Housing Navigator Intake & Assessment Lead

The Housing Navigator Intake and Assessment Lead is responsible for the development, implementation compliance, and reporting of the Youth Development Center (YDC). Includes the engaging and cultivating of community partners, to raise awareness of services provided. Develops, implements, monitors and reports program deliverables for the (YDC) ensuring a high quality of service. Network and coordinate meetings with community leaders and partners for violence prevention.

Develops and implements life skills training with Case Managers and the Support Services Clinical Manager. Always exercise sound judgment particularly regarding youth and facility safety. As part of the YDC Housing Navigation project, the position ensures YDC intakes meet eligibility for the Housing Navigation project, coordinates intake completion, engagement, and Coordinated Entry assessments as needed. Verifies eligibility and helps develop individualized housing plans with the Housing Navigator Clinical Case Manager.

Works with cross-team staff to support coordinated workflows, warm handoffs, and regular care coordination.

• Mission and Standards of Procedure:
• Ensure the highest quality delivery of services to youth in accordance with the Covenant House of Illinois Principles, Mission and Core Values.
• I nitiate and maintain positive, professional, and mentoring relationships with youth and staff.
• Understand and comply with all agency policies and procedures.
• Participate in Covenant House staff and team meetings, professional development training, and supervision meetings.
• Housing Navigation:
  Intake and Referral Management
• Receive Coordinated Entry referrals, open cases the same day, conduct outreach (phone, text, email, or in-person), and schedule/facilitate the initial engagement meeting while tracking response timelines.
• Verify eligibility, collect documentation, coordinate the Coordinated Entry assessment with the Housing Resource Specialist, and ensure all documentation meets Coordinated Entry and YHDP requirements.
• Conduct trauma-informed needs assessments to identify housing barriers such as income, documentation, credit, safety, and accessibility.
• Co-develop individualized care plans with youth outlining housing preferences (location, roommates, safety, accessibility, and budget) and prepare them for the housing search process in coordination with the housing navigation team.
• Facilitate transition meetings, linkages, and care coordination with navigation team and external partners.
• Trauma-Informed Care Implementation:
• Lead the integration of trauma-informed care principles into all aspects of the YDC’s operations, ensuring youth are treated with dignity, empathy, and respect.
• Ensure staff and volunteers are trained in trauma-informed practices, creating a safe and healing environment for youth.
• Monitor and evaluate the implementation of trauma-informed care, adjusting strategies as needed to improve service delivery and youth engagement.
• Serve as a positive role model for youth and staff, engaging respectfully with youth and creating an environment where they feel welcome.
• Implement trauma-informed restorative practices such as talking circles, restorative conversations, mutual aid, peace circles, and peer-led conferences.
• Lead and assist in managing crises and effectively complete follow-up documentation.
• Promote a safe and healing environment by utilizing the principles and practices of trauma-informed care, harm reduction and positive youth development in all aspects of work and youth engagement, including crisis prevention, intervention, and de‑escalation.
• Remain approachable, relatable, rapport‑building, and practice active listening with all individuals.
• Knowledge of crisis intervention and ability to address conflict between youth; able to respond quickly and safely while calmly de‑escalating crisis situations and emergencies.
• Youth Engagement:
• Actively engage with youth in a welcoming and supportive manner, building trust and rapport to encourage participation in center activities and services.
• Provide direct support to youth, offering crisis intervention, emotional…