Housing Navigator - Mesa, AZ

Since 1971, A New Leaf has been dedicated to its mission of "Helping Families...Changing Lives," making a positive impact on the lives of over 24,000 people annually in the Phoenix Metropolitan area. A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Guided by our core values-Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness-we strive to create meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.

Housing Navigator

A New Leaf is committed to empowering individuals and enriching communities through transformative services. Our core values-Compassion, Passion for Results, Collaboration, Accountability, Integrity, and Conscientiousness-guide us in creating meaningful, lasting impacts in the communities we serve.


Salary : $22 hr

Schedule: Tues - Fri 2pm -10pm & Sat 8 am - 4pm


Job Summary:
The Housing Navigator assists participants experiencing homelessness in locating, securing, and maintaining safe, stable, and permanent housing. This position provides housing navigation, advocacy, resource coordination, and case management support to help participants overcome barriers to housing stability. Responsibilities include conducting housing searches, assisting with housing applications and required documentation, coordinating community resources, maintaining accurate participant records, and developing relationships with landlords, property managers, and community partners. This position works primarily onsite within A New Leaf's Bridge to Housing transitional housing program and requires regular in-person interaction with participants, service providers, landlords, and community stakeholders. Occasional local travel is required to support participant housing needs and program objectives.


Responsibilities:

1. Assess participant housing needs, barriers to housing, and housing readiness based on individual circumstances, rental history, criminal background, income, and location preferences.
2. Respond promptly to participant requests, concerns, and housing-related needs.
3. Advocate for participants by identifying and securing affordable housing opportunities through established community partnerships and landlord relationships.
4. Conduct housing searches and assist participants with housing applications, lease requirements, and move-in processes.
5. Assist participants in obtaining required identification, documentation, and other resources necessary to secure housing.
6. Support participants with utility setup, move-in coordination, and obtaining household startup items when available.
7. Conduct regular participant check-ins and monitor progress toward housing stabilization goals.
8. Educate participants on tenant rights, responsibilities, lease compliance, and successful tenancy practices.
9. Connect participants to housing, shelter, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, transportation, financial assistance, and other community resources as appropriate.
10. Collaborate with landlords, property managers, housing providers, and community agencies to support successful housing placements and retention.
11. Engage in outreach activities with housing partners, realtors, landlords, business owners, and community stakeholders to identify housing opportunities and strengthen community partnerships.
12. Utilize a personal vehicle as needed for participant appointments, housing searches, community meetings, and other program-related activities.
13. Maintain accurate case files, HMIS documentation, service records, participant assistance records, and required reports in accordance with federal, state, county, grant, and agency requirements.
14. Track participant outcomes and program performance measures and provide timely reports to the Program Supervisor.
15. Maintain records of participant assistance expenditures, including bus passes, housing assistance, and other program-related resources.
16. Demonstrate knowledge of applicable contracts, grants, funding requirements, and program regulations.
17. Complete follow-up services and housing retention support as required by program and funding requirements.
18. Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

Education:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Social Work, Behavioral Health, Public Administration, or a related field preferred.
• An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience:

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, poverty, behavioral health challenges, substance use disorders, or other barriers to self-sufficiency.
• Experience in housing navigation, case management, homeless services, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, supportive housing, or related human services programs preferred.
• Experience maintaining participant records, case notes, and program documentation.
• Ability to effectively engage participants, build community relationships, and advocate for participant needs.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, maintain accurate documentation, and meet program deadlines.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems preferred.

Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:

• Primarily onsite work within a transitional housing and shelter environment, with occasional local travel for participant appointments, housing searches, meetings, outreach activities, and other program-related responsibilities.
• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, reach, and move throughout program facilities and community locations.
• Occasional lifting of up to 25 lbs. for program materials, participant supplies, or office equipment.
• Frequent use of computers, phones, HMIS, and other standard office equipment.
• Ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities in a dynamic environment.
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all interactions.
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position, in accordance with applicable law.

Compliance Requirements:

• Must Be At Least 21 Years of Age
• Class One Fingerprint Clearance Card
• Central Registry Background Check
• Drug Screening
• CPR/First Aid Certification
• Valid Unrestricted Driver's License
• Current Auto Liability Insurance
• 39 Month Motor Vehicle Record
• Adhere to all organizational policies, including the Code of Conduct, professional standards, and relevant regulations.

Mandated Reporter Requirements:

• As a mandated reporter under Arizona statute A.R.S. § 13-3620, you are required to immediately report any suspected abuse or neglect of a minor to your Supervisor, Manager, Director, Clinical Director, or Chief Officer, who will assist in making the appropriate report to authorities.
• Reports should be directed to either the local law enforcement agency or child protective services (1-888-SOS-CHILD). Abuse suspected of involving a family member or legal guardian should be reported to child protective services, while other cases should be reported to law enforcement.

Responsible to: Program Supervisor


Supervisory Responsibilities: None


We appreciate your interest in our organization. We consider applicants for all positions without regard to race, religion, color, creed, gender, national origin, age, disability, marital or veteran status, or any other legally protected status.


A New Leaf is an at-will employer. Any offer of employment with A New Leaf is contingent upon a successful consumer report, which includes verification of employment, education, criminal background search, and driving records.


A New Leaf is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and participates in the E-Verify program.


BENEFITS PACKAGE:

All of our employees enjoy the following benefits: direct deposit, competitive pay, accrued sick time, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), an annual team member appreciation event, and an informal yet professional team environment.


For full-time employees, we also provide the following as part of the total compensation plan: Medical/Dental/Vision Coverage, Accrued Sick and Vacation Time, Paid Holidays, Life Insurance, AD&D, Short-Term Disability, 401(K), Tuition Reimbursement, and a Wellness Program. This program has received a Silver Level of excellence in worksite wellness and includes Annual Biometrics, Gym Reimbursements, Wellness Initiatives, Workers Compensation improvements, and much more.