressed or upset applicants or residents.
Maintain accurate records of applicant interactions and eligibility documentation in the agency database.
Support daily office operations, including walk-in assistance, filing, copying, and processing mail.
Ensure compliance with funding source requirements, including HUD, City, State, and LIHTC requirements, and assist the Compliance Department as needed.