The Community Housing Navigator serves as a bridge between unhoused participants and the housing market. This role is essential in expanding housing access by educating participants and stakeholders, cultivating relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies, while providing individualized support to clients navigating their path to stable, permanent housing. This includes compliance with YWCA all housing policies and procedures, goal setting, budgeting and referrals to education/training programs, referrals to any health (physical, mental, and social services) aspects the family or individual may need, case management, operational finances, intake, data entry/collection, documentation, reporting, and development of landlord & community relationships. This position reports directly to the Community Housing Director. Primary Accountabilities (may include, but not limited to):Accountability/Priority ObjectivesDevelop individualized housing services that encompasses a housing service plan for each individual and/or family.
Schedule referral appointments and complete the intake process with the individual and/or family in a timely manner. Assist individuals or families utilizing the housing first model which includes trauma-informed care practices that will assist individuals or families in securing housing. Offers clients referrals when issues arise and coordinates therapeutic services as needed. Work closely with Case Managers to ensure housing efforts align with broader service plans. Advocate on the client's behalf when necessary. Landlord Engagement & Relationship Building
Identify, engage, and build a network of housing providers-including landlords, property managers, and real estate contacts who are open to working with transitional housing participants. Coordinate and host quarterly landlord information sessions to offer updates, share program goals, and promote collaborative relationships. Educate housing providers on available risk mitigation incentives, including guaranteed rent, housing supports, and landlord support services. Must complete in-person housing inspections and home visits. Match participants with appropriate housing options based on family size, location preferences, service needs, and eligibility requirements. Assist clients with housing needs assessment, applications, housing tours, and lease signings, while providing coaching on renter responsibilities and communication. Identify a pool of landlords and permanent housing programs for all housing participants with YWCA Delaware. Delivery of administrative services that reinforce program goals and outcomes that are measurable, attainable, deliverable, and met in a timely manner.
Collaborate with public agencies and service providers (e.g., Wilmington Housing Authority, health and legal aid organizations) to coordinate housing and wraparound services. Formalize referral systems and information-sharing protocols that protect client confidentiality while streamlining service delivery. Stay current on rental assistance programs, housing subsidy opportunities, and fair housing practices, and help clients access and apply as needed. Responsible for collecting, inputting, and submitting complete and accurate client information to required parties on a timely basis. Provide required documentation based on external (grants) and internal programs' requirements. Assist with client referral records with CMIS and tracking methods, including all forms and existing client referrals Complete and submit monthly, quarterly, and annual reports to the Community Housing Director. Participation Care Team - In consultation with other staff (SARC Team, Economic Empowerment Team, NCC Hope Center Team, and HMLC Family Support Manager), participate in the development of client service plans, prepare, and maintain current records on assigned cases according to dual program policies and procedures, including intake, treatment plans, progress notes, and other appropriate documentation. Attend all required internal and external housing and DV/SA training/meetings, as well attend all community meetings deemed necessary by the Community Housing Director. Attend all monitoring reviews per funder. Submit all financial requests to the Community Housing Director for review and approval to submit to New Castle County Finance. Assist clients with creating a holistic approach that will offer safe, affordable, and sustainable housing.
Develop service plans that include financial, community healthcare, educational and employment goals that assist the client in sustaining permanent housing Assure that the client maintains at least monthly contact if receiving financial and or case management services Follow-up and exit the client according to the policies of the housing appropriate programs. Other Duties (including but also assigned): May require travel throughout New Castle, Kent, or Sussex Counties. Must be Certified in Community Healthcare within six months of hire. Benefits:
- We offer a comprehensive benefits package, including
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, plus others
- 17 PTO days (with carryover)
- 10 sick days (with carryover)
- 11-12 Holidays off per year
- Wellness Day off
- 35-hour work week
Requirements QUALIFICATIONS:Education: Bachelor's degree in social work, Human Services, Urban Planning, or related field (or equivalent training and/or experience). (Master's Preferred). Experience:
- Three to five years' experience in human services/social work.
- Case Management with families and individuals in transition.
- Operating housing data systems and retrieving reports.
- Working with vulnerable populations.
- Developing and maintaining community housing partners.
- Financials and budgets.
Skills:
- Bilingual (Spanish/English) preferred but not required.
- 2+ years of experience in housing navigation, landlord relations, or community development.
- Familiarity with fair housing laws, rental processes, and housing subsidy programs.
- Strong interpersonal, negotiation, and organizational skills.
- Commitment to equity, inclusion, and supporting vulnerable populations.
- Strong written and oral communication skills, record keeping, assessment, report writing, correspondence skills and organizational interpersonal.
- Knowledge of domestic, sexual, and family violence dynamics. Knowledge of mental health and substance abuse recovery and support.
- Must understand and know how to identify and access a wide variety of social services for adults and their families.
- Ability to maintain professional demeanor and relationships with program participants.
Physical Qualifications: Sitting, standing, talking, hearing, and able to lift 25 lbs. or more. Other: Must have access to reliable transportation. Salary Description $50,000
