Housing Navigator

JOB DESCRIPTIONTITLE: Housing Navigator REPORTS TO: Clinical Program Manager SUPERVISES: None SALARY: Hourly, Full-time, 40 hours per week SCHEDULE: Mon-Fri 9-5 pm, 8-4 pm, some nights and weekends required FUNCTION: The PEHT Housing Navigator (HN) role is to facilitate housing options for survivors of human trafficking. The HN will provide trauma-informed case management for victims of trafficking. The HN works with the residential team to determine eligibility and plan with individual residents for long-term housing options after transitional housing. HN provides case management support for identified victims of trafficking in accessing and maintaining safe housing as well as supporting individuals in obtaining self-sufficiency. Additionally, the HN identifies new or existing landlords to establish opportunities for safe and affordable tenant /occupancy agreements. The HN works with the regional continuum of care housing providers to access vouchers, subsidized placements, and other resources for community-based clients to access long-term housing solutions. The position requires regional and local travel throughout Fairfield County and CT. The HN is expected to be on-site during work hours. DUTIES: • Assist victims of sex or labor trafficking in locating, obtaining, and retaining suitable housing by providing tenant counseling and monthly rental budgeting for lease agreements. • Assist victims in understanding the language in leases and their rights and responsibilities. • Educate clients on the housing protections that are available to victims.• Educate stakeholders and landlords about housing protections available to victims. • Aiding in lease negotiations with landlords and establishing new landlord relationships on behalf of the  PEHT program. • Navigate the landlord/tenant relationship process with clients, advocate for new lease agreements, and  provide assistance with accessing benefit programs for utility access. • Assist victims with challenges that may arise related to rent payment, housing conditions, or other  concerns. • Represent PEHT at local housing-stakeholder meetings, including the COC, and statewide Trafficking in  Persons Council (TIP). • Collaborate with the COC/Coordinated Access Network of Fairfield County to advocate for client access  to section 8 or other subsidized housing options. • Maintain resident and staff confidentiality across all housing programs. • Maintain an active caseload of victims of sex or labor trafficking enrolled in the OVC Housing Assistant  project, and support clients in identifying and accessing safe, affordable, and long-term housing solutions. • Assist Victims of HT through linkages to area resources as identified in individualized service plans for  obtaining self-sufficiency such as employment, education, training, detoxification, mental health,  physical health, legal, family, and financial. • Support clients moving into a new apartment by getting furniture and household items through donations,  vouchers, and volunteers. • Support residents through the transition into the PEHT home and work with community-based clients to  identify safe, affordable living options. • Coordinate move in's and move out's from the PEHT transitional housing program and those living in the  community. • Develop and work with each client on life skill goals such as budgeting, paying rent, cleaning, cooking,  time management, job readiness, and parenting support with dependents. • Work with all potential and confirmed victims of human trafficking by providing information and referrals  to partnering agencies for essential needs. • Support clients in developing and maintaining individual safety plans to support their emotional,  physical and psychological safety. • Maintain a positive and professional demeanor while maintaining healthy boundaries that uphold the code  of conduct of PEHT. • Support residents' choice and autonomy in their housing environment and provide opportunities for  voluntary engagement. • Complete all PEHT reporting and gathering of statistical information as required and ensure appropriate  data entry for timely submission of grant reports. • Provide trauma-informed education on how to best support this population regarding housing-related  concerns. • Maintain and uphold the principles and commitments of The Sanctuary Model for trauma-informed care. • Performs related duties as assigned. MINIMUM QUALIFICATION: · BA/BS degree required, or a combination of 2-3 years of higher education and experience working with · survivors of sexual violence, trafficking, IPV, or related fields. · Must be bilingual in Spanish/English. · Experience with trauma-informed care models. · Must have an understanding of the issue of Domestic Human Trafficking and /or lived experience. · Must have a valid driver's license and reliable transportation to travel from site to site as may be needed in the performance of duties.· Professional-level communications skills verbal and written. · Must have an understanding of and appreciation for Partnership to End Human Trafficking. · Meets the Connecticut Child Abuse Register screening requirements. · Clearance on Connecticut State Police Criminal Record Check and Criminal Record Check.

Created: 2025-02-15