Navigation Specialist

Position: Housing Navigation Specialist
Housing Navigation Specialist

Full Time

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

• Bachelors Degree in a 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

•…