Homespace Corporation Job Description
Job Title: Housing Navigator Exemption: Non-Exempt
Class: Full-Time Date: May 2026
Reports to: Director of Operations and Ultimately the Executive Director
Basic Function: The Housing Navigator (HN) plays a vital role in assisting eligible Medicaid members under the NYS 1115 Waiver Social Care Network to find affordable and sustainable housing options, ensuring successful transitions into stable living environments. The Housing Navigator will work collaboratively with 1115 Waiver Social Care Navigators and the Western New York Integrated Care Collaborative (WNYICC) to help reduce barriers and promote self-sufficiency. All HN will use a person-centered, holistic approach. This position combines outreach and community engagement efforts with direct support to clients in understanding the services under the 1115 Waiver, which are aimed at improving health outcomes and expanding Medicaid eligibility for targeted populations.
Homespace Values: Family * Self-Sufficiency * Responsibility * Security * Resiliency
Essential Functions:
- Accept referrals from Social Care Navigators and verify eligibility prior to services being rendered.
- Must attempt to make three (3) contacts within five (5) business days for the purpose of conducting assessments to understand member specific housing needs, including location preferences, budget, and any specific requirements they may have/need.
- Accurately document all notes in member file via the SCN IT platform and submit billing for the time spent on member case coordination; billing and documentation must be submitted within 5 business days, or as required by funding sources or regulatory agencies.
- Provide home finding assistance, application submission, utility setup & assistance. Connection to resources aiding with housing cost and other expenses (i.e.: app fees assistance vouchers, transportation to interviews and unit tours).
- Assist with accessing financial support for rent, deposits, utilities, moving, and setup costs within program guidelines.
- Review of potential living units to confirm the environment is move-in ready to ensure seamless transition into the community.
- Provide move-in support and coordination.
- Provides support to clients experiencing housing instability or homelessness, including connecting them with emergency shelter services when necessary.
- Identify available housing resources such as affordable housing units, rental assistance programs, shelters, supportive housing, and other relevant options within the community.
- Travel into the community to conduct home visits with clients and to visit clients in other parts of the community, including homeless shelters and at provider offices.
- Provide guidance and support to clients throughout the housing search process, including helping them understand rental agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities.
- Develop individualized housing plans for clients and provide ongoing support, throughout the six months of service, to ensure successful housing placement and retention.
- Assist clients facing housing-related issues and addressing circumstances surrounding behaviors that jeopardize housing placements.
- Cultivate independent community outreach to establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing agencies, and community organizations to expand housing options and resources for clients.
- Advocates on behalf of clients to overcome barriers to housing, such as discrimination, lack of income, or past rental history issues.
- Collaborate and case conference with the Screener/Navigator (SN) to ensure that clients’ needs are met.
- As needed, provide non-medical transportation for clients that are eligible for enhanced 1115 Medicaid Waiver services.
- Ensure the safety of all vehicle occupants by making sure all car/booster seats are installed properly and all occupants, no matter their age or location in the vehicle, are using safety restraints.
- Immediately report incidences, accidents, or concerns to the Facilities Supervisor
- Maintains mileage log documenting all trips in a thorough and accurate manner.
- Completes a walk around of the vehicle prior to driving. Documents any damage to vehicle and notify the Facilities Supervisor.
- Maintains the cleanliness of the vehicle.
- Establish, role model, and maintain professional and appropriate behaviors and boundaries in all interactions with co-workers, outside professionals, families, and youth/children.
- Model and practice sensitivity, fair treatment, respect, courtesy, and acceptance of diversity in all interpersonal interactions.
- Communicate any concerns related to safety and imminent risk to appropriate staff members.
- Attend agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.
- If applicable, attend and participate in required meetings specific to any funding requirements of the 1115 Medicaid Wavier program.
- Attend WNY Integrated Care monthly Navigation Housing Workgroup.
- Strong written and oral skills, comfortable speaking to groups.
- Comfortable working with at risk participants, including those with mental health diagnosis. Conduct oneself in a calm and professional manner when dealing with people and/or difficult situations.
- Communicate with the supervising Director to maintain dignity and safety of participants, facilitators, and staff.
- Strong personal initiative to motivate participants while conveying neutrality and supportiveness.
- Meet requirements of minimum billable hours for FTE as set by the WNYICC.
- Other relevant duties as assigned by the DOO or the Chief Executive Officer.
Quality Assurance:
- Ensure that all records are in compliance with expectations, regulations, and recommendations.
- Ensure that confidentiality is respected and maintained among all clients.
- Comply with federal, state, and local legal requirements related to resident population and operations.
- Work with state reviews, expectations, codes, and follow up.
- Monitor and ensure appropriate and timely documentation is completed.
- Ensure accurate data collection and data entry of participant information.
- Maintain reporting requirements, data entry, evaluation forms, and other contract requirements.
- Maintain operations by compliance with policies and procedures.
- Adhere to all aspects of the Homespace Employee Handbook.
- Assist in furthering the mission, policies, and procedures of Homespace as a whole.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Two (2) years paid experience working in the field of Housing Navigation or Community Health Worker. Degree in social work, human services, or related field preferred.
- One (1) year experience working in intake or care/case management.
- Experience enrolling Medicaid applicant’s a plus.
- Child Welfare experience is essential, specifically related to developing positive relationships across service systems.
Plus:
- Valid New York State driver’s license and an ability to transport. Personal Transportation Necessary.
- If driving one’s vehicle, you must maintain valid inspection and automobile insurance.
- Must provide proof of insurance upon hire and when requested.
- Working hours will vary to meet programmatic needs, flexibility is essential.
- Ability to carry, lift, or hoist heavier objects at times, including children. Must have mobility enough to regularly climb at least one flight of stairs, utilizing multiple levels.
- Maintain CPR/FA approved status.
- Complete and attend Admin. TCI training and refreshers, and other crisis interventions.
- State mandated background checks to include the following: Clearances through the NYS Central Register, the NYS Sex Offender Registry, NYS Justice Center Staff Exclusion List, fingerprinting, and criminal history check from IndentoGo, NYS OMIG Medicaid Exclusion List, monthly Medicaid Exclusions database check and the SS Death Master Check.
- Completion of a work physical upon hire and yearly thereafter.
- Other qualifications as deemed necessary by the Chief Executive Officer.
Job Types: Full-time, Part-time
Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply
Experience:
- Case management: 2 years (Required)
License/Certification:
- NYS Drivers License (Required)
Work Location: In person
