Housing Court Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative (Suffolk County)

Center for Justice Innovation • Ronkonkoma, NY

1d • $52,000 - $60,700 • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges; Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond. Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide. Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org . THE OPPORTUNITY 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 to hire a Housing Court Navigator in Suffolk County. Reporting to the EDI Project Manager, the Housing Navigator provides frontline, court-based assistance to tenants facing eviction. EDI also assists unrepresented landlords. The Housing Navigator supports litigants in understanding and navigating the court process, connects them to appropriate resources, and works collaboratively with court staff and partner organizations to facilitate timely, coordinated responses to eviction risk.

Requirements

• Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience is or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience is required
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills, with the ability to engage effectively in a fast-paced, court-based environment
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse stakeholders across court, government, and community-based settings
• Proficiency with electronic case management systems and standard office software (e.g., Google Suite, Salesforce, Microsoft Office)
• Commitment to the mission and values of the Center for Justice Innovation

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor's degree preferred
• Experience providing direct services, navigation, or case management to tenants, low-income communities, or individuals involved in court systems preferred
• Knowledge of court, eviction prevention, public benefits, rental assistance, or housing subsidies strongly preferred
• Language skills other than English highly desirable (particularly Spanish)

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and maintain a caseload of tenants with pending matters in Suffolk County District Courts
• Provide individualized, case management and navigation support related to eviction prevention, including rental arrears assistance, public benefits, legal services referrals, and connections to community-based organizations
• Assist tenants in understanding court procedures and timelines, including support with filing court forms and preparing for appearances
• Review petitions, court notices, and stipulation agreements with tenants to support informed decision-making and compliance.
• Work closely with judges, attorneys, clerks and court staff to support diversion efforts and ensure timely communication
• Serve as a liaison between tenants, landlords, attorneys, and service providers to facilitate access to resources and resolve barriers to housing stability.
• Build and maintain working relationships with on- and off-site partners, including Suffolk County Department of Social Services, legal services providers, housing and homelessness service organizations, rental assistance programs, and other community-based agencies
• Visit community-based providers in person and update resources as needed
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing, benefits, and social service resources and make timely referrals based on client needs
• Collaborate with partners on outreach, workshops, and informational sessions for tenants related to rent, benefits, repairs, and housing rights.
• Complete weekly outreach mailings to households with an upcoming eviction case
• Document services, referrals, and outcomes in centralized EDI data systems in a timely and accurate manner
• Support data collection and tracking for grant deliverables and program reporting
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, supervision, and case conferences
• Additional tasks as necessary

Benefits

• The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.
• We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans.
• We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree