Join the Eden Centers Team!
Open Full Time Position: Housing Navigator
About the Organization
Eden Centers is a movement to eradicate the trafficking and selling of human beings. We create systemic change through: youth prevention; education and legislative advocacy; recovery and reentry services for victims, including emergency, transitional, and long-term shelter; and a lifelong community of care for survivors.
The Opportunity
Eden Centers for Hope and Healing (Eden Centers) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Housing Navigator. We are seeking a candidate who brings relevant skills and interest to the role, maturity and ownership of their work, and is looking for an opportunity to provide support in a fast-paced, growing organization. The Housing Navigator reports to the Chief Clinical Officer and provides support to the clinical team.
Job Summary
The Housing Navigator will work directly with individuals and families experiencing housing insecurity to identify, secure, and maintain stable housing. This position involves building strong relationships with clients, landlords, and community resources to overcome barriers to housing, such as financial difficulties, credit issues, or lack of affordable options. The Housing Navigator plays a critical role in empowering clients to achieve long-term housing stability.
Key Responsibilities
- Client Engagement and Assessment
- Conduct comprehensive housing assessments to understand clients’ needs, preferences, and barriers.
- Develop individualized housing plans in collaboration with clients.
- Educate clients on tenants’ rights, responsibilities, and financial literacy related to housing.
- Housing Search and Placement
- Assist clients in locating and applying for suitable and affordable housing.
- Build relationships with landlords and property managers to increase housing opportunities.
- Support clients through the application process, including completing paperwork and providing references.
- Resource Coordination
- Connect clients with community resources, such as rental assistance programs, job training, and mental health services.
- Collaborate with other service providers to ensure a holistic approach to housing stability.
- Advocate for clients to access services and support when needed.
- Ongoing Support
- Monitor clients’ housing stability through regular follow-ups.
- Provide mediation and conflict resolution support between clients and landlords if issues arise.
- Offer guidance on maintaining housing, including budgeting and timely rent payments.
- Administrative Duties
- Maintain accurate records of client interactions and progress using case management software.
- Prepare documentation as required by HUD, UNITY, and other funders or organizational policies.
- Stay informed on local housing policies, rental market trends, and community resources.
- Participate in SPPA meetings with UNITY.
Qualifications
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, or a related field preferred (equivalent experience may be considered).
- Experience in housing navigation, case management, or social services is highly desirable.
Skills and Competencies
- Strong understanding of housing systems, tenant rights, and fair housing laws.
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
- Problem-solving abilities and a client-centered approach.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and case management software.
- Attitude of openness and the ability to learn and work with a team.
Other Requirements
- Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation.
- Ability to work flexible hours, including occasional evenings or weekends, as needed.
- Commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Working Conditions
This position involves working both in an office environment and out in the community. Some travel is required to meet clients, visit housing sites, or attend meetings.
How to Apply
Please submit your resume, cover letter, and references to Eden Centers for Hope and Healing at info@eden-centers.org
Eden Centers is an equal opportunity employer and encourages individuals of all backgrounds to apply.
Job Title: Housing Navigator
Location: New Orleans, LA
Employment Type: Full-time
Reports To: Chief Clinical Officer
Salary: $40,000 to $45,000 based on experience
Open Part Time Staff Position: Support Staff
Eden Centers for Hope and Healing, ECHH, is a New Orleans non-profit organization devoted to helping women recover from a life of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. Through our two-year residential recovery program, up to 16 women are provided with housing, food, health care, psychotherapy, education, job training, and legal services. Eden Centers also has an Emergency Center that focuses on providing safe housing and crisis case management for survivors up to 90 days. Ultimately, the goal of Eden Centers is to support the survivor in fulfilling her potential as a self-sustaining member of our community, and in turn slowly change the culture that allows the buying and selling of women and children.
The Support Staff position is a part-time, hourly position that is primarily responsible for providing direct support to our Eden Emergency Center (EEC) clients. The support staff position is an 8 hour position with weekday, weekend, and overnight shifts. Support staff work closely with the clinical team to implement clinical expectations and policies. Support Staff report directly to the Clinical Director. This position may be asked to perform tasks not specifically outlined in this job description on a day-to-day basis, as needed.
General Responsibilities
- serve as a role model to guests as to appropriate behavior within the EEC
- ensure guests’ safety at all times,
- assist guests in developing social and functional skills that are part of their recovery and healing-centered engagement,
- encourage guests to engage in setting goals that meet their current and future needs.
- Model EEC values of trauma-informed and healing centered engagement in interactions with guests.
- Model effective coping techniques and self-help strategies.
Job Specific Responsibilities:
- Establish therapeutic relationship with EEC Guests
- Provide motivation and emotional support.
- Respond to guests’ needs as appropriate.
- Answer and provide intake information to potential clients to EEC, and provide referrals to those seeking services.
- Enter the following into the CMS: shift notes, important observations related to individual guest’s behavior, any incidents that occurred during overnight/weekend shifts that may be of concern or need follow up by daytime staff.
- Monitor emergency center expectations:
- curfew
- quiet hours
- general behavior
- neatness and cleanliness of common areas
- Maintain inventory of supplies needed.
- Submit guests’ food order to dietary coordinator.
- React immediately in emergency situations – call 911, etc. – as outlined in the policy manual.
- Call clinical staff for advice or backup, as needed.
- Participate in staff meetings as needed.
- Other duties as needed and assigned.
Qualifications:
- Self-identified as person with lived experience/survivor of similar circumstances and
1 year experience working in a residential setting or with the survivor/homeless population
- Person with 3 years’ experience working in a residential setting or with survivor/homeless population
- Certified Peer Support Specialist (CPSS) or in process of becoming certified with full certification obtained by start date of employment
- Other relevant certification or BA degree in social science field
Preferences:
- Demonstrated interest and knowledge of human trafficking/sex work, trauma, addiction, addiction recovery
- Knowledge of and experience with conflict resolution and de-escalation strategies
- Knowledge of 12 step programs (AA, NA)
Additional Requirements:
- Background check; clean drug screen upon offer of employment
- Ability to maintain personal boundaries
- Beginning knowledge of technology and aptitude for learning case management data system
- Ability to lift 10 pounds
- Driver’s license, insurance, and clean driving record
Salary is commensurate with experience.
To apply: Please send a cover letter, resume, and list of three references to: swilkins@eden-centers.org
Position will remain open until filled.
For questions, please call 504-407-0943.
