Housing Services Navigator

Supervisor’s Title: Operations Manager

General Summary: The Housing Services Navigator serves as a liaison between Hope Harbor programs and community housing partners, including property managers, landlords, and other housing and service providers. This position develops and maintains housing partnerships, identifies appropriate housing opportunities, and supports individuals and families transitioning from Hope Harbor programs into permanent housing. The Housing Services Navigator also collaborates with Hope Harbor staff to strengthen housing programs and processes, maintain required documentation and data, and develop strategies that promote successful, long-term housing outcomes.

This position is primarily remote but requires community-based work, including unit walkthroughs, meetings with housing and service partners, outreach activities, and other responsibilities as needed. Attendance at Hope Harbor offices, staff meetings, trainings, or other activities may be required as requested by the Operations Manager. As Hope Harbor expands its programming, the Housing Services Navigator may also assist with onsite case management in future housing developments.

Qualifications:

• Successfully complete all required background checks.

• Communicate effectively through verbal, written, and electronic communication.

• Accurately follow written and verbal instructions.

• Maintain current CPR and First Aid certification or obtain certification as part of new-hire training.

• Demonstrate reliability, punctuality, and professional conduct.

• Interact with individuals and families experiencing homelessness with compassion, respect, and dignity.

• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding residents, clients, staff, volunteers, and organizational information.

• Work independently with minimal supervision while effectively managing priorities and deadlines.

• Demonstrate proficiency with computers, Microsoft Office, Microsoft Teams, and other software or databases as required.

• Enter, organize, and maintain information accurately and within established deadlines.

• Demonstrate strong organizational, time-management, and problem-solving skills.

• Exercise sound judgment and make thoughtful, well-reasoned decisions.

• Demonstrate active listening and effective interpersonal skills.

• Take initiative, identify problems, and contribute to practical solutions.

• Work effectively as part of a team while also managing independent responsibilities.

Experience working with federal funding, grant requirements, housing programs, or grant-related data is highly preferred but not required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Housing Partner and Landlord Relations

  • Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with property managers, landlords, and other community housing partners.

  • Identify available and appropriate housing opportunities for individuals and families exiting Hope Harbor programs.

  • Educate housing partners about Hope Harbor programs, services, eligibility requirements, and housing assistance.

  • Promote strong communication and collaboration between Hope Harbor staff and housing partners.

  • Create and maintain a current database of property managers, landlords, and available housing opportunities.

  • Regularly communicate with housing partners to verify availability, eligibility requirements, rental criteria, and other relevant information.

  • Match clients with appropriate housing opportunities based on program requirements and individual needs.

  • Maintain accurate and up-to-date housing partner and property information within Microsoft Teams and other designated systems.

• Program Development and Grant Coordination

  • Collaborate with Hope Harbor staff to review, develop, and improve housing program processes, guidelines, and documentation.

  • Review existing procedures and recommend improvements that increase accuracy, efficiency, and consistency.

  • Develop forms, procedures, resources, and other program documentation as needed.

  • Assist staff with navigating federal funding requirements and grant requirements related to housing programming.

  • Collect, maintain, and organize program and grant-related data in accordance with applicable requirements.

  • Assist with maintaining effective Rapid Rehousing processes and documentation.

  • Work collaboratively with staff to develop strategies and processes that support successful housing outcomes.

• Unit Walkthroughs

  • Conduct required unit walkthroughs for clients entering housing through Hope Harbor's Emergency Solutions Grant (ESG) programming.

  • Complete HUD-approved unit inspection checklists accurately and thoroughly.

  • Coordinate with Hope Harbor staff, clients, property managers, and landlords to schedule required walkthroughs.

  • Communicate identified concerns, deficiencies, or compliance issues to the appropriate staff members and housing partners.

  • Maintain accurate documentation of completed walkthroughs in accordance with program requirements.

• Community Outreach and Partnership Development

  • Research community resources and service providers that may benefit Hope Harbor clients.

  • Establish and maintain relationships with organizations providing housing, financial, employment, transportation, healthcare, and other supportive services.

  • Connect clients and Hope Harbor staff with appropriate community resources that support long-term housing stability.

  • Represent Hope Harbor professionally and positively when interacting with landlords, property managers, service providers, and other community stakeholders.

  • Communicate Hope Harbor's programs, services, and outcomes to community partners.

  • Participate in community outreach, networking, meetings, and other activities that strengthen partnerships and expand housing opportunities for clients.