Housing Navigator & Tenant Advocate

Housing Forward; Oak Park (IL); On-site; USD 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

Housing Forward in Oak Park, IL, seeks a Housing Coordinator to assist participants in moving into affordable rental housing and to manage the move-in process, leases, and ongoing tenancy support. The role emphasizes relationships with landlords, rent calculations, and occupant education to sustain housing stability.

The coordinator will maintain lease schedules, coordinate furnishings, and work with housing partners to prevent evictions and expand the landlord portfolio, with regular

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree preferred in social work, counseling, or related field, or at least two years of supportive housing-related services.

Responsibilities

• Establish positive relationships with participants to assess housing needs.
• Conduct housing history/background assessments including credit checks when required by landlords.
• Prepare participants to search for apartments, apply, and negotiate with landlords; accompany or transport to viewings as needed.
• Provide participants with listings aligned to housing needs and geographic preferences.
• Assess housing affordability using income, HUD guidelines, and income potential.
• Explain and review lease and sublease agreements with participants.
• Coordinate furniture and House to Home kits for participants.
• Educate participants about tenant responsibilities and advocate with landlords when needed.
• Guide leasing between participant and landlord as an advocate.
• Calculate rents before lease execution for all clients.
• Collect monthly occupancy fees (30% of gross income).
• Follow up with participants and landlords after placement; mediate issues with case management.

Skills

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

Driving required

Teamwork

Tenant advocacy

Organizational skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

Housing Forward in Oak Park, IL, seeks a Housing Coordinator to assist participants in moving into affordable rental housing and to manage the move-in process, leases, and ongoing tenancy support. The role emphasizes relationships with landlords, rent calculations, and occupant education to sustain housing stability.

The coordinator will maintain lease schedules, coordinate furnishings, and work with housing partners to prevent evictions and expand the landlord portfolio, with regular