Housing services

NAVIGATOR, HOUSING SERVICES



PURPOSE OF POSITION:
To assess the housing needs of homeless individuals and those at risk of homelessness, perform diversion to assist clients with resolving their housing instability, and manage referrals to housing programs and other resources based on client needs and eligibility.



CORE RESPONSABILITIES:

• Client Assessment and Diversion: Engage by phone or in-person with individuals who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless to assess their needs and utilize conflict resolution strategies to identify and implement strategies that will help them secure permanent housing as an alternative to shelter. Assist clients in bolstering their personal confidence, ability to consider options, advocate for their own needs, and gain increased clarity regarding their housing situation. Assist clients in accessing resources by utilizing the 211 databases to find resources in the community. When diversion cannot meet the consumer need, administer the OH-506 Prioritization Tool to determine eligibility and prioritization score for referral to Continuum of Care (CoC) housing programs. Work with other Housing Services staff to develop, improve and document intake policy and procedure. Attending regular training to maintain mediation, problem-solving and trauma informed care knowledge and skills to perform consumer-centered interactions. Adapt to new funding programs protocols when added to the Central Intake Department.
• Referrals and Follow Up: Post diversion and assessment, the Navigator will notify consumers of availability for shelter beds. Assist in contacting clients for referral to available system resources and maintaining waitlists for specific program referrals to system partners. Maintain client contact to monitor the success of diversion, document waitlist check-ins or referral. Perform case management, document collection and assistance processing for client eligible for diversion funding.
• Documentation and Recordkeeping: Document all contacts, diversion activities and demographic data in the appropriate database within prescribed data timeliness standards. Add client records to the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and issue electronic referrals through HMIS to participating agencies. Maintain all intake forms electronically in HMIS. Update client information on client records for Centralized Intake in HMIS. Track referrals to CoC agencies. Enter all diversion cases into the Storehouse database or other required documentation systems. Provide support with maintenance of waitlists housed in HMIS and to meet deadlines for reports due to HUD and other funders.

JOB EXPECTATIONS:
80% external and 20% internal facing.



QUALIFICATIONS:

• Knowledge of social services or significant classes in social work required.
• Suitable experience and commitment and ability to engage in an empathetic, non-judgmental way with people in stressful situations and to establish rapport in order to help them resolve their immediate housing crisis required. Be versed in and have a commitment to use conflict resolution and mediation skills. Basic mediation training preferred.
• Strong organizational skills to efficiently maintain complete electronic records, track data, and provide written reports.
• Competent in MS Office products.
• Respect for all differences.
• Commitment to excellence and passion for the mission of United Way of Summit & Medina.

COMPETENCIES & SOFT SKILLS:

• Initiative.
• Relationship-Oriented.
• Team Work and Collaboration.
• Mission-Focused.
• Professionalism.
• Change Management.
• Performance Improvement.

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Ability to pass pre-employment testing including background check, drug, and alcohol screen.
• Valid driver license and proof of insurance. Access to reliable insured automobile to be used for work-related travel in Summit & Medina County area.
• Position is primarily a normal office setting, requiring long periods of sedentary work at a desk and computer.
• Ability to routinely travel throughout multi-floor office utilizing stairs or elevator.
• Minimal lifting up to 10 pounds occasionally.
• Must be willing to work non-standard work schedule including nights, weekends, and other unusual hours on occasion.
• After-hours event attendance occasionally.
• 10% of Travel within Summit County.

BENEFITS:

• Hybrid work environment.
• 20 days of PTO + Holidays.
• Extensive benefit package.
• Certified Recovery Friendly Workplace.

UWSM is committed to building and sustaining a workplace that represents our community in all its richness and variety. Join us to make a difference!


To apply: Submit an updated resume by Friday, October 31, 2025, on our career page at


If you require alternative methods of application or screening, please reach out to United Way of Summit & Medina direct by emailing [email protected] or calling our main line: 330-762-7601.