Job Summary:
The Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless (NEOCH) is seeking applicants for its Navigation Center Housing Navigator position. NEOCH is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit with a mission to eliminate the root causes of homelessness while loving our diverse community through organizing, advocacy, education, and street outreach. The Housing Navigator will provide the Center’s supportive services in effort to ensure homelessness is brief, rare, and non-recurring. The Center’s Housing Navigator(s) provides intake assessments, crisis intervention, linkage to resources, with ultimate goal of exiting people into positive housing outcomes.
Hours:
As part of NEOCH’s commitment to employee well-being and work-life balance, this position has the flexibility to set work hours that best fulfill the requirements of their role within the timeframe of 8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
NEOCH’s Navigation Center operates 24/7, 365 days a year.
Key Responsibilities (including but not limited to):
Housing Navigation & Access to Services
- Provide social service access necessary to exit people from the Center into positive housing outcomes
- Conduct Intake/Needs Assessment for safety, mental health, substance abuse, trauma, victimization, and housing eligibility
- Connect persons to birth certificates, state ID, etc
- Provide assistance with housing application processes for most appropriate and least restrictive housing levels of care e.g., community scattered site apartments, Permanent Supportive Housing, group homes/nursing homes, etc
- Provide crisis intervention, service coordination, skill building, and education with sensitivity in relating to persons of varying backgrounds
- Use motivational interviewing to encourage self-agency and acceptance of services
- Connect individuals to services for healthcare, treatment, housing, and trauma healing, as needed
- Provide necessary follow-up aimed at establishing linkage or ongoing access to services
- Advocate for clients' access to community resources and services, ensuring that needs are met, and rights are maintained
- Coordinate transportation to critical appointments necessary for housing stabilization
- Understand and navigate the behavioral health system in Cuyahoga County on behalf of and in partnership with Center guests
- Provide real-time crisis management and de-escalation support
- Screen for and understand behavioral health symptoms and linkage to immediate behavioral health needs including but not limited to: community mental health care, behavioral health
- Represent NEOCH and our Navigation Center in the community as relevant meetings necessary to perform functions of job
Documentation, Data Collection & Reporting
- Maintain detailed progress notes, incident reports, and communication logs.
- Ensure accurate and timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information system (HMIS) in accordance with program requirements
Team Participation & Professional Development
- Attend and actively participate in staff meetings, case consultations, training, and professional development opportunities.
- Maintain knowledge of best practices related to homelessness, outreach, trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-focused interventions.
- Adhere to agency policies, professional ethics, confidentiality standards, and safety protocols.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications:
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Some experience in shelter, residential, outreach, or direct service settings
- The organization values lived experience and diverse career pathways; an equivalent combination of education, professional experience, and demonstrated leadership in housing or human services will be considered.
- Awareness of and adherence to strict boundaries and professional ethics in the care of others
- Belief in the principles of self-determination, social justice, and equity
- Strong crisis management and interpersonal communication skills.
- Ability to work in high-stress or unpredictable situations.
- Commitment to housing-first, trauma-informed and harm reduction principles.
- Experience with Microsoft Suite, data entry and documentation
- Excellent oral, written, and organizational skills with attention to detail.
- Reliable transportation and use of personal vehicle; valid driver’s license.
Preferred Qualifications:
- Bachelor's degree in social work, counseling, or related field
- Training in trauma informed care, conflict resolution, and harm reduction models
- Experience with HMIS or other client data systems.
- Lived experience of homelessness or housing insecurity is highly valued.
Compensation & Benefits
- Competitive wage: $45,000 annual ($22.47/hr)
- Generous vacation, sick time, and paid holidays
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- Life and disability insurance
- Flexible hybrid work environment
- Emphasis on work-life balance and staff well-being
Work Environment & Physical Demands
This role is based in a congregate shelter setting and may involve a mix of standing, walking, cleaning, and guest interaction throughout the shift. It includes regular engagement in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments, particularly during guest intake and extreme weather emergencies. Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds may be required. Reasonable accommodation will be made for individuals with disabilities.
Team members regularly work with individuals in crisis and may be exposed to environmental or health-related risks such as cold weather, pest control products, or infectious materials. NEOCH prioritizes staff safety and will provide training and resources to minimize risk and promote a trauma-informed, supportive workplace.
NEOCH’s Commitment to Equity
NEOCH is committed to dismantling systemic oppression including racism, sexism, transphobia, classism, and ableism. We strongly encourage applications from people of color, LGBTQ+ individuals, and those with lived experience of homelessness or poverty. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Work Location: In person
