Housing Navigator I

SHELTER, Inc.; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

18 days Paid Time Off

15 paid holidays

100% paid employee medical insurance

Dental and vision for employees

Tuition reimbursement

403b with matching

Pet Insurance

Employee Assistance Program

Discount Marketplace

Internal growth opportunities

Job summary

SHELTER, Inc. in Concord, CA is seeking a Housing Navigator to lead tenant education, housing searches, and coordination with landlords to place families in stable homes.

You will assess housing needs, build lease-ready plans, and connect clients to supportive services across our programs. The role requires 2+ years in affordable or supportive housing, knowledge of HUD subsidies, and ability to work with underserved communities.

Qualifications

• 2+ years in affordable or supportive housing environments.
• Associate or Bachelor’s Degree in a related field is a plus.
• Knowledge of HUD subsidies and fair housing regulations is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead tenant training sessions and develop housing plans.
• Coordinate with landlords to place participants in housing.
• Assist with scheduling viewings, applications, and move-ins.
• Maintain participant files and document housing referrals.
• Coordinate with support services staff on housing placement.

Skills

2+ years housing experience

Bilingual English/Spanish

MS Office proficiency

Driver/transportation

Education

Associate or Bachelor's Degree in related field

Tools

CLARITY HMIS

Microsoft Office (Outlook/Word/Excel)

Job description

SHELTER, Inc. rebuilds lives one family at a time, by helping them re-establish a home and assisting with the skills and resources needed to live the life they deserve. Created in 1986, we are a community-based non-profit currently operating in Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, and Marin counties. In 2024 our compassionate teams helped 5,824 people including 1,938 children secure or maintain their housing.

We believe a safe home and the opportunity to thrive are rights—not privileges. Every day, our teams have the honor of walking alongside families and individuals as they rebuild their lives. If you’re looking for more than just a job—and you want to be the spark that ignites lasting change in your community—you’ll find purpose here!

Work Location: Concord, CA

Employment Details: Full Time, Non-Exempt, Monday- Friday 8/8:30 AM – 4:30/5 PM

Compensation: $28.50-30.50/hour

About the role: We’re hiring a dedicated Housing Navigator to be at the forefront of helping people find stability and a place to call home. You'll work with participants from a range of programs, including Veterans, those overcoming challenges with alcohol and other drug substances, individuals fleeing domestic violence, and families in need of rapid rehousing.

What You’ll Do

Tenant Education and Assessment

• Lead group and individual tenant training sessions on a variety of topics such as preparing rental documents (references, resume etc.), tenant rights (Fair Housing, Credit reports etc.) and more.
• Create individual assessments and housing case plans, including written recommendations for their housing needs.

Landlord Outreach and Housing Search Support

• Cultivate and maintain strong relationships with landlords who will rent to our program participants.
• Maintain a positive company image through professional conduct and timely follow-up.
• Support participants by identifying and referring them to suitable housing vacancies that meet their needs, qualifications, and habitability standards.
• Assist participant with scheduling apartment viewings, submitting rental applications, and follow-up with property owners.
• Negotiate rental agreements with landlords, conduct housing inspections, and assist participants with review of lease agreements and move-ins.

Service Coordination

• Act as a liaison between landlord/ Tenant, and with external vendors.
• Communicate with SHELTER, Inc., support services staff on housing placement assessment and status of participants ability to secure housing.
• Maintain accurate and current participant files, including documentation and tracking of housing search referrals.

What You’ll Bring

• Knowledge of the Bay Area, Fairfield or Sacramento rental housing market.
• 2+ years' experience working in affordable housing or supportive housing environment, placement assistance in low-income subsidized or supportive housing arrangements
• Ability to work with underserved populations could include homeless, re-entry, and special needs.
• Associate or bachelor’s Degree in related field is a plus!
• Knowledge of various rental subsidy programs (e.g., HUD Project-Based Section 8, Housing Choice Voucher, Tax Credit, Shelter Plus Care, HOME) and a working knowledge of landlord-tenant law, fair housing regulations, Section 504, ADA. Ability to comprehend HUD manuals and regulatory agreements is a plus.
• Proficient computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word and Excel) and typing skills
• Database software experience, CLARITY and HMIS are a plus.
• Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Position Requirements

• Access to reliable personal transportation required, including a DMV record that permits driver to be insured under SHELTER, Inc.’s automobile coverage.
• Must successfully pass a criminal background check
• Must provide TB test clearance

What We Offer

• 18 days of Paid Time Off
• 15 paid holidays, including your birthday!
• 100% paid medical insurance (Kaiser, Sutter Health, Anthem Blue Cross), dental, vision for employees, 50% for your dependents.
• 100% paid Group Term Life insurance, Accidental Death & Dismemberment, Long-term disability insurance
• Up to $3,000 Tuition Reimbursement a year
• 403b with SHELTER Inc., matching contribution
• Pet Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Discount Marketplace
• Internal growth opportunities

We value diversity

SHELTER, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer. We believe diverse perspectives drive innovation and lead to better outcomes for the communities we serve. We strongly encourage applications from individuals with varied backgrounds, identities, and lived experiences.

Notice: This description is a guide only. Upon hire, you will receive a formal job description.