Housing Navigator

YWCA Greater Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); In loco; USD 25.000 - 33.000; Tempo pieno

Descrizione del lavoro

YWCA Greater Cleveland is seeking a Housing Navigator to support women experiencing homelessness at Norma Herr Women's Center. You will help guests remove barriers to housing and guide realistic, attainable housing plans, balancing urgency with ethical practice.

Responsibilities include developing personalized housing plans, navigating eligibility across systems, coordinating with partners, and documenting outcomes weekly. A trauma-informed, client-centered approach is essential.

Competenze

• At least 2 years of experience working with homeless populations.
• 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.

Mansioni

• 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.

Conoscenze

Homeless population experience

Housing systems knowledge

Documentation

Communication

Trauma-informed practice

Boundaries with compassion

Formazione

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

State licensure (LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC)

Descrizione del lavoro

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.

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
• 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.

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