Housing Navigator

TURNING POINT JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: Housing Navigator
REPORTS TO: Senior Director of Housing & Human Trafficking
CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt

ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW:

Turning Point, Inc in Mount Clemens, MI is a non-profit, 501(c)(3) organization qualified employer for Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF). Turning Point, Inc empowers domestic and sexual violence survivors through comprehensive services and resources while advocating for community action to end oppression and violence. We offer emergency shelter, housing, trauma advocacy services, forensic nurse examiner program & first advocacy services, 24-hour hotline, personal protection order and legal advocacy services, and community outreach.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION & QUALIFICATIONS:

The Housing Navigator is for responsible identifying housing opportunities for clients, both families and singles. This position is required to actively seek out, obtain and maintain relationships with landlords, private and non-profit. The Housing Navigator is an integral member of the team and works collaboratively with all aspects of TP programs, partner agencies, Housing Authorities, County agencies, local Continuum of Care (CoC), and representatives of other non-profit agencies and the faith community. The Housing Navigator will execute job duties, and responsibilities from an intersectional, and anti-oppression framework while upholding the values, and the mission of Turning Point.

The ideal candidate will hold a Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Public or Business Administration, or a related field. Having at least 5 years’ experience in property management, housing management, and/or real estate required, including negotiation and advocacy. Additionally, the candidate should have 3 years of experience within the working community. The candidate must demonstrate cultural competency in working with diverse populations, including conducing group trainings. The preferred candidate will be bilingual in Spanish/English and demonstrate proficiency in HMIS, Apricot, EDB and Microsoft Office Suite.

PRINCIPAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Implement agency and program mission and empowerment philosophy
• Administer and implement agency policies and procedures
• Maintain agency policy on confidentiality, record keeping and professional ethics
• Proactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist families with housing.
• Maintain on-going relationships with landlords and other housing providers, including acting as a liaison between landlord and client as needed.
• Communicating with clients about the progress of their application during each step of the process
• Assisting clients with all housing related issues, such as landlord/tenant disputes and discrimination in housing
• Assisting individuals with disabilities in finding suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs.
• Assisting low-income families in applying for federal housing programs such as Section 8 or public housing
• Coordinating with other service providers in order to ensure that clients receive all the help they need
• Conducting home assessments for clients to determine if their current living situation is safe, healthy, and adequate for the client’s needs
• Developing a plan for clients to help them address their housing needs over time
• Helping clients identify financial resources available to them through federal government assistance programs, community organizations, and other resources
• Working with clients to identify and resolve any issues that may arise with their current housing situation
• Maintain a Landlord Directory to include documentation of all contacts with housing providers. Provide consistent updates on housing availability.
• Maintain documentation of trainings, budgets, housing contacts and other pertinent information in accordance with agency and best practice standards.
• In coordination with the case manager, provide access to resources to assist families and singles as needed during their move into permanent housing (such assistance may include accessing rental assistance money, donated furnishings and coordinating with volunteer movers).
• Negotiate and manage the Rapid Re-housing direct assistance budget in coordination with Director of Homeless Services to ensure the distribution of funds is in keeping with state and local guidelines and meets the needs of clients. • Demonstrate proficiency in HMIS database and other software as required. Develop and maintain knowledge of information on housing assistance programs.
• Conduct Housing Quality Standard Inspections per grant guidelines and advise and advocate for clients with regard to quality standards. Ensure the FMR are within contractual obligations.
• Educate landlords on how the short/medium-term rental subsidy program works including timeframe and potential payment breakdown.
• Educate landlords on the Section 8 program and other long-term subsidy programs. • Educate clients regarding tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination, finding and securing rental housing, communication with landlords and fair housing.
• Attend agency, LVRHAB and community meetings as directed by supervisor. Knowledge, Skills and
• Notify the Senior Director of Housing and Human Trafficking or CEO of any emergency situations that may affect Turning Point staff and clients
• Perform all other duties as assigned by the Senior Director of Housing & Human Trafficking

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to take direction
• Flexible and adaptable to changing to business needs
• Personal integrity, confidentiality, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action and provide create solutions to problems
• Must be able to work independently and as a team member
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, strong time management skills and able to work in a fast paced environment
• Allows for flexibility in schedule and job function adapting work to needs of survivors, including covering holiday shifts and weekends
• Ability to climb stairs
• Ability to lift 20-30 lbs

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:
Must successfully pass a criminal background check and FBI Fingerprinting. The preferred candidate will have reliable transportation, auto insurance, a valid Michigan Driver’s License, and a good driving record. Additionally, a health screening and TB test is required.

No phone calls will be accepted.

Turning Point, Inc. values diversity and is an equal opportunity employer.

We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, or Veteran status.