Housing Navigator in Phoenix, Arizona at Axiom Community of Recovery

The Housing Navigator is responsible for helping Axiom Community of Recovery (ACR) clients identify, obtain, and maintain safe,

stable, and appropriate housing. The position works closely with clients, ACR program staff, landlords, property managers,

housing providers, community partners, and other service systems to reduce barriers to housing and support successful

transitions from homelessness, transitional housing, treatment, or other unstable living situations into permanent housing. The

Housing Navigator provides individualized housing navigation, advocacy, education, resource coordination, landlord engagement,

housing application assistance, and follow-up support while maintaining accurate documentation and working collaboratively with

the client's care team.

Duties/Responsibilities

• Complete housing needs assessments with clients and identify housing preferences, barriers, eligibility factors, income, benefits,

documentation needs, and other factors affecting housing placement.

• Develop individualized housing plans with clients that identify realistic housing goals, action steps, responsibilities, and timelines.

• Assist clients with locating appropriate housing options, including affordable housing, permanent supportive housing, rapid rehousing, subsidized housing, veteran housing resources, recovery housing, and other community-based options when appropriate.

• Conduct housing searches using available databases, community resources, landlord contacts, property listings, and partner networks.

• Assist clients with completing housing applications, gathering required documentation, obtaining identification, verifying income, and preparing other materials needed for housing placement.

• Support clients with housing-related appointments, property tours, application meetings, lease signings, and other steps in the housing process.

• Educate clients regarding tenant responsibilities, lease requirements, communication with landlords, budgeting for housing expenses, maintaining a residence, and other housing stability skills.

• Identify client barriers such as prior evictions, criminal justice involvement, poor credit, limited rental history, low income, lack of

identification, or other challenges and help develop strategies to address those barriers.

• Advocate for clients with landlords, property managers, housing programs, public housing authorities, and community partners when appropriate.

• Develop and maintain positive relationships with landlords, property managers, apartment communities, housing providers, shelters, veteran-serving organizations, and other community resources to expand housing opportunities for ACR clients.

• Recruit and engage potential landlords and housing partners willing to work with clients who may have barriers to traditional housing.

• Maintain an updated list of housing resources, eligibility requirements, application processes, rental rates, availability, and community assistance programs.

• Coordinate with ACR case managers, peer support staff, clinicians, Workforce Development staff, residential staff, and leadership to ensure housing goals are integrated into the client's overall service plan.

• Participate in case staffing and multidisciplinary team meetings to communicate housing progress, barriers, and recommended next steps.

• Coordinate with external agencies and referral partners to support continuity of care and avoid duplication of services.

• Assist eligible clients in connecting to rental assistance, move-in assistance, security deposit assistance, utility assistance, furniture

resources, and other housing stabilization resources.

• Ensure financial assistance is used in accordance with applicable grant, contract, program, and ACR requirements and maintain

supporting documentation when assigned.

• Provide housing-related transportation or coordinate transportation for clients when necessary and permitted by ACR policy.

• Conduct appropriate follow-up after housing placement to support housing retention, identify emerging concerns, and connect clients with resources that may prevent loss of housing.

• Track housing outcomes including applications submitted, housing placements, move-in dates, housing retention, barriers, and other program performance measures required by ACR or funders.

• Complete timely and accurate documentation of client contacts, housing navigation activities, referrals, outcomes, and services in ACR's required documentation systems.

• Maintain confidentiality and protect client information in accordance with ACR policies and applicable privacy requirements.

• Attend staff meetings, program meetings, community meetings, partner meetings, and required trainings.

• Identify and report client safety concerns, housing concerns, or other significant issues to appropriate program leadership.

• Perform other duties as assigned by management.

Client Support & Housing Stability Responsibilities

• Use a client-centered, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and recovery-oriented approach when helping individuals pursue housing goals.

• Help clients understand the housing process and set realistic expectations regarding eligibility, availability, application timelines, costs, and landlord requirements.

• Coach clients in communicating professionally with landlords and property managers and resolving housing-related concerns

appropriately.

• Support clients in developing skills that promote long-term housing stability, including budgeting, housekeeping, neighbor relations, lease compliance, problem-solving, and accessing community resources.

• Work with clients to identify risks that could jeopardize housing and develop prevention strategies before a housing crisis occurs.

• Coordinate warm handoffs to ongoing community services and supports when clients transition out of ACR programming.

Landlord & Community Partnership Responsibilities

• Build and maintain a network of landlords, property managers, housing programs, and community partners that can provide housing opportunities for ACR clients.

• Educate potential housing partners about ACR programs, available client supports, and the Housing Navigator's role in supporting

successful placements.

• Serve as a professional point of contact for housing partners when concerns arise involving a client placement, while maintaining

appropriate confidentiality and client rights.

• Participate in community housing meetings, coordinated-entry activities, resource fairs, outreach events, and other collaborative efforts when assigned.

• Maintain professional relationships with veteran, justice-involved, behavioral health, homelessness, and community service systems relevant to the populations served by ACR.

Supervisory Responsibilities

• None.

About Axiom Community of Recovery (ACR)

Axiom Community of Recovery (ACR) is a Phoenix-based 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting long-term recovery through peer-driven support, workforce development, and recovery-oriented services. We serve individuals facing substance use and mental health challenges by providing compassionate, community-based programs that empower people to rebuild and lead fulfilling, self-sufficient lives.

ACR specializes in peer support services, case management, workforce development, creative expression, and transitional living for Veterans. Our programs are designed to address the unique needs of underserved populations by combining recovery support with practical life skills, employment readiness, housing stability, and opportunities for personal growth. Through a holistic and empowering approach, ACR helps individuals build resilience, achieve independence, and create sustainable pathways to recovery.

Required Skills/Abilities

• Strong knowledge of housing navigation, community resources, homelessness services, affordable housing, and housing-related

barriers.

• Ability to establish effective working relationships with landlords, property managers, housing providers, community agencies, and clients

• Strong advocacy, communication, organization, problem-solving, negotiation, and time-management skills.

• Ability to manage multiple client housing plans and deadlines simultaneously while maintaining accurate documentation.

• Ability to work effectively with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use or mental health challenges, justice involvement, veteran-specific needs, and other barriers to housing.

• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and use a respectful, person-centered, recovery-oriented approach.

• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite and able to learn electronic records, housing databases, and other organizational software.

• Ability to work independently while functioning as part of a multidisciplinary team.

• Some assignments may require an Arizona Fingerprint Clearance Card.

• Current Arizona Driver License and a current satisfactory 39-month Motor Vehicle Record (MVR).

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or GED required; associate or bachelor's degree in social work, behavioral health, human services, housing,

nonprofit services, or a related field preferred.

• At least one year of experience in housing navigation, case management, homelessness services, behavioral health, social services, veteran services, or a related human-services setting preferred.

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability strongly preferred.

• Experience working with justice-involved individuals, veterans, people in recovery, or individuals with behavioral health needs is

preferred.

• Knowledge of local housing resources, rental assistance programs, landlord engagement, and housing application processes is

preferred.

• Equivalent combinations of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Required Competencies

• Housing Navigation - Identifies appropriate housing resources, understands eligibility requirements, supports applications, and guides clients through the housing process.

• Landlord Engagement - Builds professional relationships with landlords and property managers, communicates effectively, and develops housing opportunities for clients with barriers.

• Housing Stability - Recognizes factors that place housing at risk and helps clients develop practical strategies to maintain housing.

• Resource Coordination - Connects clients to rental assistance, benefits, employment, behavioral health, transportation, and other

resources that support housing stability.

• Client Advocacy - Advocates appropriately while promoting client choice, self-sufficiency, personal responsibility, and informed decision making.

• Problem Solving/Critical Thinking - Identifies barriers, evaluates available options, communicates concerns, and develops practical

solutions.

• Documentation - Maintains accurate, timely, professional documentation of housing activities, client progress, referrals, assistance, and outcomes.

• Team Collaboration - Communicates effectively with ACR staff and external partners to coordinate services and support client goals.

Physical Requirements

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.

• Ability to travel locally to housing properties, partner agencies, community meetings, and client appointments as required.

• Ability to walk through apartment communities, housing units, and community settings during tours or client support activities.

• Must be able to lift up to 15 pounds at times.

• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Disclaimer

The above is intended to describe the general content of and requirements for the performance of this job. It is not to be construed

as an exhaustive statement of duties, responsibilities, or physical requirements. Nothing in this job description restricts

management's right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time. Reasonable accommodations may be

made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.