Housing Navigation Specialist

Community Housing Network•Troy, MI

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

Community Housing Network (CHN) is a nonprofit organization committed to providing homes for people in need through proven strategies of homeless prevention, housing assistance, affordable housing development, community education, advocacy, and referrals. Since 2001, CHN has served as the leading housing resource nonprofit organization in southeast Michigan and serves thousands of families and individuals annually who are facing homelessness, people with disabilities, low-income households, and other vulnerable Michigan residents. Community Housing Network is building thriving communities and overcoming homelessness and housing instability through a work environment dedicated to empowering a work/life balance success through our Core Values: Inclusion, Integrity, Innovation and Passion. Community Housing Network provides excellent employment opportunities with competitive salaries and a comprehensive benefit package. All full-time employees enjoy a rich package of benefits including: Health Insurance Dental Vision Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending 401k Life Insurance Long Term Disability Insurance (Full-Time Salary staff) Voluntary Products: Short Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident Generous Vacation and Medical Leave Time Community Housing Network is an equal-opportunity employer recognized by the Detroit Free Press as a Top 100 Workplace and honored as a Crain’s Cool Place to Work.

Requirements

Experience in housing programs, conducting intakes, property management, or related fields preferred.
Strong communication skills, both verbal and written, with experience interacting effectively with vulnerable populations (i.e., people experiencing homelessness, domestic violence, at-risk of homelessness, and those who have a mental or physical health disability).
Bachelor’s degree in social work or human services related field; lived experience, or two years of human service-related experience and/or training, or equivalent combination of education and services.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment.
Working knowledge of the Coordinated Entry System and other community resources and services related to housing and support is essential.
Must possess proficient computer skills, and be well organized, proactive, and self-directed. Must also be attentive to details and multitask in a fast-paced environment.
Valid driver’s license and personal automobile coverage limits minimum: Bodily Injury $100,000 each person, $300,000 each occurrence Property Damage $100,000 each occurrence.

Responsibilities

Facilitate intake for potential program participants, assessing eligibility and guiding them through the application process.
Develop individualized housing plans in collaboration with participants.
Help participants mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.
Refer participants to appropriate affordable housing that aligns with their needs and geographic preferences.
Provide information and instructions to participants regarding how to search for housing, complete housing applications, tenant rights and responsibilities and how to be a good neighbor.
Provide ongoing support to program participants, addressing inquiries, providing guidance, and connecting them with resources, as needed.
Coordinate all aspects of the lease signing process (for new participants and those moving), including negotiations with landlords, paperwork preparation, and inspection requests.
Foster positive relationships with landlords and property managers to secure housing opportunities and maintain partnerships.
Collaborate with internal departments and community partners to obtain required documents and verifications for program applications.
Maintain participant records; document all participant case updates within 24 hours.
Represent the organization at community events, resource fairs, and landlord networking gatherings to promote program awareness and engagement.
Attend recommended training courses and conferences to ensure the development of knowledge base.