Revised 06.06.25
Position: Housing Navigator
Job Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $47,000 to $52,000 per year
Reports To: Director of Housing
Job Summary: The Housing Navigator (HN) is responsible for facilitating pathways to
permanent housing for youth who are on the street or in the RYSE program.
He/she/they fills a central role in linking youth experiencing housing instabilities to an
appropriate housing plan and supporting the team in sustaining placements.
The Housing Navigator engages and builds relationships with landlords within the
private market advocating for our youth as future tenants. The HN assists youth in
locating landlords and available apartments while assuring valid and truthful leases are
drafted. They assist youth in selecting apartments that are safe and affordable. The HN
supports youth with family reunification and reconciliation, including travel off island if
appropriate. They also facilitate mediation between clients and landlords. The Housing
Navigator works closely with the Youth Housing Case Managers and the entire RYSE
team.
RYSE uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting
youth with housing as the immediate need without prerequisites to abstain from any
harmful behavior prior to being housed or receiving assistance. We help youth identify
their own goals and support them to discover safer alternatives.
Job Responsibilities:
- Network with landlords and property managers for potential housing units
through events, association meetings, cold calls, and other appropriate
communication methods - Utilize networks to locate available units that meet the requirements of RYSE and
its clients. - Perform inspections (or request inspection from third party) on potential
apartments and assure the drafting of valid and truthful leases. - Network with landlords by attending landlord association meetings.
- Maintain and expand landlord database with available units.
Revised 06.06.25 - Practice positive youth engagement through persistent and creative engagement
to motivate, encourage participation, and promote follow-through to obtain and
maintain stable housing. - Remain primary point of contact while youth navigate the housing process.
- Assist youth with family reunification on and off island.
- Diplomatically handle problems surrounding housing issues such as
maintenance of apartments, restoration of apartments upon discharge of clients,
tenant disputes, landlord issues, etc. - Facilitate various support groups with clients/landlords pertaining to apartment
living, budgeting and life skills, client/landlord mediation. - Develop and conduct necessary training for landlord/tenant rights and
responsibilities to staff and clients. - Maintain current knowledge of local housing laws, trends, and issues.
Administrative - Conduct Fair Market Rent and Rent Reasonableness assessments.
- Maintain a comprehensive and up to date list of apartment/unit availability
- Maintain a comprehensive written record of all transactions via electronic
database. - Review and negotiate leases for appropriate terms & conditions according to
funder and RYSE guidelines. - Regularly communicate available units to all Housing Case Manager and others
in the agency.
Team Participation - Participate in staff meetings and other group activities essential for operations
- Lead team discussions on client progress and lack of progress and help to
develop possible solutions to ensure the best support for the client’s success. - Attend scheduled training programs for professional development that includes,
at a minimum, trainings required by RYSE and by regulatory and accrediting
bodies. - Develop a landlord advisory board
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Required Qualifications: - A working knowledge of the social service system and the rental market Working
with young adults ages 18-24 a plus - Knowledge of available community resources and services
- Proficient in use of computer technology primarily Microsoft WORD & EXCEL, HMIS.
- Ability to complete a variety of daily, bi-weekly, and monthly documentation, as well
as data collection. - Ability to respond efficiently and effectively in emergency situations.
- Understand and maintain confidentiality of member information
- Perform general clerical duties including recordkeeping and filing.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to work with diverse populations.
- Valid HI driver’s license and reliable transportation and/or own vehicle.
Revised 06.06.25 - Weekends and evenings may be required. This is not a 9 to 5 position.
- Must pass DOJ background check
Educational Requirements: - Equivalent work, education, and life experience typically gained by a bachelor’s
degree, and experience in homeless/affordable housing, real estate/rental market.
Physical Demands & Work Environment
This position involves engaging with diverse communities, participating in site visits, and
attending policy discussions. Reasonable accommodations will be made to ensure
accessibility.
While primarily office-based, occasional fieldwork, community meetings, and housing
site evaluations may be required. Standard office responsibilities include document
preparation, computer use, and phone communication.
Commitment to Diversity & Inclusion
RYSE is committed to equity, inclusion, and social impact. We encourage applications
from individuals of all backgrounds, including members of the LGBTQ+ community and
those with lived experiences in housing insecurity.
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