Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator

Reports to:                              Director of Policy & Programming, Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board

Employment Classification:    Full time, salary

 

SUMMARY

The Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB) is seeking a Housing Navigator to work collaboratively within Lucas County’s homelessness crisis response system to a) identify housing opportunities for households experiencing homelessness, both families and singles; and b) coordinate with landlords and property managers to provide housing opportunities and promote housing stability for families & individuals with housing needs. This position is required to actively seek out, obtain and maintain relationships with private and non-profit landlords and property managers. The Housing Navigator provides training to staff, clients, and landlords on housing opportunities and tenant/landlord roles and responsibilities.

Specifically, this position will collaborate with rental property owners to build and secure a pipeline of rentals to house eligible families for the TPS Families Housing Stabilization Program. The City of Toledo in partnership with Toledo Public Schools (TPS), the Toledo Lucas County Homelessness Board (TLCHB), and Lutheran Social Services of Northwest Ohio (LSS) will provide housing stabilization assistance to families of TPS students.  According to the TPS Office of Intervention Services there are currently 1098 homeless children attending TPS schools.  These homeless children are members of 703 families.

This is a one-year grant funded position that may be renewed depending on funding source.

 

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES

  • Display a cooperative, friendly, and helpful attitude with clients, program staff, landlords and co-workers.
  • Work closely with Director of Policy and Programming to implement a landlord recruitment and retention plan. Make connections and cultivate relationships with local landlords.
  • Educate and negotiate with landlords to “sell” the “housing opportunity” and encourage landlords to accept tenants they may normally screen out.
  • Advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
  • Act as a liaison between housing partners and landlords when assisting clients with navigating housing options and supporting housing stability.
  • Work with Shelter Case Managers and Street Outreach staff to assist clients to explore alternative housing options and overcome barriers to housing.
  • Provide housing-orientated workshops and training for clients, case managers, and landlords.
  • Maintain awareness of changes in the housing market and community processes that can impact services; bring forward prospective recommendations to deal with expected changes.

Program-specific duties

  • Support clients by identifying available landlords and housing units and assist with lease signing and move in support.
  • Proactive outreach to realtors, landlords, housing developers and other housing providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities.
    • Meet with new landlords/owners/managers each month.
    • Follow up with landlords who previously said “no” at least quarterly to check-in.
  • Maintain a Housing Directory of private and non-profit landlords, including agency contact information.
  • Develop a real-time “Housing Bank” of rental apartments/housing units within the community.
  • Track number of newly engaged/identified landlords and placements with landlords.
  • Host quarterly events (“Lunch & Learn”/ “Coffee with a Super”) on relevant topics i.e. Fair Housing, Housing First, Communicating with Landlords/Property Management, etc.
  • Research housing topics, organize, collect and distribute housing information for organizational staff and program participants.
  • Develop knowledge of community resources, utilize advocacy skills and foster self-advocacy so individuals or families expand their use of resources in the community as relates to housing services.
  • Act as a resource for landlords experiencing conflict to find compromise/solutions to experienced problems, including connection to mediation services for more serious conflict to help avoid eviction.

Program Training

  • Participation in “Housing First” training.
  • Participation in Fair Housing training.
  • Participation in Mental Health First Aid and Trauma Informed Care training (if available).

 

SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS

  • Possession of associate or bachelor’s degree strongly preferred.
  • 3+ years relevant professional work experience, including experience and confidence in engaging with clientele, social service delivery, case management, non-profit work.
  • Demonstrated success engaging diverse audiences through outreach, messaging, marketing, and fundraising.
  • Highly proficient in Microsoft Office applications.
  • Working knowledge of grants, grant reporting and outcome tracking.
  • Ability to analyze and systematically compile technical and statistical information and to prepare reports, correspondence and presentations; comprehend and make inferences from written materials; interpret federal, state, and local government laws and regulations regarding grant contracts and administration; review the work products of others to ensure conformance to standards and guide decision making.
  • Experience working with a wide-variety of individuals.
  • Highly professional demeanor and ability to community effectively and sensitively with funders, community leaders, staff, partners and the public on behalf of TLCHB.

 

SUBMISSION INFORMATION AND DEADLINE

  • All prospective candidates should submit a resume and cover letter via email to [email protected]
  • Must be willing to provide references upon request