Housing Court Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative

Housing Court Navigator

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we've worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies: operating programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges; conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn't; and providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.

The Eviction Diversion Initiative's (EDI) mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to prevent eviction and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. EDI connects litigants to rental assistance and ongoing subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health support, employment resources, financial empowerment services, and community-based organizations, while working closely with court partners to identify challenges and improve access to justice.

EDI seeks to hire a team of Navigators, which will operate in Housing Courts in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Housing Court Navigator provides frontline, direct services to tenants facing eviction or displacement, including public housing residents, housing voucher holders, and other low-income tenants. The Navigator supports daily EDI operations in Housing Court by conducting intakes, providing individualized case management, coordinating referrals, and collaborating closely with court staff, attorneys, and service providers to support housing stability and court compliance.

Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Conduct intakes and maintain a caseload of tenants with pending eviction matters;
• Provide individualized, holistic support, including referrals to rental assistance, housing subsidies and vouchers, legal services, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and other community-based providers;
• Assist tenants in navigating Housing Court processes, including reviewing petitions and stipulation agreements; helping complete and file court forms with the clerk's office; and supporting compliance with court orders and agreements;
• Serve as a point of contact for tenants, court staff, and partner organizations to help coordinate services and address barriers related to nonpayment of rent, repairs, or other eviction risks;
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with on- and off-site partners, including the Office for Court Administration, New York City Housing Authority, New York City Human Resources Administration, Adult Protective Services, Housing Court Answers, legal services providers, and other community-based organizations;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing-related programs, public benefits, subsidies, and community resources relevant to tenant needs;
• Represent EDI in court, as needed;
• Document client interactions, services provided, referrals, and outcomes in centralized case management databases;
• Support program data collection, tracking, and reporting to meet grant and program requirements;
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development related to Housing Court practice, benefits programs, and partner initiatives; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience is or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience is required;
• Experience providing direct services, case management, or navigation support in housing, social services, legal services, or related fields;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and court-based settings;
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with multiple partners and agencies;
• Familiarity with New York City Housing Court, NYCHA, rental subsidies, and public benefits is a plus;
• Experience with electronic case management systems and standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Office) preferred;
• Language other than English highly desirable (Spanish, preferred); and
• Commitment to EDI's mission and to serving tenants with professionalism and empathy.

Position Type: Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Position Location: Housing Court located in Manhattan.

Compensation: The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $33.35 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $60,700 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits: The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA. We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans. We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

At this time, the Center is unable to sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa. All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.

Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process. Any misrepresentation, falsification, or omission of material facts may result in disqualification from consideration, withdrawal of an offer, or termination of employment, regardless of when discovered.

In compliance with federal law, all hires must verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States and complete the required employment verification form upon hire.