Housing Navigator

Job Description

IMPORTANT NOTICE: Arlington County requires all applicants to thoroughly complete each section of the application, including prior job responsibilities, duties, and supplemental questions. While you may attach a resume, it will not replace a completed application. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

Arlington County's Department of Human Services is seeking a Housing Navigator to support individuals and families in accessing and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable housing. This position is part of the Housing Assistance Bureau (HAB), which integrates housing services and programs to improve housing outcomes for DHS clients and low-to-moderate income residents. The Navigator provides direct assistance to residents, facilitates access to housing resources, and collaborates with internal and external partners to ensure equitable housing opportunities. The Housing Navigator monitors the fiscal integrity of the program budget, collaborating with County and DHS management and staff, commissions, and other stakeholders on program delivery.

Arlington County DHS is committed to delivering client services in an effective, equitable, respectful, and trauma-informed manner. Our staff is dedicated to ensuring our clients are approached, engaged and cared for in ways that demonstrate competency, sensitivity and awareness of factors which impact the client experience including but not limited to: cultural identity, gender, racial, and ethnic diversity, religious/spiritual ascription, physical capability, cognitive and literacy levels, sexual orientation, and linguistic needs.

Responsibilities

Specific duties include:

• Supporting residents with applying for and renewing Housing Assistance subsidies;
• Monitoring program budget utilization and performance;
• Building trusting relationships with County stakeholders using a person-centered approach to services and resources;
• Serving as lead coordinator with other social services programs, Arlington County Public Schools, and community organizations;
• Facilitating community outreach and engagement activities; and
• Preparing reports, correspondence, and performing administrative tasks.
  
  

The ideal candidate will possess proven conflict resolution skills, interpersonal skills, including communicating clearly and empathetically with clients from diverse backgrounds, many of whom may be experiencing complex challenges. Developing positive, trusting relationships, with program consumers, landlords, and other stakeholders. The role requires the Housing Navigator to utilize sound judgement to make decision and be responsive to consumer questions and needs. Successful candidates will have experience working well under pressure to complete necessary tasks within specified timelines. The ability to work under pivoting conditions and outside core business hours is also essential for this role.

Minimum

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Sociology, Psychology, Special Education, Mental Health, or Counseling.
• Some experience working with human service delivery systems to provide supportive housing needs for low-income populations with cognitive, mental, developmental disabilities and/or individuals with substance use disorders.
  
  

Substitution: Additional directly related experience can substitute for the education requirement. A Master's degree in a directly related area may substitute for up to one year of experience.

Desirable: Preference may be given to applicants with one or more of the following:

• Masters degree in a related field;
• Strong understanding of housing programs (e.g., Housing Choice Voucher, Permanent Supportive Housing, and transitional housing);
• Experience with Yardi or similar housing management software;
• Bilingual proficiency (Spanish or other languages commonly spoken in the community); and/or
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, Teams, and case management systems.
  
  

Special Requirements

The applicant must possess, or obtain by the time of appointment, a valid motor vehicle operator's license from the applicant's place of residence or the applicant must have the ability or willingness to use alternative methods of transportation to perform assigned duties and responsibilities at locations other than the primary worksite. If the applicant possesses or acquires a license, the applicant must authorize Arlington County to obtain, or the applicant must provide, a copy of the applicant's official state/district driving record. Any offer of employment may be contingent upon a favorable review of the applicant's driving record.

Completion of a State of Virginia Central Registry Check.

A pre-hire background check will be made on all candidates who are selected for employment. It may include checks of the following: criminal record, driving record, education, professional licensure, and credit history. You may be required to sign a release authorizing the County to obtain your background information.

Additional Information

Work hours: Monday-Friday between the hours of 8:00 a.m.- 5:00 p.m. some flexibility and telework is available upon approval.

The official job title is Human Services Specialist.

Your responses to the supplemental questionnaire are considered part of the selection process and are required for this position. Please do not give "see resume" as a response to the questions. Incomplete applications will not be considered.