Housing Court Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative

About the role

The Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) seeks to hire a team of Navigators who will operate in Housing Courts in Brooklyn, the Bronx, Queens, and Manhattan. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Housing Court Navigator provides frontline, direct services to tenants facing eviction or displacement, including public housing residents, housing voucher holders, and other low-income tenants.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and maintain a caseload of tenants with pending eviction matters;
• Provide individualized, holistic support, including referrals to rental assistance, housing subsidies and vouchers, legal services, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and other community-based providers;
• Aid tenants in navigating Housing Court processes, such as reviewing petitions and stipulation agreements; helping complete and file court forms with the clerk’s office; and supporting compliance with court orders and agreements;
• Serve as a point of contact for tenants, court staff, and partner organizations to help coordinate services and address barriers related to nonpayment of rent, repairs, or other eviction risks;
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with on- and off-site partners, including the Office for Court Administration, New York City Housing Authority, New York City Human Resources Administration, Adult Protective Services, Housing Court Answers, legal services providers, and other community-based organizations;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of housing-related programs, public benefits, subsidies, and community resources relevant to tenant needs;
• Represent EDI in court, as needed;
• Document client interactions, services provided, referrals, and outcomes in centralized case management databases;
• Support program data collection, tracking, and reporting to meet grant and program requirements;
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development related to Housing Court practice, benefits programs, and partner initiatives;
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications

• Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience is required; a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience is also acceptable;
• Experience providing direct services, case management, or navigation support in housing, social services, legal services, or related fields;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and court-based settings;
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with multiple partners and agencies;
• Familiarity with New York City Housing Court, NYCHA, rental subsidies, and public benefits is a plus;
• Experience with electronic case management systems and standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Office) is preferred;
• Language other than English highly desirable (Spanish, preferred); and
• Commitment to EDI’s mission and to serving tenants with professionalism and empathy.

Position Type

Full-Time, Monday - Friday, 9:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Position Location

Housing Court located in Manhattan.

Compensation

The compensation range for this position is $28.57 - $33.35 per hour, annually equivalent to $52,000 - $60,700 based on a 35-hour work week and is commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Comprehensive healthcare with a national network;
• Free basic dental coverage;
• Vision insurance;
• Short-term and long-term disability;
• Life insurance;
• Flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA;
• A 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%;
• Mental health care services like Talkspace and Ginger through healthcare plans;
• Equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.

Application Instructions

The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law. We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system. Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.

All applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout the duration of employment.