Rapid Rehousing Housing Navigator

Description

Salary Range: $23.76 - $26.14 per hour
FLSA Status: Non-Exempt
Schedule: Full-time; Monday through Friday; 8-hour shift scheduled between 7:00AM - 4:00PM

Job Summary

The Rapid Rehousing 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, tailor them to meet the specific needs of each client, and connect clients to behavioral health resources and income maximization services.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

• Triage all new Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) referrals and walk-in guests to determine which financial assistance program may be available to rapidly re-house the individual.
• Complete intakes with each guest and work 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.
• Determine the support needed to address barriers, increase income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing.
• Provide individualized support by helping each guest develop a plan to address barriers, increase income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing.
• Identify and provide participants with listings of potential housing options that align with their needs and geographic preferences.
• Help participants mitigate issues related to credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other barriers that may impact housing eligibility.
• Absorb issues related to housing searches, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
• Absorb housing applications, including preparing and obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
• Advocate on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing.
• Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions to ensure a unit is move-in ready.
• Determine rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
• Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with incoming participants/sub-tenants.
• Work with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment.
• Develop expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
• Absorb networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintains a presence at community housing resource meetings.
• Build strong relationships with community partners to broaden housing search opportunities.
• Maintain relationships with existing property managers/owners and establish new relationships with those willing to house RRH clients.
• Update, maintain, and communicate a list of available housing opportunities on a regular basis.
• Host workshops for guests on topics such as roommate sharing, weekly rentals, and sober housing.
• Host orientation sessions for landlords to educate them about the RRH program and their responsibilities.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation within the HMIS client database system and prepares related reports, including outcomes and successes.
• Consistently meets all agency-assigned outcome goals with respect to housing efforts, number of people served, and exits to permanent housing.
• Adhere to agency code of conduct.
• Perform 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.
• High School Diploma or equivalent required, further education in Human Services a plus.
• Experience in a Social Services setting with working knowledge of coordinated care planning/ housing case management service delivery required.
• 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.
• Bilingual (Spanish), preferred.

Work Environment & Activity

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• 70% of the work is field-based, and a valid driver's license is required.
• Occasional standing and moving throughout multi-level building.

Reasonable Accommodations

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties.

Equal Employment Opportunity

We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices and to fostering a workplace where all employees are respected, supported, and able to grow. In support of our mission, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including those with lived experience of homelessness or recovery and those who have faced barriers to employment. We value the range of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work in the community.