Housing Navigator

YWCA Nashville & Middle Tennessee • Nashville, TN

8d • Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Navigator supports survivors of domestic violence who are residing in or transitioning (Community Clients) from the Weaver Domestic Violence Shelter. This position helps participants identify safe, stable, and affordable housing options; overcome barriers to housing; complete housing-related applications; and connect with community resources that promote long-term housing stability. The Housing Navigator provides survivor-centered, trauma-informed, culturally responsive services while maintaining confidentiality, safety, and client choice.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• Valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and clear driving record for the last three years.
• Ability to travel locally to meet with participants, landlords, and community partners.
• Ability to work long and flexible hours, including weekends and evenings.
• Ability to work a rotating on call schedule that includes late nights and weekends.
• Willingness to support the mission of the YWCA and ability to convey its importance both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to successfully function under pressure in critical situations.
• Ability to interact with diverse backgrounds and social economic levels.
• Effectively manage conflict and crises.
• Strong problem solving and analytical thinking.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment and discretion.
• Sensitivity to the needs of DV survivors and their children.
• Excellent organizational and time management.
• Successful collaborative skills working with a variety of groups.
• Excellent interpersonal and relationship building skills.
• Competency with MS Office and database management.

Nice To Haves

• 1 to 3 years of case management experience

Responsibilities

• Conduct housing assessments with shelter residents to identify immediate housing needs, barriers, goals, income, eligibility, and safety considerations.
• Develop individualized housing plans in partnership with each participant, respecting their self-determination and pace.
• Assist participants with locating and applying for safe, affordable, permanent housing, including apartments, transitional housing, rapid re-housing, subsidized housing, and other community-based options.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, public housing agencies, and community partners.
• Support participants with housing applications, identification documents, benefit applications, lease review, utility setup, move-in coordination, and other housing-related tasks alongside case managers.
• Help participants identify and address barriers such as poor rental history, criminal background, credit concerns, lack of income, transportation, childcare, and documentation needs.
• Provide housing stability and tenancy education, including tenant rights and responsibilities, budgeting, communication with landlords, housekeeping, and maintaining a lease.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential client records, case notes, service plans, referrals, outcomes, and required program documentation (ETO).
• Collect and report data required by the agency, funders, and applicable systems, including HMIS, HUD, DVCE or other client data platforms.
• Respond appropriately to crisis situations, uphold shelter safety procedures, and support a respectful, welcoming environment for all residents.
• Maintain knowledge of local housing resources, landlord-tenant laws, domestic violence protections, and community assistance programs.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support shelter operations and participant needs.
• Effectively manages conflict and crises.
• Conducts client intake and orientation to program in a timely manner.
• Conducts exit interviews and safety planning with residents departing program.
• Responds to crisis calls and makes appropriate referrals.
• Assumes responsibility for residential coverage, as appropriate.
• Provides support and assistance to volunteers, as needed.
• Develops an understanding of agency and program policies and procedures, implementing appropriately and interpreting to residents and volunteers.
• Attends program staff meetings, in-service training sessions, YWCA All Staff, and other meetings as requested.
• Continuously address all aspects of professional development.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 10 Paid Holidays
• Employer-Paid Long-Term Disability
• Parental Leave
• Employer Paid $25K Life
• Health Reimbursement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level