Housing & Homeless Services Navigator

Housing & Homeless Services Navigator

Organization: Transgender Health & Wellness Center (TH&WC)

Location: San Diego and Inland Empire clients, California

Reports To: Community Engagement Manager

Hours: Part time with option to full time (Entry Level Position)

Note: This is an entry level position into the company.  Please provide cover letter reason you believe you are a good fit for this position, and your competency with the TGI community. 

Position Summary

The Housing & Homeless Services Navigator is responsible for leading TH&WC's housing navigation efforts while developing innovative housing programs that improve housing stability for transgender, gender-diverse, intersex (TGI), and allied communities. This position combines direct client services with program development, Safe House oversight, community partnership building, and strategic planning.

The Navigator serves as a trusted advocate who assists individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability while creating sustainable solutions that expand TH&WC's housing capacity and long-term impact. This role requires exceptional cultural competency, critical thinking, leadership, and the ability to respond effectively in crisis situations.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Client Support

• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and develop individualized housing plans.
• Assist clients with emergency shelter, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, and permanent housing opportunities.
• Connect clients with public benefits, supportive services, employment resources, healthcare, legal services, and other community resources.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, housing providers, government agencies, and service organizations.
• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation and case records.

Safe House Oversight

• Oversee the daily operations of TH&WC's Safe House.
• Coordinate resident intake, orientation, and exit planning.
• Foster a safe, affirming, trauma-informed, and welcoming environment.
• Address conflicts using trauma-informed de-escalation and conflict resolution techniques.
• Monitor safety, cleanliness, and adherence to program policies.

Program Development

• Design, implement, and improve housing and homelessness programs.
• Develop innovative and sustainable housing initiatives that strengthen TH&WC's mission.
• Identify opportunities for self-sustaining and revenue-generating housing programs that support long-term organizational sustainability.
• Assist with grant development, reporting, and program evaluation.
• Develop policies, procedures, and best practices for housing programs.

Community Engagement & Partnerships

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, developers, housing authorities, shelters, and community organizations.
• Expand housing opportunities for transgender, gender-diverse, intersex individuals, and their allies.
• Represent TH&WC within local Continuums of Care, housing collaboratives, and community coalitions.
• Strengthen referral networks and collaborative partnerships throughout Riverside County and surrounding communities.

Crisis Intervention

• Respond to housing emergencies and client crises.
• Utilize trauma-informed care and de-escalation techniques to stabilize situations.
• Conduct safety planning and provide appropriate referrals.
• Exercise sound judgment in high-pressure and rapidly changing situations.

Organizational Leadership

• Collaborate with TH&WC leadership to identify emerging housing needs and develop strategic solutions.
• Participate in community outreach, educational events, and advocacy efforts.
• Support organizational initiatives that advance housing equity and improve access to affirming services.
• Assist with special projects as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum of two years of experience in housing navigation, homelessness services, social services, case management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with transgender, gender-diverse, intersex (TGI), LGBTQ+, or other marginalized communities.
• Strong knowledge of housing resources, homelessness systems, landlord engagement, tenant rights, and supportive service programs.
• Experience developing programs or implementing new service initiatives is highly preferred.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and client-centered service delivery.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities independently.
• Excellent critical thinking and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Reliable transportation, a valid driver's license, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to work occasional evenings or weekends as program needs require.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience with HUD-funded programs, Continuum of Care (CoC) systems, Coordinated Entry, or HMIS.
• Experience supervising residential or Safe House programs.
• Knowledge of Fair Housing laws and tenant protections.
• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

Successful candidates will demonstrate:

• Deep understanding of the unique barriers experienced by transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex communities.
• Exceptional cultural humility and commitment to equity and inclusion.
• Strong crisis intervention and de-escalation skills.
• Level of success in finding clients' housing.
• Ability to think critically and proactively when addressing client and organizational needs.
• Strong initiative with the ability to work independently while collaborating effectively with a team.
• Ability to build trust with clients while maintaining professional boundaries.
• Excellent networking and partnership development skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication abilities.
• Ability to adapt quickly in a fast-paced environment.
• Commitment to TH&WC's mission of providing affirming, culturally responsive services.

Desired Outcomes

The Housing & Homeless Services Navigator will help TH&WC:

• Increase successful housing placements and long-term housing stability.
• Expand partnerships with landlords and housing providers.
• Develop innovative and sustainable housing programs.
• Maintain a safe and supportive Safe House environment.
• Improve client outcomes through culturally affirming, trauma-informed services.
• Strengthen TH&WC's leadership in addressing housing insecurity within transgender, gender-diverse, intersex, and allied communities.

Why Join TH&WC?

At TH&WC, you'll be part of a mission-driven organization dedicated to improving the lives of transgender, gender-diverse, and intersex individuals through innovative, affirming, and community-centered services. This position offers the opportunity to make a lasting impact by helping individuals achieve housing stability while shaping the future of inclusive housing programs.