Rapid Rehousing Housing Navigator

About the position

The Housing Navigator is responsible for gathering information from guests interested in enrolling in the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRH), conducting comprehensive housing assessments, and developing individualized housing plans. They will facilitate client-driven housing searches, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, in order to secure appropriate housing placements. The Housing Navigator will collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to identify both traditional and non-traditional housing opportunities, as well as connect clients to behavioral health resources and income maximization services. The Housing Navigator must be resilient and resourceful, advocating for clients and fostering relationships with government agencies, community housing organizations, and landlords. They will also navigate housing subsidy programs and processes to ensure clients' success. Additionally, the Housing Navigator will play a key role in locating suitable rental units for clients, completing all necessary enrollment tasks, and conducting orientations with both landlords and clients.

Responsibilities

• Triage all new Rapid Rehousing referrals and walk-in guests to determine which financial assistance program may be available to rapidly re-house the individual.
• Completes intakes with each guest and works with the guest and case management team to develop and carry out a rehousing plan.
• Complete an initial Coordinated Entry Pathways assessment for each guest enrolled in RRH.
• Completes an assessment to determine support needed in addressing their barriers, increase their income, maintain, and sustain permanent housing.
• Provides individualized support by helping each guest develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, maintain, and sustain permanent housing.
• Identifies and provides participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
• Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.
• Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
• Assists participants with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
• Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing.
• Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions to ensure a unit is move-in ready.
• Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
• Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/sub-tenant.
• Works with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment.
• Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events.
• Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
• Assists clients with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.).
• Networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintains a presence at community housing resource meetings.
• Builds strong relationships with community partners to broaden housing search opportunities.
• Maintains a relationship with existing property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those willing to house RRH clients.
• Establishes updates, maintains, and communicates a list of available housing opportunities on a regular basis.
• Works collaboratively with case managers to allocate available financial assistance for clients.
• Hosts workshops for guests on topics such as roommate share, weekly rentals, or sober housing.
• Hosts orientation sessions for landlords to educate them about the RRP and their responsibilities.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation within the HMIS client database system.
• Prepares related reports including but not limited to outcomes, successes, etc.
• Consistently meets all agency assigned outcome goals with respect to housing efforts, number of people served, and exited to permanent housing.
• Adheres to agency code of conduct.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Passion for ending homelessness.
• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude and positive regards when working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• An ability to maintain a positive attitude when working with challenging individuals.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills: both verbal and written.
• Proficiency in English.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to function well in a fast-paced and stressful environment.
• Basic understanding of and commitment to taking a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach.
• Working knowledge of Social Security disability programs and other public benefits’ eligibility criteria, application processes and documentation requirements.

Nice-to-haves

• Further education in Human Services.
• Experience in a Social Services setting with working knowledge of coordinated care planning/housing case management service delivery.
• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for homeless persons in Boston.
• Familiarity with the homeless population and desire to work with vulnerable populations.
• Tech savvy around internet search, online applications, databases, online documentation.
• Experience providing direct service to homeless individuals.
• Lived experience of homelessness and/or recovery.
• Bilingual (Spanish).