Housing Court Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative

Center for Justice Innovation•Rochester, NY

16d•$52,000 - $60,700•Onsite

About The Position

The Eviction Diversion Initiative's (EDI) mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to prevent eviction and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. EDI connects litigants to rental assistance and ongoing subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health support, employment resources, financial empowerment services, and community-based organizations, while working closely with court partners to identify challenges and improve access to justice. EDI seeks two Housing Court Navigators for the Upstate New York EDI team – one for Rochester Housing Court and one for Syracuse Landlord/Tenant Court. The Eviction Diversion Initiative is a project of the Center for Justice Innovation in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Housing Court Navigator provides frontline, direct services to tenants facing eviction or displacement. Navigators conduct intakes, provide individualized case management, coordinate referrals, and work closely with court staff, attorneys, and service providers to help tenants navigate the housing court process and comply with court requirements.

Requirements

Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience is required
Experience providing direct services, case management, or navigation support in housing, social services, legal services, or related fields
Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and court-based settings
Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with multiple partners and agencies
Commitment to EDI’s mission and to serving tenants with professionalism and empathy
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree preferred
Knowledge of court, eviction prevention, public benefits, rental assistance, or housing subsidies strongly preferred
Experience with electronic case management systems and standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Office) preferred
Language other than English highly desirable (Spanish, preferred)

Responsibilities

Conduct intakes and maintain a caseload of housing court litigants with pending eviction or displacement matters
Provide individualized, trauma-informed case management and wraparound support, including referrals to rental assistance, subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and other community supports
Assist tenants in navigating court processes and understand court forms
Serve as a point of contact for tenants, court staff, and partner organizations to help coordinate services and address barriers related to nonpayment of rent, repairs, or other eviction risks
Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with on- and off-site partners, including court administration, legal services providers, housing agencies, and social service organizations
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing programs, rental assistance resources, public benefits, and community-based services
Represent the EDI program in court as needed
Accurately document client interactions, services provided, referrals, and outcomes in centralized case management systems
Support program data collection and reporting requirements
Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development related to housing court practice and partner initiatives
Perform other related duties as assigned