<p>Description</p> <p>The Housing Navigator will provide crucial support to individuals experiencing homelessness or imminent homelessness in identifying, securing, and maintaining housing. This part-time position is primarily responsible for building and nurturing relationships with landlords, facilitating lease agreements, providing essential eviction prevention education, and performing other related tasks to ensure successful housing placements and long-term stability for clients. The Housing Navigator will work closely with Rapid Shelter Columbia case managers and Homeless Services staff to understand client's residential needs and barriers. The Housing Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established. This is a one-year, grant-funded position, with the possibility of extension based on continued funding and performance.</p> <p>Work involves travel, sitting, standing, and moving throughout Richland County. Some light lifting (up to 20 lbs.) may be required for program materials. The position also involves frequent computer work and interaction with clients and staff.</p> <p>Work is conducted in a shelter and office environment with frequent interaction with residents, staff, and external partners. Must be comfortable in a dynamic, evolving program setting with varying levels of participant engagement.</p> <p>Essential Job Functions</p> <ul> <li>Identify and cultivate relationships with landlords and property management companies willing to partner with Rapid Shelter Columbia Foundation to house clients; </li><li>Act as a liaison between landlords and clients, addressing concerns and fostering positive relationships; </li><li>Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming tenant; </li><li>Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events; </li><li>Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords concerns and complaints, acting as a liaison to connect landlords, tenants and the housing case managers; </li><li>Create and/or maintain a database of landlords and properties and the relevant selection criteria they utilize. Communicate updates to relevant staff and community partners; </li><li>Develop a deep understanding of the eviction process, tenant rights, and legal resources available to prevent evictions; </li><li>Attends collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions; </li><li>Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings; </li><li>Facilitate the lease signing process between clients and landlords; </li><li>Review lease agreements to ensure they are fair and compliant with relevant housing laws; </li><li>Educate clients on strategies for avoiding lease violations and potential eviction; </li><li>Provide comprehensive education to clients on tenant rights and responsibilities; </li><li>Stay informed about community resources related to housing, utilities, and tenant support; and </li><li>All other duties as assigned. </li></ul> <p>Qualifications</p> <p>MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM WORK:</p> <ul> <li>Currently enrolled in or recently completed a degree program in Human Services, Social Work, Public Administration, or a related field; </li><li>Strong written and verbal communication skills; </li><li>Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced environment; </li><li>Prior experience in a shelter, nonprofit, or social services setting preferred; </li><li>Interest or experience in permanent supportive housing programs is a plus; </li><li>Valid Driver's License. </li></ul> <p>Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities</p> <ul> <li>Knowledge of basic functions and goals of a homeless shelter, including the challenges faced by individuals experiencing homelessness and the services typically provided; </li><li>Ability to Handle Sensitive Situations and interacting respectfully with residents, maintaining confidentiality; </li><li>Ability to clearly and effectively communicate with residents, staff, and community partners both verbally and in writing; </li><li>Ability to prioritize tasks, manage time efficiently, and ensure timely completion of responsibilities in a fast-paced environment; </li><li>Knowledge of safe driving practices and vehicle maintenance requirements; </li><li>Valid Driver's License; </li><li>Ability to use standard office software (e.g., Microsoft Office) for administrative tasks, including data entry, email communication, and maintaining records; </li><li>Ability to adjust to changing priorities and take on new tasks as the needs evolve. </li></ul> <p>The City of Columbia is proud to offer a complete benefits package to full-time employees. This package includes health care, dental, vision, retirement, deferred compensation plans, flexible spending accounts, life insurance, long-term disability, holidays, vacation, and sick leave.</p> <p>Part-time or temporary employees, including interns, are not eligible for City benefits.</p> <p>To learn more details, visit our benefits page at:</p> <p>https://hr.columbiasc.gov/benefits/</p> <p>01</p> <p>Do you have a valid Driver's License?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>02</p> <p>Which statement below best describes the highest level of education you have completed?</p> <ul> <li>High school graduate, diploma or the equivalent (GED) </li><li>Some college </li><li>Associate degree </li><li>Bachelor's degree </li><li>Master's degree </li><li>Professional degree </li><li>Doctorate degree </li></ul> <p>03</p> <p>What is your major / area of study?</p> <p>04</p> <p>Do you have prior experience working in a homeless shelter, nonprofit, or social services setting?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>05</p> <p>Do you have prior experience working in permanent supportive housing programs?</p> <ul> <li>Yes </li><li>No </li></ul> <p>Required Question</p> <p>Employer City of Columbia</p> <p>Address</p> <p>Columbia, South Carolina, 29217-0147</p> <p>Phone 803-545-3010</p> <p>Website https://www.columbiasc.gov</p>