Housing Navigation Specialist

Impact Community Action; Columbus (OH); On-site; USD 40,000 - 55,000; Full time

Job summary

Impact Community Action in Columbus, OH is seeking a Housing Navigator to help individuals and families secure safe, affordable housing and connect them to supportive services. The role involves assessing needs, determining program eligibility, and guiding clients toward long-term stability.

You will educate clients about resources such as HEAP, CSBG, and PIPP+, collaborate on case plans, advocate within social service networks, and maintain confidential records in a trauma-informed,

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 HEAP, CSBG, PIPP+, and related resources.
• Assess eligibility for public benefits (e.g., SNAP, TANF, Medicaid, childcare) and identify barriers 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 partnerships and coordinate activities with community agencies, utility providers, and other human service 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 and Trust

Action Oriented

Interpersonal Savvy

Self-motivated

Problem Solving

Customer Service

Innovation

Motivator

Empathy

Verbal Written Communication

Detail Oriented

Technical Skills

Education

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

Tools

PC applications

Job description

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 instability.
• 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 service 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
• Interpersonal Savvy
• Self-motivated
• Problem Solving
• 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.