Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator

New Destiny's mission is to end the cycle of domestic violence and homelessness for low-income families and individuals by developing and connecting them to safe, permanent, affordable housing and services. To achieve its mission, New Destiny builds and manages housing with on-site services; offers innovative programs that assist survivors in finding and retaining affordable housing; and works to expand access to permanent housing resources for survivors. New Destiny is the largest provider of supportive housing for domestic violence survivors in New York and is a leading advocate in the effort to obtain the resources needed to end family homelessness in New York City.

The Housing Access and Stability Services department at New Destiny operates rapid-rehousing services for survivors of domestic violence. The housing navigator role guides clients through intake, housing search, lease-up, and move-in processes. The team is led by an Assistant Director of Housing Access and two Senior Housing Navigators, each supervising 2-3 housing navigators. The team also includes an Enrollment and Outreach Specialist who engages with clients at the time of referral and assigns cases to specific housing navigators. After placement, cases are transferred from the assigned housing navigator to a resource coordinator who provides ongoing aftercare support and wraparound services.

New Destiny Housing is seeking a Housing Navigator to join the Housing Access team. The qualified candidate will report directly to the Senior Housing Navigator and will have the responsibilities outlined below.

Direct Services:

• Maintain an average caseload of 20-30 participants seeking permanent housing as a result of domestic or gender-based violence.
• Conduct initial intake and meet with program participants at least monthly to discuss permanent housing options, including eligibility for various affordable housing programs.
• Maintain transparency with program participants and referring agencies through regular updates and communication.
• Work with participants to identify potential obstacles in accessing housing and develop an individualized wellness plan, including necessary referrals, to help participants overcome housing barriers.
• Collaborate with Landlord Engagement staff to ensure participant-facing tasks are completed in a timely manner when a vacancy is identified through partnerships.
• In coordination with Housing Stability Services staff, assist rental assistance-eligible participants in determining the type and amount of rental assistance needed to support the transition to permanent housing.
• Assist participants in navigating the placement process through move-in, including the completion of inspections, rent reasonableness determinations, and paperwork related to rental assistance. Advocate on participants' behalf to prospective landlords, brokers, and management companies when appropriate.
• Make referrals to Housing Stability Services staff to assess supportive services needs.

Data Management:

• Maintain data integrity by entering and updating participant information, such as assessments, case notes, and demographic data, to the database in real time.
• Independently review internal reports to determine personal progress toward annual goals.

Partnership Management:

• Coordinate with FJC staff and supervisor regarding additional service needs and to conduct case consults as needed.
• Facilitate workshops and orientations alongside HASS colleagues to meet the needs of participants and partner agencies.

Qualifications:

• Requires 2-3 years of experience working in the fields of domestic violence, housing, economic empowerment or related field. Lived experience with domestic violence and/or housing insecurity will be considered equally to professional experience.
• Professional proficiency in one of the ten designated citywide languages (preferred)
• Have excellent organizational skills and close attention to detail
• Strong oral and written communication skills, responsible, flexible, a self-starter, diplomacy, and able to work independently
• Have experience in interacting with people from diverse backgrounds
• Be familiar with local and federal housing subsidies (CityFHEPS, FHEPS, Section 8, etc.)
• Must be comfortable traveling within NYC as needed to provide support to participants and program activities

Compensation/Benefits: Salary for this role is $62,000. This is a hybrid role allowing for 2 WFH days per week. This is a full-time position with a benefits package including medical, dental, vision, short disability, PTO paid holidays and 401(k). EOE