Housing Navigation Specialist

Community Housing Network • Troy, MI

5d • $47,070 • Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Navigation Specialist is responsible for intake coordination, eligibility verification, housing search, lease management, and recertification for program participants. The Specialist will actively participate in the coordinated entry system as well as the larger service network as needed.

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 supports 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.
• Routinely follow-up with all participants on caseload to ensure they are making progress toward tasks related to obtaining or retaining housing.
• 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.
• Complete annual recertifications for current program participants, negotiating renewal lease terms and processing rent recalculations, as necessary.
• 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.

Benefits

• Health Insurance
• Dental
• Vision
• Health Care and Dependent Care Flexible Spending
• 401k
• Life Insurance
• Long Term Disability Insurance
• Voluntary Products: Short Term Disability Insurance, Life Insurance, Pet Insurance, Hospital Indemnity, Critical Illness, Accident
• Generous Vacation and Medical Leave Time

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees