Housing Navigator

At The Relatives On-Ramp Program in Charlotte, NC, we are dedicated to reshaping the futures of young adults who face homelessness or unstable living conditions. As a leading initiative in our community, our mission is to pave a clear path towards permanency, self-sufficiency, and stability for these young individuals. An instrumental role within our dedicated team is that of the Housing Navigator. The Housing Navigaot bridges the gap between our clients and the housing market; they act as a mentor, guide, and advocate. As a Housing Navigator, you will not only identify suitable accommodations but also empower our young adults with knowledge and resources to make informed housing decisions. Your responsibilities will include building lasting relationships with property owners and managers across Charlotte, advocating fervently for our clients, conducting informational workshops, and tailoring housing solutions to the unique needs and long-term goals of each young adult. Networking with local housing initiatives and staying updated with market developments will also be crucial. The Housing Navigator understands the challenges our clients face and can navigate the housing market's intricacies with determination.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Cultivate and sustain relationships with existing property managers/owners and onboard those keen on housing young adults transitioning from homelessness.
• Regularly update, manage, and communicate a comprehensive list of available housing opportunities to all relevant stakeholders.
• Collaborate with the Case Manager Supervisor, relevant Case Managers, and the client to assess housing challenges, preferences, and objectives.
• Streamline service delivery by notifying Case Managers of all housing opportunities and crafting individualized housing strategies in conjunction with clients and their dedicated Case Managers.
• Directly assist clients in aspects such as housing searches, application processes, landlord interactions, lease interpretations, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities. Provide transportation to housing-related engagements when necessary.
• Actively network with regional housing resources, ensuring consistent participation in community case review and service provider meetings.
• Design and prepare presentation materials targeting realtors, property managers, and owners.
• Address inquiries from potential property owners, detailing The Relatives housing support initiatives.
• Intervene in landlord disputes, troubleshoot housing-related challenges faced by tenants, and offer the necessary assistance to ensure housing continuity.
• Conduct mandatory housing inspections for potential units as required.
• Remain updated on the latest housing market data, trends, and accessible affordable housing resources.
• Understand and apply effective professional networking strategies.
• Serves as the point of entry for potential housing program participants and completes all Coordinated Entry and intake assessments and related documentation.
• Assess housing barriers of targeted populations experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs.
• Fulfill other responsibilities and projects as allocated.

QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree or relevant experience in a related human services field required. Two years' experience in the human service field, working with young adults are preferred.

REQUIRED COMPETENCIES
Competency is defined as the techniques, procedures, technology, skills, or equipment needed to do one's job. The following competencies are required of this position: age specific competency adolescents, Therapeutic Crisis Intervention, Life Saving/Safety to include First Aid and CPR; Working with Mental Health Population through utilization of TCI and NMT, Blood Borne Pathogens and Infection Control.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Valid NC or SC Driver's license.

LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read, analyze, and interpret professional journals, governmental regulations, or legal documentation. Ability to write reports and business correspondence to a prescribed format and style. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of children, top managers, clients and families, volunteers, and the general public.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS
Ability to work with mathematical concepts such as probability and statistical inference. Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, rations, and proportions to practical situations.

REASONING ABILITY
Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; talk or hear; and taste or smell. The employee frequently is required to climb or balance. The employee must frequently move up to 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.