Housing Navigator

HOUSING NAVIGATOR

JOB DESCRIPTION

Exempt / Full-Time

The Housing Navigator promotes the safety, stability, and independence of survivors of domestic violence by facilitating access to safe, affordable housing. The Navigator builds and maintains relationships with landlords and housing providers, assists clients in overcoming barriers to housing, and supports successful transitions into HDNBC Housing Case Management services.

Housing Program Manager

None

Plano and Garland, and within the community.

*Ability to travel to all HDNBC locations, to home visits, and provide client accompaniment. Additionally, ability to provide mobile services.

Outreach Advocacy Program

Monday Friday Generally 9-5 business hours with ability to set schedule to meet clients' needs.

Hope's Door New Beginning Center (HDNBC) is a non-profit agency providing a continuum of care for individuals who are victims of domestic abuse. HDNBC provides safety, healing, advocacy, and prevention. Find out more here:

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Client Support

• Conduct housing needs assessments and develop individualized housing plans with clients referred from the Housing Priority List (HPL) via the Coordinated Access System (CAS).
• Assist clients in completing housing/rental applications and gathering required documentation.
• Provide housing-related advocacy, including support with utility set-up, lease agreements, and addressing landlord/tenant issues.
• Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities to promote long-term housing stability.
• Support clients in identifying and overcoming barriers such as prior evictions, poor credit, or limited rental history.
• Conduct housing inspections.
• Identifying needs of clients and connecting to appropriate referrals and resources to fit their needs.
• When needed, provide mobile navigation services within the community.

Landlord Engagement

• Establish and maintain a network of landlords and property managers willing to work with survivors.
• Facilitate lease negotiations and signing processes.
• Conduct housing inspections in accordance with grant or program requirements.
• Serve as a liaison between landlords, clients, and HDNBC when issues arise.
• Maintain a list of approved landlords and available units.

Program Administration

• Track and process rent and utility assistance payments in accordance with program guidelines.
• Monitor ongoing eligibility and compliance with housing program requirements.
• Document services and outcomes accurately and in a timely manner in Salesforce.
• Prepare and submit required reports to funders and internal leadership.

Community Collaboration

• Participate in housing-related coalitions and coordinated access meetings (e.g., Collin County Homeless Coalition, Housing Forward).
• Strengthen partnerships with community-based organizations to expand housing options and resources.

Other Duties

• Participate in agency events, outreach, and prevention activities as needed.
• Adhere to HDNBC policies, procedures, and standards of confidentiality and ethics.
• Maintain required training hours as mandated by funders and agency policy.
• Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum two years' experience in housing, case management, or advocacy preferred.
• Knowledge of landlord/tenant law, housing resources, and coordinated access systems.
• Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and communication skills.
• Ability to work collaboratively with survivors, landlords, and multidisciplinary partners.
• Proficiency with Salesforce or other client data systems preferred.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) strongly preferred.

Required Knowledge & Experience

• Knowledge and understanding of the dynamics of domestic violence affecting individuals and families.
• Knowledge of trauma informed care and/or trauma theory.
• Knowledge of de-escalation techniques when working with clients.
• Knowledge of social services program development, administration, and delivery.
• Knowledge of social service resources and agencies in the community.
• Knowledge of personnel and management supervision.
• Experienced in field of trauma services (domestic violence, child abuse, sexual violence).
• Experience responding to varying cultural, ethnic, and social backgrounds as well as to the varying value systems, attitudes, and languages.
• Ability to community effectively, both orally and in writing in English.
• Ability to analyze, develop, and implement program changes effectively.
• Ability to build and maintain effective and professional working relationships with clients and community members.
• Ability to utilize Microsoft applications effectively and learn Salesforce CRM.
• Ability to work well under stressful circumstances.
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends.

Physical Requirements: Duties are usually performed seated with occasional periods of standing or walking. Limited physical effort is required associated with lifting and carrying objects (up to 25 lbs.). Ability to provide accompaniment to advocacy appointments.

Working Conditions : Plano/Garland. This position will be partially remote via telework until circumstances shift based on the needs of clients, grant funders, and or CDC recommendations. HDNBC is located both in Plano and Garland communities.