JOB TITLE: Housing Services Navigator (Full-time Position)
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE: Operations Manager
General Summary:
The Housing Navigator serves as a liaison between Hope Harbor programs and community housing partners, including property managers, landlords, along with other housing and service providers. This position is responsible for developing and maintaining strong relationships with housing partners, identifying appropriate housing opportunities, and supporting individuals and families as they transition from Hope Harbor programs into permanent housing.
The Housing Navigator will maintain an up-to-date database of property managers and landlords, coordinate housing opportunities, conduct required unit walkthroughs and assist staff with developing and maintaining effective Rapid Rehousing processes and documentation. Experience navigating federal funding and grant requirements is highly preferred but not required. The ideal candidate will be comfortable collecting and maintaining grant-related data, communicating program information to community partners, working independently, and collaborating with a team to develop strategies that help individuals and families experiencing homelessness achieve successful permanent housing outcomes.
This position is primarily remote but may require attendance at in-office meetings, training courses, or other activities as requested by the Operations Manager. As Hope Harbor expands its programming, the Housing Navigator may also assist with onsite case management in future housing developments.
Qualifications
The successful candidate must:
- Successfully complete all required background checks.
- Accurately follow written and verbal instructions.
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification, or the ability to obtain these as part of new hire training.
- Communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic communication.
- Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct.
- Interact with individuals and families experiencing homelessness with compassion, respect, and dignity.
- Maintain strict confidentiality regarding residents, clients, staff, volunteers, and organizational information.
- Work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing priorities and deadlines.
- Demonstrate proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and other software or databases as required.
- Enter and maintain information accurately and within established deadlines.
- Demonstrate strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.
- Exercise sound judgment and make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions.
- Demonstrate active listening and effective interpersonal skills.
- Take initiative, identify problems, and contribute to practical solutions.
- Work effectively as part of a team while also managing independent responsibilities.
Housing Partner and Landlord Relations: Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with property managers, landlords, and other community housing partners. Identify available and appropriate housing opportunities for individuals and families exiting Hope Harbor programs. Educate housing partners about Hope Harbor programs, services, and outcomes. Serve as an ambassador for Hope Harbor throughout Grand Island and surrounding communities. Promote strong communication and collaboration between Hope Harbor staff and housing partners. Research and develop relationships with community service providers that can support clients in achieving their housing goals. Create and maintain a current database of property managers, landlords, and available housing opportunities. Regularly contact housing partners to verify availability, eligibility requirements, rental criteria, and other relevant information. Match clients with appropriate housing opportunities based on program requirements and individual needs. Maintain accurate and up-to-date housing partner information within Microsoft Teams.
Program Development and Coordination: Collaborate with Hope Harbor staff to review, develop, and improve program processes, guidelines, and documentation. Review existing procedures and recommend improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and consistency. Develop new forms, procedures, resources, and documentation as needed. Assist with navigating and managing federal grant requirements and funding related to programming. Collect, maintain, and organize program and grant-related data in accordance with applicable requirements. Work collaboratively with staff to develop effective strategies and processes that support successful housing outcomes.
Unit Walkthroughs: Conduct unit walkthroughs for clients entering housing through Hope Harbor's Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programming. Complete HUD-approved unit inspection checklists accurately and thoroughly. Coordinate with Hope Harbor staff to determine when walkthroughs are required and schedule them appropriately. Communicate any identified concerns or compliance issues to the appropriate staff members.
Community Services and Partnerships: Research community resources and service providers that may benefit program clients. Establish and maintain relationships with organizations that provide housing, financial, employment, transportation, healthcare, and other supportive services. Connect clients and staff with appropriate community resources to support long-term housing stability. Participate in community outreach and networking opportunities that strengthen Hope Harbor's housing partnerships.
Brand Promotion and Community Outreach: Represent Hope Harbor professionally and positively within the community. Ensure housing partners understand Hope Harbor's programs, services, and successes. Share program information with landlords, property managers, service providers, and other community stakeholders. Participate in outreach activities designed to expand awareness of Hope Harbor and increase housing opportunities for clients.
Professional Skills: Candidate will report for work on time or provide advance notice of need of absence. They will produce quality work efficiency within deadlines with minimal supervision, manage workload effectively, and have excellent communication skills – both written and oral. Candidate will need to engage in active listening with clients and co-workers, make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions and exercise good judgement. This position requires taking initiative on projects and tasks, identifying problems and finding solutions, contributing to an atmosphere of respect and making valuable contributions to help the team meet our mission.
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
