Housing Navigator, Eviction Diversion Initiative

Center for Justice Innovation • Rochester, NY

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Center for Justice Innovation is a nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing community safety and racial justice. Since 1996, we’ve worked alongside communities, courts, and those most directly affected by the justice system to build stronger, healthier, and more equitable neighborhoods. With a team of over 900 staff and an annual budget of $130 million, the Center carries out its mission through three core strategies:
Operating Programs that pilot new ideas and address local challenges;
Conducting original research to evaluate what works—and what doesn’t; and
Providing expert assistance and policy guidance to reformers across the country and beyond.
Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Learn more about our work at www.innovatingjustice.org.
THE OPPORTUNITY
The Eviction Diversion Initiative's (EDI) mission is to ensure tenants and their families can access the holistic resources needed to prevent eviction and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing. EDI connects litigants to rental assistance and ongoing subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health support, employment resources, financial empowerment services, and community-based organizations, while working closely with court partners to identify challenges and improve access to justice.
EDI seeks two Housing Court Navigators for the Upstate New York EDI team – one for Rochester Housing Court and one for Syracuse Landlord/Tenant Court. The Eviction Diversion Initiative is a project of the Center for Justice Innovation in partnership with the New York State Unified Court System. Reporting to the Project Manager, the Housing Court Navigator provides frontline, direct services to tenants facing eviction or displacement. Navigators conduct intakes, provide individualized case management, coordinate referrals, and work closely with court staff, attorneys, and service providers to help tenants navigate the housing court process and comply with court requirements.

Requirements

• Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience is or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience is required, Bachelor's degree preferred;
• Experience providing direct services, case management, or navigation support in housing, social services, legal services, or related fields;
• Knowledge of court, eviction prevention, public benefits, rental assistance, or housing subsidies strongly preferred;
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively in multidisciplinary and court-based settings;
• Ability to manage a caseload, prioritize tasks, and work collaboratively with multiple partners and agencies;
• Experience with electronic case management systems and standard office software (e.g., Google Workspace, Salesforce, Microsoft Office) preferred;
• Language other than English highly desirable (Spanish, preferred); and
• Commitment to EDI’s mission and to serving tenants with professionalism and empathy.

Responsibilities

• Conduct intakes and maintain a caseload of housing court litigants with pending eviction or displacement matters;
• Provide individualized, trauma-informed case management and wraparound support, including referrals to rental assistance, subsidies, legal services, public benefits, mental health services, employment resources, and other community supports;
• Assist tenants in navigating court processes and understand court forms;
• Serve as a point of contact for tenants, court staff, and partner organizations to help coordinate services and address barriers related to nonpayment of rent, repairs, or other eviction risks;
• Build and maintain collaborative working relationships with on- and off-site partners, including court administration, legal services providers, housing agencies, and social service organizations;
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing programs, rental assistance resources, public benefits, and community-based services;
• Represent the EDI program in court as needed;
• Accurately document client interactions, services provided, referrals, and outcomes in centralized case management systems;
• Support program data collection and reporting requirements;
• Participate in trainings, meetings, and professional development related to housing court practice and partner initiatives; and
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The Center for Justice Innovation offers an excellent benefits package including comprehensive healthcare with a national network, free basic dental coverage, vision insurance, short-term and long-term disability, life insurance, and flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA.
• We prioritize mental health care for our staff and offer services like Talkspace and Ginger through our healthcare plans.
• We offer a 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: Associate degree