Housing Court Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative

Center for Justice Innovation•New York, NY

3d•$29 - $33•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 to hire a team of Navigators, which will operate in Housing Courts in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Housing Court Navigator provides frontline, direct services to tenants facing eviction or displacement, including public housing residents, housing voucher holders, and other low-income tenants. The Navigator supports daily EDI operations in Housing Court by conducting intakes, providing individualized case management, coordinating referrals, and collaborating closely with court staff, attorneys, and service providers to support housing stability and court compliance.

Requirements

Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience
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

Familiarity with New York City Housing Court, NYCHA, rental subsidies, and public benefits is a plus
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 tenants with pending eviction matters
Provide individualized, holistic support, including referrals to rental assistance, housing subsidies and vouchers, legal services, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and other community-based providers
Assist tenants in navigating Housing Court processes, including reviewing petitions and stipulation agreements; helping complete and file court forms with the clerk’s office; and supporting compliance with court orders and agreements
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 the Office for Court Administration, New York City Housing Authority, New York City Human Resources Administration, Adult Protective Services, Housing Court Answers, legal services providers, and other community-based organizations
Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing-related programs, public benefits, subsidies, and community resources relevant to tenant needs
Represent EDI in court, as needed
Document client interactions, services provided, referrals, and outcomes in centralized case management databases
Support program data collection, tracking, and reporting to meet grant and program requirements
Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development related to Housing Court practice, benefits programs, and partner initiatives
Perform other related duties as assigned