Good Shepherd Services is a leading multi-service agency with more than 85 programs that serve over 30,000 youth and families each year – and builds on their strengths to help them gain skills for success. At Good Shepherd we respect the dignity and worth of every person and reject intolerance, inequity and injustice in whatever form it may take. Voted one of the top 100 places to work in NYC by Crain’s New York, Good Shepherd Services offers a fantastic work environment, a collaborative team dedicated to fulfilling our mission, and an amazing array of benefits. Join our team and help make a difference!

Reports to: TLRA Program Director
Primary Location: 1995 Jerome Avenue, Bronx, NY 10453 (and NYC/Citywide Area)
Hours: 35 Hours/Week; Exempt (Flexibility for Evenings Required)

Position Summary

As a member of the Time Limited Rental Assistance Program, the Housing Navigator must be a driven and creative individual responsible for developing and cultivating relationships with landlords, developers, and property management companies to secure leases in affordable apartments for young adults in the program. The ideal candidate will have extensive knowledge of the NYC housing landscape and active relationships with individuals and entities who have apartments to rent.

Major Duties of a Housing Specialist

• Conduct neighborhood research throughout NYC and surrounding areas.
• Establish relationships with landlords, real estate agencies, developers, and property management companies that provide housing or access to suitable housing options.
• Identify and maintain a pool of apartment resources and referral contacts to promote renting to program participants.
• Perform apartment inspections for relocations to ensure compliance with funder mandates.
• Work with young adults and landlords to negotiate leases and resolve housing challenges.
• Secure leases in participants’ names and act as a liaison between landlords and tenants.
• Respond to emergencies related to living conditions and conflicts between landlords and tenants.
• Assist team members in securing resources for security deposits, broker’s fees, moving expenses, furniture, and household items, ensuring all required documentation is available.

General Responsibilities

• Participate in supervision, team meetings, case and service plan reviews, and training.
• Practice the Sanctuary Model and Stages of Change.
• Actively engage in safety plans, community meetings, psycho-educational groups, treatment planning conferences, and self-care activities.
• Promote and model the seven Sanctuary Model commitments to foster a non-violent and trauma-sensitive culture.
• Integrate the Sanctuary Model SELF framework (Safety, Emotional Management, Loss, and Future) into daily practice.

Qualifications

• Education:
  • Bachelor’s Degree required.
  • In lieu of a Bachelor’s, candidates with a High School Diploma/Equivalency plus 2–3 years of NYC real estate experience will be considered.
• Licensing:
  • Licensed Real Estate Broker or Licensed Real Estate Agent (preferred).
• Experience & Skills:
  • Knowledge of housing options and programs.
  • Ability to work independently and manage time effectively in the field.
  • Experience overcoming social and economic barriers related to housing.
  • Understanding of challenges faced by special populations (e.g., mental health disabilities, low income, homelessness).
  • Strong interpersonal skills, teamwork, customer service aptitude, and communication skills.
  • Excellent organizational and multitasking abilities.
  • Flexible schedule to ensure accessibility.
  • Commitment to strength-based, youth and family development, and trauma-informed practices.