Housing Navigator

Austin Community College; Cleveland (OH); Hybrid; USD 38,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

YWCA Cleveland's Norma Herr Women's Center is seeking a Housing Navigator to guide women from crisis to stability through ethical, client-centered housing placement. You will remove barriers, develop individualized housing plans, and coordinate with housing providers to help guests move into safe, stable housing.

This role requires trauma-informed practice, strong documentation, and the ability to manage timelines across multiple systems.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of experience with homeless populations.
• Knowledge of housing systems and eligibility requirements.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Ability to stay calm in high-stress situations.
• Trauma-informed, client-centered practice.

Responsibilities

• Develop individualized housing plans aligned with each woman's needs.
• Navigate housing requirements, documentation, and eligibility.
• Advocate for guests while upholding ethics and boundaries.
• Coordinate with internal teams, landlords, and providers.
• Support women with mental health challenges using a trauma-informed approach.
• Assist with obtaining identification, income verification, and documents.
• Monitor progress weekly and document case notes.
• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed.
• Transport guests to appointments and viewings.
• Participate in outreach and community meetings.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Client-centered approach

Documentation skills

Communication

Organization

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

Job description

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 Housing Navigator plays a critical role in the success of this work-helping women move from crisis to stability through ethical, timely, and client-centered housing placement.

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.

This position is ideal for someone who understands housing systems, respects client autonomy, and can balance urgency with ethical practice.

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
• 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.

If you are dependable, mission-driven, and ready to do meaningful work that requires both heart and accountability, we encourage you to apply.

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.