JOB POSTING
Housing and Care Navigator
Full-time, 40 hours per week, $31.25 per hour non-exempt
The Recovery Center of HOPE (RCH) https://www.recoverycenterofhope.org/, a program of the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium www.wmtcinfo.org, is seeking a full-time, in-person Housing and Care Navigator to join its team. This grant-funded position will play a central role in the development and implementation of a new, community-driven initiative supporting residents of Ware, Belchertown, and surrounding towns through coordinated housing and recovery-oriented services. The ideal candidate will demonstrate strong independent judgment, exceptional organizational capacity, and the ability to manage complex, multi-system coordination with consistency and follow-through. This role combines relationship-building and community collaboration with detailed, hands-on application and documentation support. We are seeking an individual who is community-oriented, committed to social justice, and skilled at both housing navigation and building relationships across systems. The ideal candidate will bring a strengths-based, trauma-informed approach and be dedicated to reducing barriers for individuals impacted by substance use, housing instability, and systemic inequities.
The Consortium is committed to undoing systems of oppression and the harms they have caused. It actively works toward building an anti-racist environment and a sense of belonging. This work often involves witnessing the impacts of trauma and systemic barriers. The ability to remain grounded, responsive, and person-centered in complex situations is essential.
Position Overview
The Housing and Care Navigator will serve as a vital connector between individuals in need and the housing, recovery, and public benefit systems that support stability and well-being. Based at the Recovery Center of HOPE, with a satellite presence in Belchertown, this role will support individuals across Ware, Belchertown, and surrounding towns.
Developed in response to community-identified needs, including input from individuals with lived experience, this position addresses housing instability as a critical barrier to recovery, health, and long-term stability.
This role is part of a collaborative cross-town initiative and includes active participation in advisory groups, systems coordination, and community partnership development efforts. The Housing and Care Navigator will support program goals of increasing housing stability, improving access to essential services, and reducing crises related to unmet basic needs. The position also supports a peer participatory approach that centers lived experience in program development, implementation, and ongoing housing program planning.
Responsibilities
Housing Navigation & Care Coordination
- Assist individuals and families in identifying and securing safe, affordable housing
- Conduct housing searches and build relationships with landlords, property managers, local housing authorities, and regional providers
- Provide hands-on support completing and submitting multiple subsidized housing applications (e.g., public housing, CHAMP, federal developments, centralized Section 8, housing lotteries)
- Track applications, deadlines, waitlists, and follow-up tasks across systems with strong attention to detail
- Navigate public assistance benefits and applications
- Connect participants with essential resources such as transportation (including via RCH’s Guiding Rides transportation support program), utilities assistance, food access, and basic needs
- Facilitate access to emergency rental assistance and financial support (e.g., first month’s rent, security deposits, utility arrears)
- Assist participants in obtaining required identification and documentation and developing housing history needed for housing applications
- Provide advocacy and barrier mitigation, including CORI review and sealing support, credit and eviction history navigation, and connections to income, employment, and training resources
- Support participants in becoming “housing ready” through skill-building, system navigation, and collaborative goal planning
- Monitor participant progress and identify barriers requiring additional coordination or intervention
Community Engagement & Collaboration
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners including housing providers, human service agencies, healthcare providers, and recovery organizations
- Collaborate with community partners in Ware, Belchertown, and surrounding towns including local coalitions and recovery support services
- Facilitate coordination and communication across systems and service providers
- Participate in local advisory committees and regional trainings to support community-informed, best-practice approaches
- Help identify service gaps, emerging needs, and opportunities for stronger efficacy and collaboration
- Represent RCH and the Consortium in a professional and community-centered manner
Administrative & Organizational Responsibilities
- Demonstrate strong self-direction, initiative, and attention to detail while managing multiple complex responsibilities simultaneously with minimal supervision
- Maintain accurate documentation, data tracking, and reporting
- Support grant-related tracking and outcome documentation as needed
- Participate in supervision, team meetings, and ongoing training
- Uphold confidentiality and agency policies
Schedule & Compensation
Monday through Friday. Hours may vary to meet program needs.
Requirements
· Minimum 3-4 years of substantial experience in housing navigation, case management, and care coordination
· Associate degree or relevant experience in human services, social work, or related field required
· Demonstrated understanding of trauma-informed care, housing instability, and systemic barriers
· Demonstrated ability to coordinate effectively across multiple agencies and systems
· Demonstrated commitment to social justice and creating a sense of belonging
· Strong organizational, communication, relationship-building, and problem-solving skills
· Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment
· Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
· Valid driver’s license with at least 2 years of safe driving history
· Ability to travel regularly within Massachusetts
· Reliable transportation
· We deeply value lived experience with substance use and recovery; candidates who have supported people in recovery are also strongly encouraged to apply
About the Project
This position is part of a collaborative initiative between the Towns of Ware and Belchertown and the Western Massachusetts Training Consortium. Developed through community engagement, surveys, and opioid abatement planning efforts, this project addresses the intersection of housing instability and substance use. The goal is to reduce barriers, increase housing stability, and promote long-term community health and resilience.
Please submit a cover letter and resume to Julie Lutz at [email protected]. Resumes received without a cover letter will not be considered. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis.
At the Consortium, we are a learning organization that values lived experience and is dedicated to supporting twelve inclusive communities across Western Massachusetts. We create conditions in which people who have faced marginalization, oppression, or otherwise have felt invisible are better able to pursue their dreams and strengthen communities through voice, choice, and inclusion. We are committed to addressing systems of oppression and to undoing the harms they have caused.
If you align with these values and are committed to social justice, we are the place for you to build your career! We offer generous benefits for full time employees including:
· Competitive salary
· Medical, Dental, LTD and Life Insurance
· Tuition Support
· 403(b) Plan
· Personal Leave Time Off (includes vacation, bereavement and sick days)
· Twelve (12 paid holidays
The Western Massachusetts Training Consortium, Inc. Commits to equal employment opportunity for all applicants and employees, prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, genetic information, and disability, while also including affirmative action to correct past imbalances in the workforce.
Pay: $31.25 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Mileage reimbursement
- Paid time off
- Tuition reimbursement
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
