Housing Navigator

Women’s Center of Wake County; Raleigh (NC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 62,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

Paid time off

Wellness leave

Professional development and superv is

Professional development and Supervi s

Job summary

The Women’s Center of Wake County seeks a Housing Navigator to provide strengths-based, client-centered support to individuals facing housing instability. You will coordinate housing placements, connect clients to services, advocate within housing systems, and work with case managers, legal aid partners, and community health workers to promote housing justice.

This full-time, on-site role requires trauma-informed care, strong relationship skills, and the ability to navigate local resources in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field, or equivalent direct-service experience.
• 0–3 years of experience in housing services, case management, or behavioral health.
• Strong knowledge of Wake County housing programs, resources, and navigation.
• Proficiency with HMIS and data entry; commitment to housing-first approaches.
• Maintains confidentiality per HIPAA and ethical standards.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessments to identify housing history, barriers, and goals.
• Develop individualized housing stability plans with each client.
• Assist clients in locating and applying for affordable housing and housing programs.
• Provide documentation support and connect clients to financial resources.
• Follow up with clients per their service plans and provide wrap-around case management.
• Engage landlords and community partners to expand housing options.
• Maintain confidential case notes in HMIS and track outcomes.
• Coordinate referrals to partner agencies and participate in coordinated entry systems.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication

Organizational skills

Trauma-informed care

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field

Tools

HMIS

Microsoft Office

Case management databases

Job description

The Housing Navigator provides individualized, strengths-based support to clients experiencing housing instability or homelessness. This role works to move clients towards housing stabilization and self-sufficiency using existing tools and resources as well as innovative approaches to housing. This role coordinates housing placement, connects individuals to supportive services, and advocates within landlord, shelter, and public housing systems. The

Housing Navigator works closely with case managers, legal aid partners, and community health workers providing client-facing, field-intensive support requiring strong relationship skills and a commitment to housing justice and equity. This role requires deep knowledge of housing-first principles, local resources, and the unique challenges facing unhoused women.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Client Housing

• Conduct intake assessments to identify clients’ housing history, barriers, and goals
• Develop individualized housing stability plans in collaboration with each client
• Assist clients in locating and applying for affordable housing, subsidized units, rapid rehousing programs, and permanent supportive housing
• Support clients with applications for rental assistance, utility support, document support, and other financial resources
• Accompany clients to housing appointments, court hearings, and agency meetings as needed
• Provide ongoing case management and follow-up to clients who have been housed
• Provide diversion services to clients who have been deemed ineligible for available housing programs
• Conduct monthly Safety and Wellness checks of all occupied units and ensure that all basic needs are provided
• Follow up with all housing program clients according to their Individualized Service Plan at their residence and at WCWC providing comprehensive wrap around case management services

Landlord & Community Engagement

• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing developers willing to work with Women’s Center guests
• Mediate and resolve conflicts between clients and landlords to prevent eviction
• Expand the organization’s network of affordable housing options in the community
• Work closely with internal case managers, outreach workers, and staff to provide holistic support
• Coordinate referrals to and from partner agencies, including mental health providers, substance use treatment programs, employment services, and legal aid
• Participate in coordinated entry systems and community housing coalitions

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential case notes and service records in the community’s database (e.g., HMIS)
• Track client outcomes and housing placements to support program reporting
• Assist with grant reporting by compiling case data as needed

Job Specifications

Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, or a related field; or equivalent experience working in direct service settings with marginalized populations
• 0-3 years of experience in housing services, case management, or behavioral health
• Strong knowledge of housing programs, community resources, and systems navigation in Wake County, NC
• Proficiency with case documentation and data entry; experience with HMIS a plus
• Applies trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first models in all client interactions
• Demonstrates advanced interpersonal, communication and organizational skills to manage caseload
• Maintains professional boundaries and upholds strict confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA, licensure standards, and mandatory reporting obligations.
• Committed to dignity, and inclusive support for all, including LGBTQ+ and BIPOC communities
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and case management databases

Working Conditions

• Based at The Women’s Center facility with occasional travel in the community
• May involve home visits, medical appointments, or accompanying clients to housing related services
• Occasional evening or weekend hours may be required
• Work in a fast-paced, emotionally demanding environment

Compensation and Schedule

• Full-time, exempt position with competitive salary based on experience
• Ongoing professional development and supervision
• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance after the first 90 days
• Paid time off, holidays, and wellness leave

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to sit at a desk and use a computer for extended periods of time; ability to attend off-site meetings occasionally; ability to read documents and correspondence
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds without assistance
• Bending, stooping, standing, lifting, and walking are all requirements of this position

This position will remain open until filled.