Housing Specialist

Description

Help community members navigate housing. Build stability. Create pathways forward.

For over 130 years, Waypoint has been dedicated to inspiring people to move forward. We continuously evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of individuals, children, and families in our community through a variety of services and resources. Through this work, we remain devoted to improving lives and strengthening our community.

As a Housing Specialist at Waypoint, you’ll help individuals and families experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness find and maintain stable housing.

You’ll work alongside participants to identify barriers, set goals, explore housing options, navigate applications and resources, and develop the skills and connections needed for long-term housing stability. You’ll also build relationships with landlords, community providers, and other partners to help create solutions when challenges arise.

This is a relationship‑driven role for someone who enjoys problem‑solving, connecting people with resources, and helping others recognize their strengths and achieve their goals.

Location:

Waypoint Downtown – 318 5th Street SE, Cedar Rapids, IA 52401

Starting Pay: $21.63/hour (Non‑Exempt)

Schedule:

Full-Time, 40 Hours per Week (hours may vary to meet agency and client needs)

• You’ll help create real change. You’ll work directly with individuals and families to overcome barriers and take meaningful steps toward stable housing.
• You’ll see the impact of your work. From helping someone complete a housing application to celebrating the keys to a new home, you’ll be part of important moments in people’s lives.
• Every participant brings a different challenge. You’ll use creativity, resourcefulness, and problem‑solving to help find solutions that fit each person’s circumstances.
• You’ll build relationships that matter. You’ll develop connections with participants, landlords, community providers, and partner organizations to create a strong network of support.
• You’ll never stop learning. Housing programs, community resources, and participant needs are constantly evolving, giving you opportunities to grow your knowledge and skills.
• You’ll be part of something bigger. Your work helps Waypoint inspire people to move forward, strengthen families, and build stronger communities.

• Provide individualized housing support by assessing needs, identifying barriers, establishing goals, and helping participants secure and maintain stable housing.
• Help participants identify housing opportunities, navigate applications and documentation, and develop skills and connections needed to maintain housing stability.
• Provide advocacy, problem‑solving, skill‑building, and goal support through individual and group interactions.
• Connect participants with housing programs, rental assistance, community resources, and other services.

• Build positive, professional relationships with participants, landlords, community providers, and partner organizations.
• Advocate with landlords and housing providers to address barriers and support housing stability.
• Collaborate with Waypoint staff and community partners to coordinate services and develop solutions to participant needs.
• Respond to participant and community inquiries by providing information, referrals, and assistance.
• Participate in Tenant Academy, community groups, presentations, committees, and other program activities.

• Respond appropriately to crises and emerging participant needs using sound judgment, established procedures, and trauma‑informed…