Housing Navigation Specialist
Our Mission:
Cornerstone disrupts violence through advocacy, support, and prevention. We partner with individuals, families, and organizations to build communities free from harm.
Our Core Values: \*Survivor\- Centered \*Social Justice \*Well\-Being \*Collaboration \*Integrity
Summary of Cornerstone
Cornerstone is a $5\.5 million organization that provides comprehensive services for individuals and families in the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area who are experiencing or have experienced domestic violence, sexual violence, human trafficking or general crime. Our offices are located in Bloomington, Brooklyn Center and Minneapolis. Learn more at www.cornerstonemn.org.
Diversity and Inclusion:
We are committed to a nondiscriminatory approach and provide equal opportunity for employment and advancement in all of our departments, programs, and worksites. BIPOC and LGBTQ\+ community are strongly encouraged to apply.
Pay Range: $22\.59\-23\.56 an hour
Unionized Position: Yes
Job Summary:
The Housing Navigation Specialist is responsible for supporting survivors of domestic violence, sexual violence, and human trafficking in identifying and securing safe, stable housing. This position works closely with Housing Stability Advocates and the Housing and Support Services Supervisor to assist participants in navigating the housing search process, overcoming barriers to housing access, and successfully moving into permanent housing.
The Housing Navigation Specialist focuses on housing identification, landlord engagement, and housing placement across Cornerstone’s housing programs, including Rapid Rehousing (RRH), Transitional Housing (TH), and Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH). This role plays a critical part in expanding housing opportunities for participants and reducing the time it takes for families to secure housing.
Services are provided in the office, in the community, and at housing sites. Some evenings and occasional weekends may be required.
Experience/Qualifications:
- Minimum 2 years of experience in domestic violence support, housing advocacy, or related field.
- Knowledge of survivor dynamics, trauma\-informed care, housing programs, tenant rights, and public benefits.
- Strong advocacy, crisis intervention, communication, and organizational skills; able to manage multiple priorities independently.
- Experience working with diverse communities and applying anti\-oppression practices; bilingual/multilingual preferred.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office and web\-based systems.
- Committed to DEI and maintaining professional boundaries.
- Valid driver’s license, insurance, reliable vehicle, and ability to pass a background check required.
- Bachelor’s degree preferred.
- Assist participants with housing searches, applications, and move\-in coordination, including lease education, tenant rights, and Coordinated Entry referrals.
- Maintain an up\-to\-date database of housing units, landlords, and resources; collaborate with Housing Stability Advocates to prioritize placements.
- Coordinate showings, landlord meetings, and inspections; provide shelter coverage as needed.
- Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
- Conduct outreach to recruit new housing partners and coordinate property visits and meetings.
- Address landlord concerns and support resolution of tenancy issues.
- Maintain accurate documentation of housing activities, applications, and landlord contacts.
- Track housing search progress, unit availability, and program transitions.
- Support organization of housing resources and provide shelter coverage as needed.
- Build relationships with housing authorities, providers, and community partners.
- Participate in coalitions and stay informed on local housing trends.
- Provide shelter support and cross\-program coordination during high\-demand periods.
- Free virtual mental health counseling (for all employees \+ their families)
- Free telemedicine (for employees \+ enrolled family members)
- 401(k) after 90 days \+ up to 4% employer match after 1 year
- Paid parental leave after 1 year of service
- Medical, dental \& vision (eligible first month after 30 days)
- HSA \& FSA options
- Free basic life \& AD\&D insurance
- Free long\-term disability
- Voluntary short\-term disability
- Generous PTO: 168 hours to start (increases after 24 months)
- 11 paid holidays \+ 2 floating holidays
- Paid birthday off
Duties/Functions:
Housing Navigation Support
Landlord Engagement
Housing Program Coordination \& Data Tracking
Community Partnerships \& Shelter Support
Visit our career page at: https://cornerstonemn.org/about/employment/
Our Benefits Package Includes:
EEO Statement:
Cornerstone strives for a fully inclusive work environment and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, veteran, disability, age, marital or, familial, and/or with regard to public assistance or any other characteristic. We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer.
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