Housing Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY

The Housing Navigator will collaborate closely with Director of Housing and Housing Program Managers to help facilitate the housing vouchers process, as well as housing search, through Mesquite Housing Authority, Tarrant County Housing Authority, Denton, and Dallas Housing Authority. Additional Housing Authorities could be added. The Housing Navigator is responsible for engaging youth referred by TRAC Coaches to the various housing authority programs to help the youth achieve housing stability. The Housing Navigator will ensure that all documents are present, forms are completed thoroughly, and housing is found in a timely manner. The position includes assisting youth from the housing referral through the lease up process and collaborating with system partners to facilitate and secure housing. This position requires knowledge of and experience in working with at-risk youth ages 18 to 24 years old. In addition, the Housing Navigator requires knowledge of housing assistance programs and knowledge of housing search and placement skills, including housing location, filling out housing applications, and the leasing process. The Housing Navigator will work primarily in the field in a variety of settings, has ability to travel, and should be comfortable working in diverse settings.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education: Bachelor’s degree with two (2) years’ experience in case management OR a master’s degree with one (1) years’ experience in case management

Experience: Experience with highly vulnerable populations, at-risk youth population preferred. Orientation to best practices in behavioral health services for vulnerable populations preferred.

Additional Requirements: Excellent communication and critical thinking skills. Positive attitude, flexibility in a highly dynamic environment and able to manage crisis situations under pressure. Ability to prioritize and manage multiple projects/tasks. Self-motivated with the ability to take initiative and be resourceful. Ability to work as a member of a team and work with community stakeholders as appropriate to achieve meaningful outreach and engagement of clients. Must be proficient in MS Word, Excel, and Outlook. Ability to work occasionally flexible hours as requested. Must have a valid driver’s license, insurance, and reliable transportation. Willing to transport program participants. Willing to collaborate with individuals who may or may not have criminal backgrounds.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

This section outlines the primary responsibilities of the Housing Navigator. These responsibilities are not exhaustive and may be supplemented as needed.

Client Engagement and Case Management

• Engage youth served by TRAC across Dallas County, Tarrant County, and surrounding areas, meeting them in community settings as appropriate.
• Respond to new client referrals in a timely manner, including completion of intake forms and assessments of needs and housing preferences.
• Maintain accurate, organized, and up‑to‑date client case files.
• Document all client encounters, assessments, and referrals in the designated data systems, ensuring timely and accurate entry into ETO and HMIS.
• Communicate regularly with clients, TRAC Coaches, service coordinators, service providers, and support personnel to ensure clients meet housing application requirements and sustain housing once secured.
• Provide ongoing support to clients regarding lease renewals, lease violations, and re‑certification processes.
• Remain available to address questions from clients, authorized family members, and relevant service providers.

· Organize and facilitate community workshops for clients as needed. (i.e. Ready to Rent)

• Participate in weekly or bi‑weekly caseload staffing meetings in both Dallas and Fort Worth.

Housing Search, Application Support, and Navigation

• Identify and present housing options that align with clients’ location, size, accessibility, and affordability needs.
• Assist clients in reviewing, understanding, and signing lease agreements.
• Support clients, families, and service providers in completing housing applications, gathering required documentation, and securing placement on waitlists, including the Housing Choice Voucher program.
• Assist clients in requesting reasonable accommodations based on disability or medical needs.
• Facilitate the full housing application process once a client becomes a potential applicant, including assisting with document submission and maintaining waitlist information.
• Help clients plan and budget for move‑in expenses, including applying for programs offering financial assistance for security deposits and initial rent.
• Support clients in obtaining financial or supportive resources by making referrals for credit counseling or legal assistance and assisting with letters of support or rental assistance applications.
• Assist youth in navigating housing voucher programs, including unit searches and leasing processes.

Housing Authority and Property Manager Coordination

• Coordinate with the appropriate housing authority and clients to schedule and complete housing inspections.
• Accompany clients to housing appointments as needed and serve as their primary advocate.
• Maintain effective communication with property managers, landlords, and affordable housing developers to ensure clients have access to current and accurate information about rental availability and waitlist opportunities.
• Develop and maintain a comprehensive housing directory, including properties suitable for special populations and clients experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
• Understand and uphold tenants’ rights and provide mediation support when issues arise between tenants and property managers.
• Continually evaluate local housing trends to ensure clients receive informed, up‑to‑date guidance.

Community Engagement and Professional Representation

• Represent TRAC professionally in meetings, community events, and interactions with external stakeholders.
• Support efforts to expand the network of landlords and property managers willing to house vulnerable youth and young adults.
• Connect youth to supportive housing resources when available.

Systems Training and Compliance

• Attend required trainings related to the Coordinated Access System, HMIS, and Housing Navigator responsibilities to ensure accurate and compliant service delivery.
• Ensure that all program data, statistical information, and documentation meet agency, grant, and regulatory requirements.

Additional Duties

• Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Manager and/or Director.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

This section describes the knowledge, skills, and abilities an employee in this position should currently possess. Please note: The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are not limited to this list.

· Knowledge of computers and software applications.

· Skill in organizing and prioritizing workloads to meet deadlines.

· Skill in telephone etiquette and paging procedures.

· Effective oral and written communication skills.

· Ability to engage and build rapport with at-risk youth populations, 18-24 yrs. old.

· Ability to communicate effectively with at-risk youth populations and housing authorities.

· Ability to use good judgment and to maintain confidentiality of information.

· Ability to work as a team player.

· Ability to maintain regular, consistent attendance.

· Ability to demonstrate tact, resourcefulness, patience, and dedication.

· Ability to accept direction and adhere to policies and procedures.

· Ability to work in a fast-paced environment.

· Ability to react calmly and effectively in emergency situations.

· Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.

· Desires to grow in knowledge of homeless services and resources.

· Driving is an essential function of this position.

PHYSICAL, MENTAL, AND SPECIAL DEMANDS

This section describes the physical, mental, and other special demands of this job. Modifications to the way this job may be performed will be reviewed periodically.

· Ability to work a 40-hour week.

· Ability to walk, sit and stand for extended periods, up to 8 hours.

· Ability to use both hands in fine and gross manipulation of small tools (copier, computer, telephone).

· Ability to push and pull up to 10 lbs. (File cabinet drawers, computer paper boxes).

· Ability to see well enough to read handwritten and typewritten material.

· Ability to hear and speak well enough to communicate via phone.

· Ability to lift and carry up to twenty-five pounds dead weight to move or transfer boxes or documents.

· Ability to retrieve files from bottom shelves/drawers and reach up for items located on top shelves.

· Ability to reach, turn and twist above and below the waist daily to retrieve files or supplies.

· Ability to stand and walk daily to retrieve forms/supplies for other departments.

· Ability to spend 70% of outside of the office setting.

· Ability to spend 30% working time in an environment of continuous moderate voices and office machine noise typical for business office atmosphere.

· Ability to manage a variety of repetitive tasks.

· Ability to work occasional weekends, if necessary to secure housing for youth.

MACHINES, TOOLS, EQUIPMENT, AND OTHER WORK AIDES

This section describes the machines, tools, equipment, and other work aids an employee in this position must be able to use.

· Telephone/Cell Phone

· Copy Machine

· Computer

· Calculator/10-Key

· Policies, procedures, plans, and program manuals

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• related: 2 years (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Dallas, TX 75204