Housing Navigator

YWCA of Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); Presencial; USD 42.000 - 56.000; Jornada completa

Descripción de la vacante

The YWCA of Cleveland is seeking a Housing Navigator for Norma Herr Women's Center to guide women toward attainable housing outcomes. You will develop individualized housing plans, navigate complex eligibility requirements, and advocate for guests while upholding ethical standards.

Ideal candidates bring 2+ years of experience with homeless populations, knowledge of housing systems, and strong documentation and communication skills.

Formación

• Two+ years experience working with homeless populations.
• Knowledge of housing systems, eligibility requirements, and local resources.
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to remain calm, ethical, and focused in high-stress situations.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered practice.
• Comfort holding boundaries while offering compassion and respect.

Responsabilidades

• Develop individualized housing plans that are realistic, measurable, and aligned with each woman's needs and readiness.
• Navigate housing requirements, documentation, and eligibility across multiple systems and providers.
• Advocate for guests while maintaining ethical standards, boundaries, and program expectations.
• Coordinate with internal teams, community partners, landlords, and housing providers.
• Support women with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and trauma histories using a trauma-informed approach.
• Assist guests with obtaining identification, income verification, and other required documents.
• Monitor progress weekly and document case notes and outcomes accurately and on time.
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed.
• Transport guests in agency vehicles or personal vehicle (as required) to appointments, housing viewings, and services.
• Participate in outreach, community meetings, and collaborative housing efforts.

Conocimientos

Trauma-informed care

Homeless services

Documentation skills

Communication skills

Organizational skills

Interagency coordination

Educación

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

State licensure (LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC)

Descripción del empleo

Housing Navigator

About Norma Herr Women's Center

Norma Herr Women's Center serves over 250 women every day, offering safety, dignity, and a pathway forward for women experiencing homelessness and crisis. Many of the women we serve are living with mental illness, substance use disorders, trauma, or are survivors of violence and exploitation.

The Role

The Housing Navigator works directly with guests to remove barriers to housing and guide them through realistic, attainable housing plans. This role requires strong judgment, integrity, consistency, and follow-through, as decisions made directly impact safety, housing outcomes, and trust.

What You'll Do

• Develop individualized housing plans that are realistic, measurable, and aligned with each woman's needs and readiness
• Navigate housing requirements, documentation, and eligibility across multiple systems and providers
• Advocate for guests while maintaining ethical standards, boundaries, and program expectations
• Coordinate with internal teams, community partners, landlords, and housing providers
• Support women with mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and trauma histories using a trauma-informed approach
• Assist guests with obtaining identification, income verification, and other required documents
• Monitor progress weekly and document case notes and outcomes accurately and on time
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed
• Transport guests in agency vehicles or personal vehicle (as required) to appointments, housing viewings, and services
• Participate in outreach, community meetings, and collaborative housing efforts

Reliability & Travel Expectations (Required)

This role requires consistent attendance, dependability, and flexibility. Housing timelines move quickly, and guests rely on follow-through.

• Approximately 30% travel within the community is required
• Valid Ohio driver's license, auto insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required
• Occasional evenings or Saturdays may be necessary to meet guest or program needs
• Ability to work across multiple sites when needed

What We're Looking For

• At least 2 years of experience working with homeless populations, including individuals experiencing mental illness, substance use, or complex trauma
• Working knowledge of housing systems, eligibility requirements, and community resources
• Strong documentation, communication, and organizational skills
• Ability to remain calm, ethical, and focused in high-stress situations
• Commitment to trauma-informed, client-centered, and ethical practice
• Comfort holding boundaries while offering compassion and respect

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field
• State licensure (LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC)
• Experience with chronically homeless populations
• Familiarity with local housing programs and systems

Why This Role Matters

Housing Navigators are central to the YWCA's ability to manage Norma Herr Women's Center safely and effectively. Success in this role means women are housed faster, more safely, and with dignity, while systems are navigated ethically and responsibly.

The YWCA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, disability, age, pregnancy, genetic information, creed, marital status, or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.