Housing Navigator

Description

Purpose:

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of adult shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position also serves as a general housing resource for households served in other TCAA programs. This is a full-time, benefits eligible position. Travel within Maricopa County is required.

Salary: $21-$23

Work Schedule:

• Monday: 9am-7:30pm
• Tuesday: 10am-8:30pm
• Wednesday: 9:00am-7:30pm
• Thursday: 10:00am-8:30pm
• Friday/Saturday/Sunday: OFF (On-Call once per month with additional on-call stipend)

Essential Functions:

Duties include, but are not limited to the following:

• Identifies and places participants of the emergency shelter into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the program.
• Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. 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 clearinghouses or 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.
• 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, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)
• Conducts regular in-person post-placement visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention.
• Attends collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions.
• Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings.
• Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county and TCAA guidelines. Utilizes the HMIS system for maintaining and reporting client data.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits:  At TCAA, we believe that our employees are our greatest asset. To show our commitment to their well-being and professional growth, we offer a comprehensive benefits package designed to support and enhance work-life balance. Our key benefits and perks for most positions include, but aren't limited to: 

• 14 paid holidays annually 
• Accrued vacation and sick time that increases with tenure 
• Medical, dental and vision insurance including PPO and health savings account options, with employee medical premiums covered at 100% by TCAA 
• Life insurance, disability benefits, accident coverage, and retirement 
• Employee Assistance Program 
• Simple IRA with company match up to 3%   
• Annual merit-based Increases after 9 months of employment 
• Flexible work schedules and hybrid options for certain positions
• Paid time off to volunteer   

TCAA is committed to fostering, cultivating, and preserving a culture of diversity, equity and inclusion and an environment where every employee feels valued and empowered to bring their whole selves to work. The collective sum of the individual differences represents a significant part of our culture, reputation, and achievements. We believe that together, we can achieve greatness by embracing our differences and working collaboratively towards a common purpose. 

We're eager to meet people that believe in our mission and can contribute to our team in a variety of ways - not just candidates who check all the boxes. We consider an equivalent combination of knowledge, skills, education, and experience to meet minimum qualifications. If you are interested in applying, we encourage you to think broadly about your background and skill set for the role. We want people to feel comfortable expressing their true selves and to come, stay, and do their best work here. 

TCAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Knowledge and Experience:

• A minimum of two years’ related professional experience or one year in a similar position
• Prior experience working with low-income individuals and families including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults.
• Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness
• Requires knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e. Section 8, Rapid Rehousing, PSH, Bridge Housing, VASH, etc.)
• Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, and availability, as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources, among others.
• Effective written and oral communication skills
• Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations.
• Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery.

Education:  Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field

License and Certification:

• Ability to obtain a Level One Fingerprint Clearance Card and eligible for Central Registry Clearance
• Valid drivers' license and clean driving record. Personal vehicle for business use
• Behavioral Health Paraprofessional
• CPR/FA Certification or ability to obtain upon hiring
• TB Test Verification
• Verification Documentation consistent with administrative policies and procedures for evaluating and ensuring the competency of direct care staff to provide services.
• For the provision of peer and family support services, a copy of the peer support employment training certificate.

Salary : $21 - $23