HOUSING NAVIGATOR

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.