Housing Navigator

Vincentian CARES•St. Petersburg, FL

About The Position

The Housing Navigator facilitates landlord engagement, housing placement, and administration of a shallow subsidy program. The role serves fixed-income households seeking income-based housing for long-term stability and low-skilled, low-income individuals pursuing vocational, technical, or trade certifications to improve financial sustainability. It combines housing navigation, tenant advocacy, landlord relations, supportive case management, and housing quality inspections to promote housing retention and self-sufficiency. The position secures housing opportunities, administers rental assistance, conducts monthly home visits and wellness check-ins, assesses housing stability and unit conditions, performs NSPIRE safety and habitability inspections, transports clients as needed, and provides ongoing support to help participants achieve and maintain permanent housing. Most work is completed in the field, alongside maintaining documentation and participant engagement.

Requirements

Able to speak, write, and understand English, with strong communication and listening skills.
Possess basic computer skills and be able to maintain accurate documentation while working primarily in the field.
Able to transport clients in company vehicles as needed, in accordance with agency policies and safety procedures.
Sensitive to and respectful of cultural diversity and able to work with diverse racial, ethnic, and economic groups.
Flexible work schedule, including evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays.
Ability to organize and prioritize, set appropriate limits, work under deadlines, multitask, self-motivate, and deliver results.
Ability to identify issues and develop solutions.
Comfortable with warm and cold calling landlords and explaining housing options and property benefits.
Maintain a positive and upbeat attitude.
Successfully pass Law Enforcement background screening.
Valid Florida driver’s license if driving an agency vehicle or personal vehicle for company business; reliable transportation required.
Mission-driven attitude, integrity, passion, and adherence to high ethical standards personally and professionally.
Openness to feedback and suggestions and willingness to learn skills to improve job performance.
Evidence of alignment with the Vincentian CARES Mission and Values.
Knowledge of Business English, spelling, punctuation, office practices, and procedures.
General math knowledge related to percentages, allocations, and discounts.
Computer skills using current software and Microsoft Office products.
Strong oral and written communication skills.
Ability to work as a team member and establish effective relationships with staff, management, outside organizations, service providers, and professionals.
Commitment to empowering others to solve their own problems and serving all people with respect and compassion.
Ability to establish respectful relationships with people served, helping them gain skills and confidence, while maintaining an appropriate helping role and intervening to meet service goals.
Ability to handle new and diverse work problems, resolve conflict, and make effective decisions under pressure.
Ability to listen objectively, identify underlying problems, and help bring issues to a successful conclusion.
Knowledge of housing navigation, landlord engagement, affordable housing resources, and rental assistance programs.
Ability to provide supportive case management, tenant advocacy, and participant-centered services.
Strong relationship-building, organizational, and problem-solving skills.
Ability to conduct field-based visits and home inspections, perform NSPIRE safety and habitability inspections, and document findings accurately and promptly.
Ability to build and maintain effective working relationships with landlords, property managers, community partners, and program participants.
Ability to safely transport clients in agency vehicles and maintain professionalism while providing community-based services.
Education or experience requirements may depend on the position; comparable training, education, or experience may be substituted if approved by the Chief Executive Officer before hire.

Responsibilities

Conduct monthly home visits to assess clients’ well-being, housing stability, and unit condition, and communicate concerns or service needs to the assigned Case Manager and Supervisor.
Support participants in achieving housing and self-sufficiency goals by identifying and reporting progress, barriers, and service needs.
Identify, recruit, and engage landlords to expand affordable housing opportunities, particularly for participants in the Shallow Subsidy Program.
Maintain monthly contact with participants pursuing vocational, technical, or trade certifications and communicate progress or challenges to appropriate staff.
Develop, maintain, and regularly update a database of available housing resources and landlord partnerships.
Expand and maintain relationships with income-based housing providers, landlords, and community housing partners.
Assist participants and agency staff in resolving issues that may affect housing placement or retention.
Maintain accurate and timely case notes, housing records, inspection documentation, and program reports.
Coordinate and conduct NSPIRE safety and habitability inspections to ensure compliance with program standards and housing quality requirements.
Transport clients in agency vehicles as needed for housing and program-related activities.
Complete most of the workday in the field while maintaining required documentation and participant engagement.
Comply with applicable training requirements and company safety, personnel, and operational policies and procedures.
Follow the work schedule to support effective Agency program operations and contribute as a cooperative team member.
Perform other related duties as assigned to fulfill the Vincentian CARES Mission.