Job Description

Housing Navigator - Richmond

JOB SUMMARY

This position will serve under the direction of the Program Manager, Richmond for Flagler Services as the Housing Navigator – Richmond for Flagler Services, assisting the program in identifying safe, affordable housing units for all Flagler program participants. This position provides support to the Flagler Richmond team to quickly locate appropriate housing for program participants. The Housing Navigator is expected to constantly nurture working relationships and new housing leads with property owners and managers. At the request of the Case Manager, the Housing Navigator will take the lead on seeking appropriate housing for their specific clients and work with the Case Manager to address any issues which might impede that process. This will require development of good working relationships with prospective landlords and the ability to negotiate with past landlords and creditors – all while working within a tight time frame. The Housing Navigator will also serve as an educator to both clients and staff about tenant/landlord laws and responsibilities.

This position is located at the Flagler Richmond office.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Develop a pool of housing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness to include private landlords, property managers, and subdivide housing providers. This should also include knowledge of those who will accept households with specific housing barriers
• Collaborate with other homeless service providers to maximize housing opportunities for all clients
• Assist Case Managers in their efforts to house clients
• Ensure that all units meet HQS and Basic Habitability standards including Lead Assessment. Follow up as necessary after client placement if housing issues surface
• Provide follow up and intervention with clients and landlords to ensure that clients retain housing
• Maintain up-to date records (both paper and in HMIS) in compliance with funders and SJV guidelines
• Complete required documentation and process all financial assistance requests as required by funders and SJV
• Perform other duties as assigned or required

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred (relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
• Proficiency with MSOffice Suite (Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and Internet research
• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Knowledge and understanding of racial disparities and the impact of those experiencing homelessness
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative, shared leadership environment
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills including the ability to conduct training sessions
• Ability to read and interpret contracts including leases
• Ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of community partners
• Ability to work effectively with change and appropriately handle high-pressure situations
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends, with prior notification
• Experience working with electronic documentation software or demonstrated ability to learn new software
• Experience completing and maintaining documentation with accuracy
• Experience juggling multiple demands in a tight time frame
• Understanding and ability to work with those who identify as LGBTQIA+
• Ability to occasionally work some evenings and weekends if needed (with prior notification)
• Experience/Understanding of issues affecting households experiencing homelessness
• Knowledge and practice using community resources and referrals

Preferred :

• Understanding of rental leases, tenant rights/responsibilities, and Fair Housing laws
• Experience maintaining Excel or similar tracking sheets and other electronic data
• Experience utilizing a web-based Homeless Community Information System (HCIS)

Physical Requirements

This job requires extensive work in the community. Incumbent will be required to visit individuals in their households, which may require walking up and down steps, as well as occasionally assisting individuals with moving to new housing. Work may occasionally require the exertion of up to 30 pounds of force occasionally, and a negligible amount of force frequently or constantly to move objects; work requires fingering, and repetitive motions; visual acuity is required for preparing and analyzing written or computer data, operation of motor vehicles or equipment, determining the accuracy and thoroughness of work, and observing general surroundings and activities.

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