Permanent Housing Navigator

Community Action Partnership of Strafford County•Dover, NH

8d•$23 - $26•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Specialist supports individuals and families experiencing homelessness who are enrolled in Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) in maintaining stable, permanent housing. Working with participants through the BoS Coordinated Entry system, this position provides ongoing housing-focused services that promote housing stability, participant choice, and long-term success in the community. Using a housing-focused, trauma-informed, and participant-centered approach aligned with Housing First principles, the Housing Specialist partners with participants to maintain housing, address barriers that may impact tenancy, and connect to services and resources that support long-term housing and economic stability.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in social work, Human Services, or related field preferred; equivalent relevant experience considered.
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or crises preferred.
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing chronic homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health needs, or other complex barriers strongly preferred.
Familiarity with Permanent Supportive Housing, landlord engagement, tenancy supports, or community resource coordination preferred.
HMIS or comparable database experience is desirable.
Understanding of Housing First, Permanent Supportive Housing, and housing-focused service models.
Ability to build trusting relationships while maintaining professional boundaries.
Strong organizational and time-management skills.
Ability to manage multiple participant cases and competing priorities.
Problem-solving skills and ability to respond appropriately in crisis or complex situations.
Effective written and verbal communication skills.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office and web-based data systems; ability to learn HMIS or comparable databases.
Knowledge of community housing, behavioral health, benefits, and supportive service resources preferred.
Valid Driver's License and insured vehicle (100/300 minimum coverage) for use on the job or acceptable alternative, driving record check, criminal record check, randomized drug screening.
Head Start and childcare licensing require a criminal record check and fingerprinting to be completed before employment.
An initial physical examination record, including a TB screening, must be obtained within 60 days of hire, updated every three years, and kept on file with Human Resources.
If a TB screening indicates high risk, results of a TB test must be kept on file, including any treatment received.
An initial driving record check will be conducted.
License information will also be submitted to the agency’s automobile insurance carrier.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s degree in social work, Human Services, or related field preferred
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or crises preferred
Experience working with individuals or families experiencing chronic homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health needs, or other complex barriers strongly preferred
Familiarity with Permanent Supportive Housing, landlord engagement, tenancy supports, or community resource coordination preferred
HMIS or comparable database experience is desirable
Knowledge of community housing, behavioral health, benefits, and supportive service resources preferred

Responsibilities

Partner with participants to develop and maintain housing-focused service plans that support long-term housing stability and participant goals.
Assist participants with maintaining housing and addressing issues that may place their tenancy at risk.
Support participants with lease requirements, landlord communication, recertifications, inspections, and other ongoing housing responsibilities.
Coordinate rental assistance and housing-related financial supports in accordance with PSH program and funder guidelines.
Collaborate with landlords, property managers, and community partners to support successful tenancies and resolve housing-related concerns.
Provide strength-based, participant-centered support focused on maintaining permanent housing and increasing long-term stability.
Assist participants in addressing barriers related to income, employment, benefits access, transportation, health and behavioral health needs, or tenancy responsibilities.
Promote participant choice, self-determination, and dignity throughout service delivery.
Provide trauma-informed engagement and support that recognizes the impact of homelessness and other life experiences while promoting participant choice, dignity, and self-determination.
Connect participants to community resources including behavioral health services, healthcare, employment supports, benefits, financial assistance, and other stabilization services.
Coordinate with Coordinated Entry and Housing Access staff, as appropriate, to support enrollment and transitions into Permanent Supportive Housing.
Maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, service providers, and community partners.
Participate in case conferencing and team coordination meetings.
Maintain accurate and timely participant records and documentation.
Enter and manage participant data within HMIS and agency databases in accordance with program requirements.
Ensure compliance with agency policies, confidentiality standards, and funder regulations.
Support reporting and tracking requirements.
Participate in supervision, training, and team meetings.
Maintain knowledge of Permanent Supportive Housing requirements, housing resources, and best practices in housing stability and supportive services.
Contribute to continuous improvement of PSH services, housing retention, and participant outcomes.
Model CAPSC’s mission, values, and commitment to reducing barriers and promoting equitable access to services.
Demonstrate participant-centered, trauma-informed service delivery.
Maintain confidentiality of participant and agency information.
Communicate respectfully and effectively with participants, staff, and community partners.
Promote collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement.
Represent CAPSC professionally within community partnerships.
Perform other duties as assigned to support evolving program needs.