Housing Navigator

Are you interested in work that makes a difference in the lives of others? At Way Finders, we light pathways and open doors to homes and communities where people thrive. The largest nonprofit housing provider in Western Massachusetts, Way Finders also specializes in housing counseling, financial and first-time homebuyer education, employment training, neighborhood revitalization, and a variety of other services throughout the region. The need for Way Finders’ programs and services is great and continues to grow each year. Whether a person is experiencing a housing crisis, in need of rental assistance, or ready to purchase a first home, our Housing Centers provide a welcoming, accessible space for counseling, assistance, training and placement, and ongoing support. During our last fiscal year, Way Finders services impacted 52,000 men, women, and children in the region. Stable housing is the platform upon which we work with our clients to help them to meet their own goals and to thrive. As families thrive, so do the communities in which they live.

Way Finders is a mission-oriented, nonprofit organization offering a fast-paced, professional work environment focused on achievement. We employ individuals with a strong commitment to excellence, a collaborative nature and the desire to make a difference. We are seeking housing navigator to provide homelessness prevention and housing stabilization services to MassHealth patients enrolled in an Accountable Care Organization. Conduct housing assessment and triage, housing search and stabilization supports including outreach and assessment, information and referral, and brief counseling to empower members to make sound decisions concerning their housing needs.

Responsibilities:

• Assess client needs and provide information, education, and referral on appropriate resources.
• Determine eligibility for financial assistance under currently available housing and rental assistance programs.
• Process applications for financial services run by HCEC.  Ensure files, notes, and documents are timely and accurately maintained.
• Conduct hosing assessment and housing search related activities to include supporting and assisting clients in filling out applications, scheduling and attending apartment showings and being informed on the Tenant Selection processes at various subsidized apartment communities.
• Conduct research on apartment eligibility, appeal and reasonable accommodation procedures in order to advocate for clients throughout the entire apartment search process.
• Educate consumers about tenant and landlord rights and responsibilities, rental assistance, homebuyer readiness information, and available community resources.
• Assist client in budgeting, effective problem solving, and options planning.
• Assist tenants in the assessment and resolution of potential eviction actions.  Educate tenant on eviction processes, the housing court system as required.
• Ensure timely and effective flow of communication between internal departments to ensure the delivery of quality services to the client.
• Provide information and outreach to, and interact effectively with the social service network, client advocates, community organizations, the landlord community, housing authorities, and/ or court officials.
• Research and remain current on new and modified housing assistance programs, services, and their related regulations to ensure the accurate provision of guidance and assistance to clients.  Assist with maintaining and updating agency housing database.

• Provide technical guidance, training and assistance to HCEC staff on ACO program guidelines, processes, and resource availability.
• Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with internal staff and departments, owners, landlords, community groups, funding sources, and other housing related departments or agencies to achieve goals.  Function as primary liaison for staff and external contacts in absence of manager.
• Represent agency in community meetings with medical and social Service and legislative groups; participate in community and agency meetings as a Way Finders representative.
• Proactively identify and inform the Manager of any issues that may adversely affect the department or organization.
• Ensure client records are updated, accurate and are maintained in a confidential manner; enter all information as required in data base and complete ongoing reports as required.
• Assist the manager by monitoring the Flexible funding resources.

Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree or the equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum 5 years’ experience within the rental, housing assistance or other public assistance program administration or social service environment. Case Management experience preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively manage changing priorities effectively.
• Ability to provide services from multiple office locations, as necessary.
• Current and valid driver’s license and reliable vehicle.
• The ability to perform position duties remotely, and from multiple regional office locations.

Starting wage is between $19.62-$23.55/hour depending on qualifications plus excellent benefits. Applications accepted until position is filled; interested candidates must submit resume and cover letter.

Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, political affiliation or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals.