Trauma-Informed Housing Navigator & Advocate

YWCA Greater Cleveland; Cleveland (OH); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Job summary

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.

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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.

Skills

Homeless population experience

Housing systems knowledge

Documentation

Communication

Trauma-informed practice

Boundaries with compassion

Education

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or related field

State licensure (LSW, LISW, LPC, LPCC)

Job description

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.