Housing Justice Navigator

Tacoma Community College • Tacoma WA 98466, WA

8d • Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Justice Navigator supports students experiencing housing instability and other basic needs challenges through individualized case management, resource navigation, advocacy, outreach, and education. This position connects students with campus and community resources, helps remove barriers to student success, and promotes equitable access to services that support persistence, retention, and completion. The Housing Justice Navigator works closely with Financial Aid, Advising, Counseling Services, Workforce Education, and other campus and community partners to support students whose educational goals may be impacted by housing insecurity, financial hardship, or other life circumstances. Through a student-centered approach, the Housing Justice Navigator helps students access resources, develop plans, and navigate systems that contribute to academic and personal success.

Requirements

• Associate's Degree in Social Services, Human Services, Education, or a closely related field from an accredited college. Equivalent education and experience may be considered.
• 2 years of experience providing case management, student support services, social services, resource navigation, community resource referral, or related services in an educational or community-based setting.
• Experience conducting assessments, interviews, referrals, and support for individuals experiencing crisis or barriers to success.
• Experience using Microsoft Office 365 and electronic recordkeeping systems.
• Demonstrated ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse cultural, social, economic, and educational backgrounds.
• Finalist for this position will be subject to a criminal background check before the start of employment.
• Proof of authorization to work in the United States will be required at the time of hire.
• Current, valid, unrestricted driver’s license.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive and collaborative relationships with students, colleagues, community partners, and stakeholders.
• Excellent customer service skills and a commitment to providing responsive, student-centered support.
• Commitment to equity, inclusion, belonging, and ongoing learning of culturally responsive practices.
• Ethics, integrity, professionalism, and sound judgment.
• Strong verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Ability to work independently while contributing effectively as a member of a collaborative team.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, balance competing demands, and adapt to changing needs.
• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and time-management skills.
• Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and handling sensitive information appropriately.
• Capacity to be self-directed, resourceful, and solution-oriented in supporting student success.

Nice To Haves

• Experience providing case management, resource navigation, advocacy, or support services using trauma-informed and culturally responsive practices.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills, including the ability to speak, read, and write in a language other than English.
• Knowledge of housing stability programs, homelessness prevention resources, public benefits, and local community-based support services.
• Experience supporting students participating in Passport to Careers, foster youth programs, homelessness and housing support programs, or other initiatives serving historically underserved populations.
• Familiarity with higher education systems and student services, including financial aid, admissions, registration, advising, and student engagement.
• Understanding of student development theory and the ability to apply best practices that support student persistence, retention, and completion.
• Knowledge of mandated reporting requirements and referral processes in educational or human services settings.
• Experience developing and maintaining partnerships with community-based organizations, housing providers, government agencies, and other stakeholders.
• Experience collecting, tracking, analyzing, and reporting program data to support grant requirements, program assessment, and student success initiatives.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized case management, resource navigation, advocacy, and support for students experiencing housing instability, financial hardship, or other barriers to success.
• Engage students through a strengths-based, student-centered approach that builds trust, supports problem-solving, and connects students to resources that promote stability and educational success.
• Utilize trauma-informed, student-centered, and strengths-based approaches when supporting students experiencing housing instability, financial hardship, and other barriers to student success.
• Conduct intake assessments and provide services through in-person, phone, and virtual appointments.
• Assist students in identifying, accessing, and navigating campus, community, state, and federal resources related to housing, food, transportation, childcare, emergency assistance, and other basic needs.
• Assist students with completing applications and gathering documentation required for housing, emergency assistance, and other support programs.
• Provide information about financial aid, workforce funding, and other financial resources that support student persistence and completion.
• Provide support and resource navigation for students participating in Passport to Careers and other basic needs initiatives, including connecting students to campus and community resources that promote retention, persistence, and completion; track student participation and outcomes and prepare reports required by funding agencies and partner organizations.
• Serve as an advocate for students and assist them in navigating college systems, policies, and available resources.
• Plan and facilitate workshops, presentations, outreach activities, and educational opportunities related to housing stability, basic needs, and student success.
• Develop and maintain resource materials and referral networks that increase student awareness of available services and supports.
• Conduct outreach and recruitment efforts that support students experiencing financial hardship, food insecurity, housing instability, and other basic needs challenges.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with housing providers, community organizations, government agencies, and campus departments to strengthen coordinated support for students.
• Foster collaborative relationships with Tacoma Housing Authority, local housing providers, community-based organizations, educational partners, and other stakeholders that support student success.
• Actively participate as a member of the statewide Benefits Navigator Cohort, including attending trainings, meetings, and collaborative learning opportunities.
• Participate in staff meetings, professional development activities, campus committees, and collaborative initiatives.
• Maintain student confidentiality and comply with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act (FERPA) and applicable college policies and procedures.
• Maintain current knowledge of housing resources, Area Median Income (AMI) guidelines, U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) programs, and applicable federal, state, and local regulations.
• Maintain accurate and timely records, case notes, referrals, program data, and outcome measures; assist with required reporting and assessment activities.
• Complete quarterly reports and other program documentation as required.
• Assist the Executive Director in identifying grant opportunities, program development efforts, and initiatives that support housing stability and basic needs security.
• Develop and maintain a directory of community resources available to students.
• Contribute to the development, implementation, and ongoing assessment of statewide and campus-specific Hunger-Free and Basic Needs strategic initiatives.
• Participate in ongoing evaluation, continuous improvement, and revision efforts to ensure effective, responsive, and student-centered basic needs supports.
• In collaboration with the Washington Student Achievement Council (WSAC) and the Washington State Board for Community and Technical Colleges (SBCTC), support the implementation of student surveys and other assessment activities related to food security, housing stability, and access to basic needs resources.
• Recruit, train, supervise, schedule, and evaluate student employees and peer leaders; provide ongoing coaching, support, and professional development opportunities to ensure quality service delivery and student development.
• Perform related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Comprehensive health care benefits package for you and your dependents includes medical, dental and vision insurance.
• Life and long-term disability insurance plans.
• Vacation, sick and personal leave.
• Reduced tuition for the employee.
• Retirement benefits.

What This Job Offers

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