Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator

Classification: Full Time Exempt

Reports to:Manager, Prevention and Diversion

Program: Homeless Prevention

Department: Prevention and Diversion

Division: Adult and Family Services

JOB DESCRIPTION

About HopePHL™

HopePHL is the result of the joining of People’s Emergency Center (PEC) and Youth Service, Inc. (YSI) in January 2023. Together, we achieved a greater impact in Philadelphia. HopePHL inspires Philadelphia's children, youth, families, and communities to thrive by providing housing, advocacy, and trauma-responsive social services designed to promote equity, resilience, autonomy, and well-being. We are looking for vibrant and compassionate people to join our team! Learn more at www.hopephl.org.

Summary:

The Housing Navigator serves as a primary point of contact for the Prevention and Diversion team, managing referrals, conducting initial screenings, and supporting timely engagement with individuals and families at risk of eviction or housing loss. This role works closely with the Housing Stabilization Specialist to support the intake process, assess immediate housing needs, and help connect participants to appropriate diversion and prevention resources.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

· Serve as the primary point of contact for the Prevention and Diversion Program, responding to referrals and inquiries in a timely and professional manner.

· Receive, review, and process referrals for individuals and families experiencing housing instability or at risk of eviction.

· Conduct initial screenings and gather relevant information to assess eligibility, housing barriers, and immediate needs.

· Support the Housing Stabilization Specialist with participant outreach, engagement, and follow-up activities.

· Coordinate and schedule intake appointments for participants with the Housing Stabilization Specialist.

· Provide participants with information regarding available prevention, diversion, and housing stabilization resources and services.

· Assist individuals and families in navigating community resources, including emergency assistance, rental support, shelter diversion, and other supportive services.

• Connect participants to community resources such as legal aid, food programs, domestic violence support, employment services, and public benefits.
• Assist participants with completing applications, forms, and housing-related paperwork.

· Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant records, referral logs, and case documentation in accordance with program and agency requirements.

· Collaborate closely with the Housing Stabilization Specialist and other team members to ensure timely participant engagement and service delivery.

· Monitor referral outcomes and communicate updates to internal staff and community partners.

· Ensure confidentiality of participant information and maintain compliance with agency policies and applicable regulations.

· Participate in team meetings, case conferencing, trainings, and program development activities as assigned.

· Support outreach and engagement efforts to strengthen partnerships with community organizations and service providers.

· Perform additional duties as assigned to support the goals and objectives of the Prevention and Diversion Program.

Team Collaboration and Professional Expectations

• Participate in supervision meetings, case conferencing, and team meetings as required.
• Maintain regular communication with the Housing Stabilization Specialist and supervisor regarding participant needs and case updates.
• Share weekly schedules and task updates with supervisors.
• Attend required trainings and professional development opportunities.
• Perform other related duties as assigned in support of the mission and goals of HopePHL.

Qualifications

• Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Social Work, Psychology, or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.
• Experience working in homelessness prevention, housing services, case management support, or community-based programs preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, landlords, and community partners.
• Knowledge of community resources and housing systems preferred.
• Ability to work with diverse populations using trauma-informed and participant-centered approaches.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and data entry systems such as HMIS preferred.

Work Environment

This position may require office-based work, community-based meetings, home visits, and travel throughout the service area to support participants and housing-related activities. Flexible scheduling may be required based on program needs.

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Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Engagement and Intake

· Schedule and complete initial interviews within 5 business days of referral.

· Upon review of program eligibility, conduct solution focused, trauma-informed intake assessments to understand participants’ housing situations and potential risk factors (e.g., income, benefits, employment, criminal history, health).

· Complete a financial screening to determine eligibility and level of financial assistance needed.

Service Delivery

· Provide short-term housing-focused case support and financial assistance to prevent eviction or loss of housing.

· Assist participants with landlord engagement, conflict resolution, and retention strategies.

· Support housing search efforts for households needing to relocate, in collaboration with the Housing Counselor.

· Connect participants to community resources such as legal aid, food programs, domestic violence support, employment services, and public benefits.

· Collaborate closely with landlords, partner agencies, and internal programs to promote housing stability.

Landlord and Partner Coordination

· Maintain proactive, ongoing communication with landlords and property managers to resolve housing issues, negotiate payment arrangements, and coordinate support.

· Collaborate with internal staff and external partners to connect clients with wraparound services (e.g., legal assistance, employment support, child care, and behavioral health services).

· Conduct regular follow-ups with clients and landlords to ensure the timely submission of all necessary paperwork.

· Retrieve and organize required documentation from clients, landlords, and third parties to support service delivery and eligibility verification.

Documentation and Compliance

· Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation of all participant interactions in internal and external systems (e.g., CARES, HMIS).

· Ensure that all required documentation is collected and case files remain audit-ready.

· Meet all program and funder reporting requirements, including timely data entry and monthly deliverables.

· Organize and track all paperwork, proactively following up with clients and landlords to ensure timely collection of necessary documents.

· Uphold confidentiality and data security in compliance with agency, funder, and legal requirements.

Professional Expectations

· Attend supervision bi-weekly and arrive prepared with updated case documentation.

· Share weekly schedule with supervisor and maintain regular communication.

· Attend all required team and agency meetings and adhere to agency attendance policies.

· Perform other related duties as assigned to advance the mission and goals of HopePHL.

Core Competencies

· Relationship Building

· Problem Solving

· Trauma-Informed Practice

· Organizational Skills

· Resource Navigation

· Communication

· Crisis Response

· Documentation

Required Education and Experience

· Bachelor's degree in social services or a related field

· 2 years of experience in housing assistance, human services, advocacy, or related direct service roles.

· Strong understanding of trauma-informed practices and housing-first principles.

· Familiarity with rental housing systems, landlord engagement, and eviction prevention preferred.

· Proficient with Microsoft Office, case management systems, and electronic documentation.

Work Environment:

This position is a hybrid (three days in the office, two remote), with flexible schedule options. Occasional travel to the offices of foundation officials or off-site locations will be required. The candidate for this position will routinely use computers, photocopiers, filing cabinets and other standard office equipment

Physical Demands:

The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.

Other Duties:

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

HopePHL is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and veteran or disability status.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Philadelphia, PA 19104