Job Description

JOB DESCRIPTION

TITLE: 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.

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