Housing Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

Salary: $75k to $80k annually

Position Title:
BSAFE Housing Navigator

FLSA:
Exempt, Full Time

Salary Range:
$75k to $80k annually with full benefits

Schedule : 40 hours/week, Monday - Friday, some nights and weekends

Location : 100% In-Person, on-site in San Francisco, CA

Start Date: August 15, 2026

Mission:

Booker T. Washington Community Service Center (BTWCSC) is one of the Bay Areas oldest Black-led and serving nonprofit organizations with a century of service to San Francisco. A beacon of Black joy and self-determination, we have nurtured over five generations of Black San Franciscans. We stand embedded as an anchor institution, fostering intergenerational bonds and working in solidarity with allied communities to reform and reimagine a more inclusive San Francisco. We prioritize serving the Black community and welcome all from cultures and ages 0-99 who walk through our door. We are one of the few urban spaces where anyone in the community can access comprehensive services, from a hot meal to childcare to academic support to senior services.

Summary :
The BTWCSC (Belonging Safety Access Freedom and Equity) BSAFE Program purpose is to improve the holistic health and wellbeing of Black households by increasing access to health and social services, supporting spiritual and cultural activities that promote community building, strengthening social networks of support, and providing opportunities for healing as well as creating opportunities for early identification and interventions for families struggling to overcome trauma, depression, addiction, housing instability and other mental health problems.

The Housing Navigator will be under the direct supervision of the BSAFE Program Manager. The Housing Navigator focuses on "External Financial Rescue," focusing on family stabilization funds that address a myriad of barrier removals, landlord negotiation, and housing rights for community members facing eviction crises. This role provides full-time, frontline services including intake, assessment, housing search support, and preparation of housing plans to facilitate emergency placements and prevent evictions for families transitioning to permanent housing. Responsibilities include separating "financial transactions" from "relational work" to facilitate family stabilization work for the external community, including those accessing the Food Pantry and youth programs.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

1. Housing Navigation & Stabilization

• Frontline Intake & Assessment: Provide comprehensive intake and stabilization services, including assessment of housing needs and crisis response for families facing instability.
• Housing Stabilization Planning: Collaborate with Care Coordinators and marginalized households to create comprehensive roadmaps that support housing navigation needs, safety risks, and facilitate transitions to permanent housing.
• Placement Ownership: Direct the submission process for affordable housing units, with a primary technical focus on the DAHLIA SF Housing Portal and other available subsidies by eligibility.

2. Financial Assistance & Compliance

• Fund Distribution: Coordinate the delivery of family stabilization and financial rescue resources, such as eviction prevention assistance and move-in support funds.
• Fiduciary Compliance: Manage strict requirements for barrier removal funds, including tracking leases and payout records to ensure reconciliation with Finance Department records.
• Data Integrity Management: Ensure all case notes and financial transactions are accurately logged within platforms including Airtable, DCYF CMS, and SF ONE System.

3. Advocacy & Community Support

• Landlord Negotiation: Build partnerships with property managers and intervene via letters or mediation to protect tenant rights and advocate for clients with challenging rental histories.
• Resource Referrals: Integrate families into the broader BTWCSC service landscape, including youth programs and the Food to Freedom pantry.
• Tenant Empowerment: Conduct training sessions on fair housing statutes, local rent control laws, and fundamental tenant rights.
• Neutral Banker: Provide the financial support to BSAFE clients working with BSAFE Care Coordinators, who are providing the behavioral support and building the Housing Retention Plans or Individualized Service Plans for clients.

Qualifications

• Housing Portals & Vouchers: Comprehensive understanding of regional housing subsidies including Section 8, RAD, and City Vouchers, alongside proficiency with the DAHLIA portal.
• Database Systems: Operational expertise or direct familiarity with the San Francisco ONE System (HMIS), Airtable, or equivalent tracking platforms is strongly favored. Preference is given to applicants holding current ONE System credentials or a verified history of managing complex intake and outcome databases.

• Cultural Competence: Proven history of advocating for historically disenfranchised urban populations, specifically addressing structural barriers that affect Black households within San Francisco.

• Crisis Intervention: Expertise in applying trauma-informed modalities, behavior management strategies, and conflict de-escalation techniques within high-stress environments.
• Software Systems Proficiency: Advanced mastery of data management tools, including Airtable, Google Workspace, Microsoft Office, and specialized city-wide tracking databases.

• Valid Drivers License & Insurance: current car insurance, and a clean driving record.
• Compliance & Reporting: Current CPR/First Aid Certification, TB and Mandated Reporter clearance.
• Bachelors Degree OR High School Diploma with at least 3 years of relevant experience.
• At least 3 years of demonstrated experience in housing navigation, care coordination, or case management, serving underserved communities of color.
• Lived experience with Black/African-American communities, communities of color, and/or navigating housing insecurity and/or the justice system preferred.
• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with staff, clients, volunteers, community stakeholders, funders and government agencies.
• Demonstrated professionalism, socioemotional tact and integrity.
• Ability to plan, be flexible, and work with a team.
• Demonstrated commitment to accountability, measuring outcomes, and a results-oriented culture.
• Strong written and verbal communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to handle and prioritize multiple tasks while maintaining attention to detail.
• Ability to work with diversity and challenge, possessing sound judgement and a positive attitude.
• A positive attitude, compassion, and strong team-oriented work ethic.
• Google Suite, MS Excel and Airtable proficiency required.

Professional Expectations :
In addition to responsibilities, candidates will exhibit and represent behaviors consistent with the expectations within the BTWCSC competency guidelines listed below:

• Ability to maintain discretion and confidentiality and handle sensitive information.
• Demonstrates a desire to serve others and fulfill community needs for vulnerable populations.
• Works effectively with people of different backgrounds, abilities, opinions, and perceptions.
• Builds rapport and relates well to others.
• Makes sound judgments and transfers learning from one situation to another. Exercise mature judgment and good decision-making.
• Embraces new approaches and discovers ideas to create a better member experience.
• Strives to meet or exceed goals and deliver a high-value experience for members.
• Pursues self-development that enhances job performance.
• Demonstrates an openness to change and seeks opportunities in the change process.
• Does not indulge in illicit drugs or alcoholic beverages before or during work hours.

Physical Requirements :
Must be able to move 35 pounds safely. Must be able to remain in a stationary position during shift. Physical requirements are also typical of those needed in an office environment.

Schedule :
Monday - Friday, 9:00 am to 6:00 pm, occasional nights and weekends. (Additional hours may be required for program activities include but are not limited to, BTWCSC staff events, evening and late-night duty, and staff meetings; a calendar will be provided.

Benefits and Compensation:

BTWCSC offers a competitive compensation package with paid time off and holidays, generous health and retirement benefits, and a salary commensurate with experience. This position is full time and exempt with an annual salary range of $75k to $80k plus a full benefits package, including:

• 100% employer covered excellent health, dental, and vision benefits
• Paid time off, including 15 days paid vacation, plus holidays and Center breaks/closures
• Workers compensation;
• Employee assistance program;
• Monthly wellness benefit after 90 days;
• Access to daily chef cooked meals and snacks;
• Commuter benefits;
• Life and disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer contribution
• Professional development opportunities, including conferences, seminars, webinars, and trainings

BTWCSC is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to hiring a diverse workforce. All openings will be filled based on qualifications without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, marital status, veteran status, disability, age, religion or any other classification protected by law. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

To Apply :

• People of color and candidates with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Please submit the following:
  • Cover letter detailing your fit and qualifications for the position
  • Copy of certifications
  • Resume or CV
  • Minimum of 2-3 references including at least one recent supervisor
  • Application submission screening will be completed on a rolling basis