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 Georges County MD reach over

6500 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 drivers 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 tenants 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

Help provides office coverage answer and record all phone calls and visitors;

Complete service documentation in client case records within 24-48 hours of the service;

maintain accurate complete and confidential case files written documentation reports to track

client progress and outcomes;

Participates in regular team consultation meetings staff meetings trainings conferences regular

supervision and community outreach events as required; taking special care to ensure that

required training are completed annually;

Availability in evenings and weekends as needed;

Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager Chief of Programs or their designee; and

Must have a commitment to ending youth homelessness racial equity inclusion and issues

central to Sasha Bruce Youthworks mission

Sasha Bruce Youthwork Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration without regard to race color religion gender gender identity or expression sexual orientation national origin genetics disability age or veteran status. We comply with fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.