Housing Assistance Navigator [Rental Assistance, Housing Stability, Vulnerable Populations, Case Management, Trauma-Informed]

Description Position Summary Help individuals and families experiencing housing instability access the support they need to move toward greater stability. Catholic Charities is seeking a Housing Assistance Navigator to connect individuals and families with rental assistance and housing-related support. This role works directly with clients to assess eligibility, gather documentation, navigate resources, and provide follow-up and light case management. The Navigator also supports families experiencing homelessness through our motel voucher program, connecting families with temporary shelter and longer-term supportive services. This role is a great fit for someone who is compassionate, organized, detail-oriented, and comfortable balancing direct client service with program requirements. If you’re drawn to practical, hands-on work that helps people navigate immediate housing challenges and move toward greater stability, we encourage you to apply. Requirements Minimum requirements to be eligible for the role. Education & Experience A minimum of an Associates degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology or related field, and 1 year experience with rental assistance programs such as HRP or HPAP. 1-2 years experience working with low-income, or vulnerable populations Knowledge & Skills Strong verbal and written communication skills, with an emphasis on listening, problem solving, and maintaining positive working relationships. Strong interpersonal and human relations skills with the ability to form and maintain positive relationships with diverse families and colleagues. Ability to apply culturally appropriate skills in interactions with clients, co-workers, volunteers, partner agencies, and the community. Ability to complete required on-the-job training in English within established time limits, including passing training assessments and earning necessary certifications (with accommodations, if applicable). Basic math and analytical skills to perform calculations (e.g., budgeting, income vs. expenses, monthly vs annually) and interpret results to support case management. Ability to follow directions and interpret policies and procedures to ensure compliance. Exceptional attention to detail, particularly in data entry, documentation, and record-keeping. Computer proficiency, including word processing and detailed data entry. Ability to learn and utilize various databases with strong attention to detail. Knowledge of Human Services agencies in the area. Other Requirements Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. Must be able to regularly climb stairs, as the job requires. Ability and willingness to work within the established structure and guidelines of Catholic Charities. High level of self-motivation, enthusiasm, and team-oriented work ethic, with the ability to prioritize projects and manage multiple responsibilities effectively. Ability to work on occasional evenings and weekends to accommodate family schedules, meetings, and special events. Must successfully complete background clearance. Requirements Essential Duties Key tasks and responsibilities to be performed in the role. Client Intake & Assessment Manage the Catholic Charities rental assistance email inbox in order to collect information about clients seeking rental assistance. Manages the Catholic Charities phone line to collect referrals for families needing motel vouchers. Provide light case management to clients seeking rental assistance in order to assess eligibility and collect required documentation. Provide light case management to families to assist in utilization of motel vouchers, including brainstorming/coordinating transportation via rideshare apps, putting families into HMIS, following up with information on VI-SPDATs, and connecting families to long-term case management. Provide, collect, and submit necessary rent-related documentation (income verification, lease agreements, background checks, rental paperwork for rental assistance and) in accordance with grant guidelines and program procedures. Navigation & Follow-Up Document "next steps" and assign responsibility for each task. Provide ongoing follow-up with clients. Data, Documentation & Reporting Consistently and accurately enter data into designated database systems within five (5) days of service. Maintain complete client files including hardcopy and internal tracking logs. Collect demographic information to produce reliable program reports. Coordinate with the finance department to process approved requests, submitting accurate financial documentation and maintaining accurate financial records. Actively communicate with and seek support from supervisor including information on number of referrals received, assessments and interviews completed, and allocation of funds. Maintain up-to-date Release of Information (ROI) documentation annually in compliance with privacy standards. Client Engagement & Community Partnerships Provide friendly, welcoming, and professional customer service to families, individuals, community members, and collaborating organizations. Cultivate and maintain working relationships with landlords and leasing offices in order to provide funds. Participate in ongoing training. Competencies Skills, behaviors, and abilities necessary to succeed in the role, but not required for eligibility. Success in this role is built on a culture of continuous learning and early, ongoing feedback. A strong foundation in key competencies is important, along with the willingness to grow through experience. Training is provided during work hours — many of them are self-paced — and require motivation, time management, and the ability to reflect on and apply new knowledge and skills to support positive outcomes for clients. Ability to engage, foster, and maintain effective working relationships with a broad variety of families and individuals. Ability to demonstrate empathy and compassion, using calm, quiet, and natural tones. Proficiency in problem solving, planning, mediation, and conflict resolution. Knowledge and understanding of social issues such as poverty, gender bias, substance abuse, child maltreatment prevention, and cultural diversity. Knowledge of community resources and systems. Understanding of and commitment to upholding The Code of Ethics for Client-Facing Positions demonstrating ethical decision-making, integrity, and professionalism. Work Environment A majority of the assigned duties are performed in an office environment. The employee is subject to both inside and outside environmental conditions. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of this position. This description is not intended, and should not be construed, to be an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, skills, efforts, or working conditions associated with this job. It is intended to be an accurate reflection of the principal job elements essential for making compensation decisions. Compensation The hiring range for this position is $23.60 – $24.17 per hour, or approximately $49,088 – $50,274 annually, based on a 40-hour workweek. Starting pay is determined based on: Relevant experience, education, training, and specialized expertise applicable to the position. Depth of experience working with clients experiencing housing instability, crisis, or other complex needs. The organization's budget at the time of hire. Position Classification Nonexempt Full Time: 40 hours per week Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM. May include up to 1–2 evenings per week and one weekend day per month to support operations, family engagement activities, and program events. This is a grant funded position through 9/30/2027, with potential to renew for up to four years. Benefits Offered Paid Leave 17 holidays (approximate) annually 15 days of Discretionary Time Off (DTO) during your first year, increasing with seniority Spiritual Enrichment (2 hours monthly) Your Birthday! (Take a paid day off during your birthday month) Health & Wellness Benefits Medical Insurance Dental Insurance Vision Insurance $2,000 Dependent Life Insurance for spouse and each eligible child Employee Assistance Program Income Protection Short-term Disability Insurance after 30 days of employment Long-term Disability Insurance after 6 months of employment FAMLI / FMLA Workers’ Compensation Insurance Life Insurance $50,000 Term Life/AD&D Insurance Retirement Benefits Pension Plan (6% of wages plus interest) with 20% vesting after each year of service 403(b) Tax Deferred Annuities Other: Public Service Loan Forgiveness qualified organization Equal Employment Opportunity Catholic Charities is dedicated to the principles of equal employment opportunity. We prohibit unlawful discrimination against applicants or employees on the basis of age 40 and over, race (including traits historically associated with race, such as hair texture and length, protective hairstyles), color, national origin or ancestry, gender expression, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, religion, creed, national origin, pregnancy, childbirth or any related conditions, disability, marital status, military status, genetic information, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law. This prohibition includes unlawful harassment based on any of these protected classes. Unlawful harassment includes verbal or physical conduct which has the purpose or effect of substantially interfering with an individual’s work performance or creating an intimidating, hostile, or offensive work environment. Applicants and employees need not be Catholic. However, all employees are governed by Canon Law or the teachings of the Catholic Church. This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your I-9 Form information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S.