Housing Navigation Specialist

Impact Community Action; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

IMPACT Community Action in Columbus, OH seeks a Housing Navigation Specialist to assist clients in locating affordable housing and accessing benefits. Duties include eligibility interviews, case planning, and coordinating with community partners to promote stability and self-sufficiency.

The role requires trauma-informed care experience, a valid Ohio driver's license, and the ability to maintain confidential records while meeting funder guidelines.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, non-profit administration or teaching preferred
• Experience providing trauma-informed care counseling
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver's license and/or reliable transportation
• Must comply with agency insurance carrier standards and policy as it relates to driving record

Responsibilities

• Educate and assist customers in understanding and accessing available housing and emergency assistance programs, including, but not limited to, HEAP, CSBG, PIPP+, and related community resources
• Conduct interviews and assessments to determine eligibility for public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, childcare) and identify barriers contributing to housing stability
• Develop collaborative case plans with customers and families to address identified needs and promote housing stability and self-sufficiency
• Advocate for and empower customers as they navigate social services, non-profit, and public assistance systems
• Maintain strong partnerships and coordinate activities with community agencies, utility providers, and other human services organizations
• Apply program eligibility guidelines accurately and process applications in accordance with agency and funder requirements
• Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, and constituent-centered service in all communications and interactions
• Prepare and maintain complete, accurate, confidential records and departmental reports
• Participate in required training sessions to enhance agency, program, and professional knowledge
• Perform data-driven problem solving
• Perform other duties as assigned

Skills

Integrity & Trust

Action Oriented

Drive for Results

Interpersonal Savvy

Empathy

Problem Solving

Communication Skills

Detail Oriented

Technical Skills

Education

Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, non-profit administration or teaching preferred

Job description

Title: Housing Navigation Specialist

Classification: Non-Exempt

Reports to: Director of Housing Navigation

Job Summary:

The Housing Navigator plays a vital role in supporting individuals and families in securing safe, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions. This position is responsible for assessing the unique needs of adults, youth, and families to identify appropriate housing resources, determine program eligibility, and connect participants to supportive services that promote long-term stability and self-sufficiency.

Job Responsibilities:

• Educate and assist customers in understanding and accessing available housing and emergency assistance programs, including, but not limited to, HEAP, CSBG, PIPP+, and related community resources
• Conduct interviews and assessments to determine eligibility for public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, childcare) and identify barriers contributing to housing stability
• Develop collaborative case plans with customers and families to address identified needs and promote housing stability and self-sufficiency
• Advocate for and empower customers as they navigate social services, non-profit, and public assistance systems
• Maintain strong partnerships and coordinate activities with community agencies, utility providers, and other human services organizations
• Apply program eligibility guidelines accurately and process applications in accordance with agency and funder requirements
• Deliver high-quality, trauma-informed, and constituent-centered service in all communications and interactions
• Prepare and maintain complete, accurate, confidential records and departmental reports
• Participate in required training sessions to enhance agency, program, and professional knowledge
• Perform data-driven problem solving
• Perform other duties as assigned

Working Conditions and Physical Requirements:

Standard office environment. Requires ability to operate telephone and personal computer for extended periods of time. Occasional travel, sometimes overnight.

Competencies and Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Integrity and Trust
• Action Oriented
• Drive for Results
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Self-motivated
• Problem Solving
• Process Management
• Customer Service
• Innovation
• Motivator
• Empathy
• Verbal, Written Communication Skills
• Detail Oriented
• Technical Skills (e.g., PC applications)

Education and Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in social work, human services, non-profit administration or teaching preferred
• Experience providing trauma-informed care counseling
• Must possess a valid Ohio Driver's license and/or reliable transportation
• Must comply with agency insurance carrier standards and policy as it relates to driving record

Equal Opportunity Statement:

IMPACT Community Action recognizes that a diverse workforce enhances the organization in many ways. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities that foster diversity and meaningful experiences.