Housing Navigation Specialist

Housing Navigation Specialist

About Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY)

Sasha Bruce Youthwork (SBY) is the leading provider of homeless youth services in the DC Region. Through the holistic integration of its Pillars of Opportunity, Sasha Bruce is able to provide safe homes, life skills, and workforce development to meet the unique needs of homeless youth. For more than 45 years, Sasha Bruce has implemented innovative interventions aimed at bringing an end to youth homelessness in the DC region. Today, its programs in DC and Prince George’s County, MD, reach over 6,500 runaway, homeless, abused, and neglected youth, and their families.

About PASSAGES and Philip Reid

This position will be shared with two programs:

• Philip Reid is a joint 90-day shelter and extended transitional housing program for up to 24 youth through the age of 24. The short-term shelter allows young people to stay up to 90 days before they are placed with a longer-term housing program through the CAHP system. For the ETH side, chronically homeless youth can stay up to six years, depending on their age and are supported with intensive case management services in order establish a level of stability and self-sufficiency.

• PASSAGES is an extended transitional housing program with shared apartment units in ward 8. The program is meant for chronically homeless youth up to the age of 24 who can stay up to six years depending on their age, and are supported with intensive case management services in order establish a level of stability and self-sufficiency.

Position Summary

Under the Program Managers(s), the Housing Navigation Specialist will be responsible for assisting clients in identifying and obtaining safe and affordable housing opportunities.

Qualifications

● Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, psychology, or a human services related field OR Three years of experience working with at risk youth, vulnerable populations - preferably homeless populations;

● Knowledge of housing subsidies, rules, regulations, and affordable housing industry; knowledge of the DC housing market specifically;

● Familiarity with social services and support agencies in the District as it relates to housing

● Strong communication and organizational skills required; and,

● Reporting to the Program Manager, this is a full-time, exempt level position. All candidates must possess a valid driver’s license and have reliable transportation; pass the required clearances; and provide any additional information regarding previous records, if necessary. Background history cannot show a history of financial mismanagement issues. This position may also require a credit check.

Duties and Responsibilities

● Develop a housing goal with clients which includes the barriers the client may have to housing

and the steps needed to address barriers, determines eligibility for different housing supports and

also plans for maintaining of housing after program completion;

● Develop and cultivate relationships with community agencies, landlords and real estate brokers who are willing to accept Sasha Bruce clients; research and compile information on available units and upcoming vacancies to distribute to ready to move clients

● Actively work with clients in their housing search; actively support clients in the application

process;

● Conducts initial home inspection before signing lease; supports clients in understanding their lease, legal responsibilities as well as their rights as a tenant;

● Supports client through the move in process including coordinating utilities, furniture,

arrangement payment, etc.;

● As part of discharge plan, refer clients to appropriate services and supports to ensure maintenance and permanent housing after move in and time lapses in either Sasha Bruce program;

● Create and facilitate appropriate life skills workshops on housing to include topics such as budgeting, credit, how to prioritize your housing needs, rental application, leases, how to maintain an apartment, prepping to move, tenant’s rights and responsibilities, being a good neighbor, being a good roommate, navigating utilities and other related topics;

● Support or provide crisis intervention and on-site counseling when appropriate

● Help provides office coverage, answer and record all phone calls and visitors;

● Complete service documentation in client case records within 24-48 hours of the service; maintain accurate, complete, and confidential case files, written documentation, reports to track client progress and outcomes;

● Participates in regular team consultation meetings, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, regular supervision and community outreach events as required; taking special care to ensure that required training are completed annually;

● Availability in evenings and weekends as needed;

● Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager Chief of Programs or their designee; and,

● Must have a commitment to ending youth homelessness, racial equity, inclusion, and issues central to Sasha Bruce Youthwork’s mission

Sasha Bruce Youthwork, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. We comply with fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.