Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator

The Housing Navigator provides intensive housing case management to participants in Housing Choice Voucher Programs, with a focus on clients experiencing high levels of difficulty in navigating the intricacies of applying for and maintaining assisted housing. The Housing Navigator performs eligibility interviews, determinations, inspections, unit transfers, and interim and annual reexaminations as well as providing landlord support and general client support with the goal of continued housing.

Position Responsibilities

Provides excellent customer service to both internal and external customers. Serves as the main housing liaison and advocate between local Continuum of Care (CoC), Front Door Coordinated Entry partners, landlords, housing specialists, applicants, and clients. Responsible for receiving and assessing referrals from Front Door. Provides intensive support to help clients rent and live successfully in the private housing market including assisting the client in gathering required documents; mitigating barriers such as transportation, credit reports, utility arrears and unfavorable landlord references; and assisting in problem resolution with landlords and program participants. Conducts pre-lease briefing sessions. Advocates on client's behalf regarding leasing issues and compliance with regulatory and lease requirements. Performs initial housing inspections and re-inspections for compliance with federal housing quality standards (HQS/NSPIRE-V). Conducts landlord recruitment and outreach to encourage renting to clients receiving housing assistance. Assists client households related to financial management and household budgeting. Processes initial lease-ups, unit transfers, interim and annual reexaminations for housing assistance. Interviews participants for recertifications, explains housing program obligations, verifies information on the reexamination/recertification forms, and determines continued eligibility of participants. Calculates Housing Assistance Payments (HAP) payment amounts, tenant rents and utility reimbursements. Negotiates repayment agreements for approval by the Program Manager. Issues Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV) to applicants, clients requesting to move, clients exercising portability options, or who require a smaller or larger unit. Responds to landlord inquiries and concerns about specific contracts and the HCV programs in general. Initiates and executes HAP contracts. Initiates Termination of Assistance of families for non-compliance, non-performance, or other grounds in conformance with established Housing Authority policy and procedures. Maintains participant and landlord files and documents historical record for each participant file. Generates and mails correspondence or notices to landlords and participants for appointments, changes in rent, termination of assistance, etc. Prepares and distributes incoming/outgoing mail and files necessary information into client's files. Provides data entry for all adjustments or changes to participant data. Prepares monthly reports to advise supervisor of caseload status. Contributes to team effort by accomplishing all other duties assigned. Safely operates a vehicle in the performance of job related duties. Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS

• AA degree, or 60 completed college credits
• Two (2) years of relevant experience in social services, public agencies, or property leasing/management
• A Valid Driver's License
• Or any combination of education, experience, and training equivalent to the above Minimum Requirements

DESIRED EXPERIENCE AND TRAINING

• Bachelor's degree in social work, public administration, psychology, political science or related field
• Social service experience with direct client interactions
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of legal, ethical, and professional rules of conduct
• Knowledge of principles of recordkeeping, case files and records management

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Must possess, or obtain upon employment, a valid Arizona driver's license.
• Regular attendance is an essential function of this job to ensure continuity.

Current Compensation and Benefits

We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive and positive work environment. We offer competitive pay, outstanding benefits, and the chance to work with a committed team making a difference in our community. Located in the beautiful mountain town of Flagstaff, AZ, you'll enjoy a unique quality of life with outdoor recreation, stunning scenery and a welcoming community.

Our total compensation package includes best-in-class benefits and an annual salary of $47,049.60 - $70,574.40, based on the candidate's qualifications and experience. Plus:

• Arizona State Retirement System with 100% Match
• Employees are members of Arizona State Retirement System (ASRS) with a mandatory contribution rate of approximately 12%
• Deferred Compensation Options
• Up to 4% Annual Pay for Performance Increase
• Group Insurance including Health, Dental and Vision coverage
• Flexible & Health Savings Accounts
• 13 Paid Holidays, Vacation, Sick Leave, Personal Leave, Paid Parental Leave, Bereavement, Jury Duty
• Life Insurance, AD&D, Short- and Long-Term Disability and Voluntary Life Insurance
• First-Time Homebuyer Assistance
• Qualified Public Student Loan Forgiveness Employer
• Tuition Assistance
• Employee Clinic, Telehealth, Wellness Program & Incentives
• Tobacco Cessation Program
• Employer Assistance Program
• Recognition including Work i versary, Wonderful Outstanding Worker (WOW), On-the-Spot, 7k Award, and City Manager's Excellence Awards
• Employee Discounts: Mountain L ine Bus Eco Pass, Aquaplex, and Recreation Centers

Please note that Compensation and Benefits are subject to change based on future policy change, budgetary impact, and Council changes. The City of Flagstaff is looking for team members who are passionate about community, innovation, and quality of life. Come be a part of this cool community and see why the City of Flagstaff is a great place to work!