HOUSING NAVIGATOR

Housing Navigator

YWCA Central Massachusetts - Worcester, MA 01608

Salary Range $20.00 - $21.50 Hourly Position Type Full Time Job Shift Day Education Level 4 Year Degree Travel Percentage Up to 25%

Description

The Housing Navigator researches and identifies available affordable housing options and establishes strong relationships with potential landlords, housing authorities and management companies. In addition, the Housing Navigator assists participants with advocacy, basic needs, and support, sustaining housing. The Housing Navigator also supports the Housing Manager with statistical data, community outreach and reporting.

Hours: 35 hours per week, Monday through Friday 8:00am - 4:00pm with an hour lunch

• Prospects and develops new landlord relationships to support individuals experiencing homelessness and promote successful housing stabilization.
• Provides intensive home-based advocacy, including permanent housing planning, relocation support, landlord and tenant education, and guidance around available financial assistance.
• Serves as a liaison between landlords, providers, and staff to support positive communication and successful occupancy.
• Provides individual advocacy services to participants, including weekly one to one meetings, phone check ins, and virtual meetings.
• Co develops participant action plans that focus on crisis stabilization, long term wellbeing, and sustainable goals.
• Supports participants in identifying goals related to education, employment, childcare, and maintaining safe housing.
• Assists with referrals to substance use, mental health, and medical services as needed.
• Coordinates immediate and ongoing access to resources, including transportation, flex funding, crisis respite, supportive housing, and other services in collaboration with community partners.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with domestic and sexual violence service providers, community agencies, businesses, and informal supports within the regions served.
• Answers calls, conducts intakes, and provides housing referrals and information to potential program participants.
• Completes accurate data entry and submits required reports for grant compliance.
• Addresses housing unit maintenance concerns by communicating with landlords and property management and advocating for necessary repairs.
• Stays informed about community housing issues and maintains active partnerships with housing and social service agencies in Central Massachusetts.
• Prepares and delivers community presentations on domestic violence and housing topics when requested.
• Collaborates with other residential advocates as needed.
• Performs additional duties as assigned by the Manager of Housing or YWCA management.

Qualifications

• At least two years of experience in human or social services.
• Bachelor's degree preferred, or an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Familiarity with domestic violence and gender-based issues.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to demonstrate leadership.
• Proficiency in Spanish preferred.
• Computer literacy, including Word, Excel, and general internet use.
• Experience working with individuals from diverse cultures and backgrounds.
• Experience developing and delivering community presentations.
• Familiarity with LGBTQ+, HIV AIDS, mental health, and substance use populations.
• Access to a reliable vehicle for travel within service areas.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Innovative thinking and a commitment to addressing poverty and barriers to housing.
• Knowledge of social service systems in Greater Worcester and North Central Massachusetts.
• Flexibility to adjust schedule to meet participant needs, which may include occasional evening or weekend hours.

YWCA is an affirmative action/equal employment opportunity employer.

Survivors of domestic or sexual violence, people of color, people with disabilities, people who are bilingual/bicultural, and members of the LGBTQ community are strongly encouraged to apply.