What are the responsibilities and job description for the IL - Housing Navigator position at The Whole Person?
Housing Navigator
Reports to: Director of CIL Services
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Hours per Week: 40
General Description
The Housing Navigator serves as The Whole Person's primary resource for housing information, referral, education, and advocacy services. This position assists individuals with disabilities in identifying, obtaining, and maintaining affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities. The Housing Navigator provides individualized guidance, resource navigation, self-advocacy support, and systems advocacy to consumers experiencing housing-related barriers. The position maintains extensive knowledge of local, state, and federal housing programs and resources and works collaboratively with housing providers, community organizations, and public agencies to improve housing opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This position also supports Advocate on Duty (AOD) operations by responding to housing-related inquiries and connecting consumers to appropriate services and resources.
Essential Job Functions
- Provide housing information, referral, and resource navigation services to individuals with disabilities seeking affordable, accessible, and integrated housing opportunities.
- Maintain current knowledge of local, state, and federal housing programs, resources, and housing-related issues affecting individuals with disabilities.
- Provide individual and systems advocacy to reduce housing barriers, promote consumer self-determination, and increase access to affordable and accessible housing opportunities.
- Assist consumers with housing-related applications, documentation, reasonable accommodation requests, reasonable modification requests, and resource identification.
- Develop and maintain collaborative partnerships with housing providers, public agencies, landlords, property managers, and community organizations to expand housing opportunities and resources.
- Conduct outreach, education, and awareness activities related to disability housing issues, fair housing, and independent living services.
- Maintain accurate consumer records, service documentation, and required reports in agency databases in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
- Perform Advocate on Duty (AOD) responsibilities, including responding to inquiries, providing information and referrals, researching resources, and addressing priority concerns as appropriate.
- Maintain regular and predictable attendance and perform other duties as assigned.
Education and Experience
- Associate's degree in social work, human services, rehabilitation services, public administration, or a related field; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Minimum of two years of experience in housing services, information and referral, advocacy, community services, or a related field.
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
- Working knowledge of affordable housing programs, community resources, and disability-related issues.
- Strong interpersonal, customer service, and communication skills.
- Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.
- Ability to develop and maintain productive community partnerships.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications and database systems.
- Knowledge of disability rights, fair housing, ADA requirements, and independent living philosophy preferred.
Work Environment & Physical Demands
This position is primarily office-based but requires attendance at community meetings, outreach events, and partner meetings as needed. The employee may occasionally encounter individuals experiencing housing crises or other stressful situations.
Other Duties
This job description is not intended to be a comprehensive list of all duties, responsibilities, or activities. Duties may be modified at any time with or without notice.
The Whole Person is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff members reflecting the great diversity of our community. Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request. People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.
Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.
Employee: _________________________________________________________Date: _______________
Human Resources: _______________________________________________ Date: _______________
Salary : $18 - $26