Housing Navigator

About Norma Herr Womens Center

Norma Herr Womens Center serves over 250 women every day offering safety dignity and a pathway forward for women experiencing homelessness and crisis. Many of the women we serve are living with mental illness substance use disorders trauma or are survivors of violence and exploitation.

The Housing Navigator plays a critical role in the success of this work-helping women move from crisis to stability through ethical timely and client-centered housing placement.

The Role

The Housing Navigator works directly with guests to remove barriers to housing and guide them through realistic attainable housing plans. This role requires strong judgment integrity consistency and follow-through as decisions made directly impact safety housing outcomes and trust.

This position is ideal for someone who understands housing systems respects client autonomy and can balance urgency with ethical practice.

What Youll Do

• Develop individualized housing plans that are realistic measurable and aligned with each womans needs and readiness
• Navigate housing requirements documentation and eligibility across multiple systems and providers
• Advocate for guests while maintaining ethical standards boundaries and program expectations
• Coordinate with internal teams community partners landlords and housing providers
• Support women with mental health challenges substance use disorders and trauma histories using a trauma-informed approach
• Assist guests with obtaining identification income verification and other required documents
• Monitor progress weekly and document case notes and outcomes accurately and on time
• Provide short-term crisis intervention and de-escalation when needed
• Transport guests in agency vehicles or personal vehicle (as required) to appointments housing viewings and services
• Participate in outreach community meetings and collaborative housing efforts

Reliability & Travel Expectations (Required)

This role requires consistent attendance dependability and flexibility. Housing timelines move quickly and guests rely on follow-through.

• Approximately 30% travel within the community is required
• Valid Ohio drivers license auto insurance and a reliable vehicle are required
• Occasional evenings or Saturdays may be necessary to meet guest or program needs
• Ability to work across multiple sites when needed

What Were Looking For

• At least 2 years of experience working with homeless populations including individuals experiencing mental illness substance use or complex trauma
• Working knowledge of housing systems eligibility requirements and community resources
• Strong documentation communication and organizational skills
• Ability to remain calm ethical and focused in high-stress situations
• Commitment to trauma-informed client-centered and ethical practice
• Comfort holding boundaries while offering compassion and respect

Preferred Qualifications

• Masters degree in Social Work or related field
• State licensure (LSW LISW LPC LPCC)
• Experience with chronically homeless populations
• Familiarity with local housing programs and systems

Why This Role Matters

Housing Navigators are central to the YWCAs ability to manage Norma Herr Womens Center safely and effectively. Success in this role means women are housed faster more safely and with dignity while systems are navigated ethically and responsibly.

If you are dependable mission-driven and ready to do meaningful work that requires both heart and accountability we encourage you to apply.

The YWCA is proud to be an Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace. All qualified candidates will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against based on race color religion sex sexual orientation gender identity national origin protected veteran status disability age pregnancy genetic information creed marital status or any other consideration prohibited by law or by contract.