Housing Navigator - Richmond

St. Joseph's Villa; Richmond (VA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 49,000; Full time

Job summary

St. Joseph's Villa in Richmond seeks a Housing Navigator to support the Flagler Housing and Homeless Services program. The role focuses on identifying safe, affordable housing and assisting the Rapid Rehousing team to place participants in suitable units.

The Housing Navigator will build relationships with landlords, educate clients on tenant rights, and operate under trauma-informed, harm-reduction principles within a collaborative team model.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred (relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree).
• Proficiency with MS Office Suite (Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and Internet research.
• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record.
• Understanding of rental leases, tenant rights/responsibilities, and Fair Housing laws.
• Experience utilizing a web-based Homeless Community Information System (HCIS).

Responsibilities

• Intake and Housing Search: Develop housing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness and collaborate with providers to maximize opportunities.
• Move In Assistance: Ensure units meet HQS and habitability standards and follow up on housing issues.
• Case Management: Provide follow up with clients and landlords to retain housing and coordinate services.
• Life Skills And Tenant Information: Educate clients on tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Documentation And Processing Of Financial Assistance: Complete documents and HMIS records per funder rules.
• Team Participation: Attend trainings, participate in meetings, and perform related duties.

Skills

Communication skills

Valid driver's license

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human service field

Tools

MS Office Suite

HCIS

Job description

St. Joseph's Villa is currently recruiting a Housing Navigator for Richmond to join the Flagler Housing and Homeless Service.

Under the direction and guidance of the Program Manager of Flagler Housing and Homeless Services, the Housing Navigator will assist the program in identifying safe, affordable housing units for Flagler program participants. This position provides support to the Rapid Rehousing team to quickly locate appropriate housing for program participants.

The Housing Navigator is expected to constantly nurture working relationships and new housing leads with property owners and managers. At the request of the Case Manager, the Housing Navigator will take the lead in seeking appropriate housing for their specific clients and work with the Case Manager to address any issues which might impede that process. This will require development of good working relationships with prospective landlords and the ability to negotiate with past landlords and creditors – all while working within a tight time frame. The Housing Navigator will also serve as an educator to both clients and staff about tenant/landlord laws and responsibilities.

All work is performed in a collaborative, team-based model with a systems approach. Work is performed safely, effectively, to the highest ethical standards, and in accordance with accrediting standards and St. Joseph’s Villa’s mission, values, and guiding principles. This position will be expected to utilize trauma-informed principles, as well as motivational interviewing techniques when appropriate. In addition, the incumbent will view their work from a harm-reduction perspective.

Work Schedule: Monday - Friday; 8:30am - 4:30pm

Salary Range: $47,000 - $49,000

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

Knowledge, Skills, And Abilities

• Knowledge of homelessness, affordable housing, domestic violence and substance abuse issues
• Knowledge and understanding of racial disparities and the impact of those experiencing homelessness
• Understanding and ability to work with those who identify as LGBTQIA+
• Ability to work with those who are experiencing a crisis
• Understanding of family dynamics
• Ability to work effectively in collaborative, shared leadership environment
• Ability to read and interpret contracts including leases
• Ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of community partners
• Knowledge of community resources available in various neighborhoods
• Ability to work effectively with change and appropriately handle high-pressure situations
• Ability to occasionally work some evenings and weekends if needed (with prior notification)

Responsibilities

Intake and Housing Search

• Develop a pool of housing resources for individuals experiencing homelessness to include private landlords, property managers, and subdivide housing providers. This should also include knowledge of those who will accept households with specific housing barriers
• Collaborate with other homeless service providers to maximize housing opportunities for all clients
• Support Case Managers with assisting clients to secure housing
• Assist households with obtaining and maintaining rental housing in the community

Move In Assistance

• Ensure all units meet HQS, basic habitability, and lead assessment standards. Follow up after client placement if housing issues arise

Case Management

• Provide follow up and intervention with clients and landlords to ensure that clients retain housing
• Promote good community relations and utilize community services and resources
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation and tracking including paper files and HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) according to all funders and regulatory entities

Life Skills And Tenant Information

• Provide assigned population with basic information regarding tenant rights and responsibilities

Documentation And Processing Of Financial Assistance (subsidies, Other)

• Complete required documentation, process all financial assistance requests, and maintain up-to-date records (both paper and in HMIS) in compliance with funders and SJV guidelines
• Process new move in payments in DocuPhase, including all related documentation (and W9) as required by funders and agency policy

Team Participation

• Team Participation, including team meetings, group activities, and community meetings that are essential for the operation of an effective service
• Attend scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, training required by St. Joseph's Villa and by regulatory and accrediting bodies
• Performs other duties as assigned or required

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human service field preferred (relevant experience may be considered in lieu of degree)
• Proficiency with MSOffice Suite (Windows, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and Internet research
• Valid VA driver’s license with excellent driving record
• Understanding of rental leases, tenant rights/responsibilities, and Fair Housing laws
• Experience utilizing a web-based Homeless Community Information System (HCIS)