Family Housing Navigator

United Way of the Plains; Wichita (KS); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Job summary

United Way of the Plains seeks a Family Housing Navigator to support families with minor children facing homelessness or housing instability in Wichita/Sedgwick County. You will access housing, services, and resources to promote long-term stability and direct case management to progress toward permanent housing outcomes.

The role emphasizes compassionate, client-centered service, strong communication, and collaboration with community providers to overcome barriers and coordinate resources

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• At least 1 year of social service experience, preferably with homelessness.
• Proficiency with computers: MS Office, internet, databases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake and assessment with housing-insecure families to identify barriers and needs.
• Develop individualized housing stabilization plans with families.
• Coordinate access to flexible housing funds to prevent homelessness and support rapid stabilization.
• Provide short-term Rapid Rehousing assistance including housing search and landlord engagement.
• Maintain accurate case records and data entry in required systems.

Skills

Communication

Relationship building

Teamwork

Critical thinking

Multitasking

Confidentiality

Education

Bachelor’s degree (preferred)

Tools

MS Office

Internet

Databases

Job description

The Family Housing Navigator is a full-time position with the Coalition to End Homelessness in Wichita/Sedgwick County, a collaborative initiative housed at United Way of the Plains that coordinates the local homeless response system across Wichita and Sedgwick County. This role works directly with families with minor children who are experiencing homelessness or housing instability, helping them access housing, supportive services, and resources needed to achieve long-term housing stability.

The ideal candidate is a compassionate and resourceful professional who enjoys working with people, building trust, and finding creative solutions to complex challenges. This position requires strong communication and organizational skills, the ability to collaborate with community providers, and a commitment to coordinated, client-centered service. The Family Housing Navigator will work alongside families and service partners to identify barriers, connect households to available resources, and support successful transitions to permanent housing while advancing the common good in our community.

This position will report to the United for Families Program Manager.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The key responsibilities of the Family Housing Navigator include, but are not limited to:

• Conduct intake and assessment with housing-insecure families to identify barriers to housing stability and immediate needs.
• Work collaboratively with families to develop individualized housing stabilization plans focused on resolving housing crises.
• Utilize diversion strategies to help families remain housed or quickly identify safe alternative housing options.
• Administer and coordinate access to flexible housing funds to prevent homelessness and support rapid stabilization.
• Determine when a housing crisis cannot be resolved through diversion and coordinate referrals to appropriate emergency shelter programs.
• Provide short-term Rapid Rehousing assistance for eligible homeless families with income, including housing search, landlord engagement, and stabilization support.
• Connect families to community resources that address barriers to housing stability, including workforce development, employment services, childcare, healthcare, and financial counseling.
• Determine eligibility for Department for Children and Families (DCF) Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) housing-related supports.
• Complete all required applications, verifications, and documentation necessary to access TANF or other financial assistance.
• Maintain accurate and timely case records, documentation, and data entry in required databases and reporting systems.
• Provide ongoing case management and follow-up to monitor family progress toward housing stability.
• Collaborate with landlords, shelters, service providers, and community partners to expand housing options and coordinate services.
• Ensure services are delivered in a trauma-informed, strengths-based, and culturally responsive manner.
• Participate in team meetings, case conferencing, and community coordination efforts to support system-wide responses to family homelessness.
• Maintain knowledge of local housing resources, benefits, and best practices in homelessness prevention and rapid re-housing.

MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS AND QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree is preferred.
• At least one year of social service experience with a preference for experience working with persons experiencing homelessness, and/or homeless service providers.
• Proficiency in using computers, including MS Office, the Internet, and databases.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Strong relationship and team-building skills.
• Proven critical thinking skills.
• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
• Capable of working effectively with limited supervision.
• Able to maintain confidentiality regarding sensitive information.

NON-NEGOTIABLE HIRING CRITERIA

• Naturally curious and self-motivated in a never-ending pursuit of continuous improvement.
• Ability to interact positively with individuals and groups.
• Must be flexible and multitask oriented; can adapt to changing priorities.
• Can work independently and responsibly while managing numerous projects simultaneously.
• Dependable and reliable to meet deadlines; remains calm under pressure.
• Lead by personal example; your word is your bond.
• Servant leader who can positively influence others not under their control.
• Possess excellent judgment and creative problem-solving skills.
• Helps create a work environment that embraces and appreciates diversity.

WORK SCHEDULE

Office hours are primarily Monday-Friday, 8 a.m. – 5 p.m., though extended hours may be warranted at any point in time.

Every day, our neighbors are working hard to overcome barriers and get ahead. Together, we connect people to the opportunities they need to reach their potential and make our community a place where everyone can thrive. United is the way we build a stronger future for all.