Housing Navigation Specialist – Youth Drop-In Center

Program Overview

Through this initiative, SAMU First Response will operate a Daytime Drop-In Centers in Washington, DC, designed to serve youth ages 18 to 24 experiencing housing instability. This project aligns with Solid Foundations, the District’s strategic plan to prevent and end youth homelessness, and seeks to expand access to year-round, youth-friendly spaces where young people facing housing crises can access specialized resources and supportive services to move toward stability and wellbeing.

Services offered will include, but are not limited to: housing support, case management, mental health and substance abuse recovery services, harm reduction, income and benefits enrollment, sexual and emotional wellness services, life skills development, physical health support, work readiness, employment services, independent living skills, financial literacy, and assistance securing permanent housing. Coordination with DC’s behavioral health, disability, and substance abuse systems, as well as other youth homeless service providers, is required. The program actively participates in the District’s Youth Coordinated Assessment Housing Placement (CAHP) system.

Role and Responsibilities

The Housing Navigation Specialist plays a key role in assisting youth experiencing housing instability in identifying, securing, and sustaining safe, stable housing. This position focuses on empowering young people to overcome barriers to housing by providing individualized support, education, and resource navigation.

Key responsibilities include:

• Assist youth in identifying housing goals, desired locations, targeted rental amounts, and appropriate housing options.
• Provide comprehensive housing search assistance, including teaching youth how to use online platforms, identify available housing units, schedule tours, and compare housing opportunities.
• Support clients in completing rental applications, including subsidized housing, shared housing, Inclusionary Zoning units, and other affordable housing options available in the District of Columbia.
• Engage with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to build relationships, advocate for youth clients, and expand housing opportunities.
• Assist youth in understanding their rights and responsibilities as tenants and prepare them for independent living.
• Identify funding sources for move-in assistance, such as security deposits, first month’s rent, or application fees.
• Provide support in gathering necessary documentation for housing applications, such as identification, income verification, and references.
• Collaborate with case managers, employment specialists, and behavioral health staff to address barriers to housing, including income stability, credit issues, and legal concerns.
• Coordinate with the District’s CAHP system to ensure eligible youth complete assessments and are placed in available housing units.
• Track client progress, maintain accurate documentation, and report outcomes related to housing placement and retention.
• Educate clients on available affordable housing resources in DC and advocate for increased access to stable housing.
• Other duties as assigned by the supervisor or program leadership.

Qualifications and Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, Social Work, Psychology, Sociology, Counseling, or a related service, science, or healthcare field.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, providing housing navigation services, including landlord engagement, housing search assistance, and move-in support.
• Demonstrated ability to assist clients with setting housing goals, completing rental applications, and securing permanent housing.
• Familiarity with DC-based affordable housing resources, subsidized housing options, Inclusionary Zoning programs, and shared housing models.
• Strong organizational, communication, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to build relationships with landlords, property managers, and other community stakeholders to increase housing options.
• Knowledge of housing stability strategies, tenant rights education, and housing retention best practices.
• Ability to support youth with independent living preparation and overcome barriers to housing.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred but not required.
• Individuals with lived experience are strongly encouraged to apply.
• Able to thrive in a fast-paced, multicultural environment.

Non-Negotiable Expectations

• Punctuality and attendance on all scheduled shifts.
• Communicating with clients and colleagues in a professional, respectful, and constructive manner.
• Treating clients with dignity.
• Upholding confidentiality at all times.
• Commitment to a safe, harassment, and discrimination-free workplace.

Physical Demands

• Use of manual dexterity, tactile, visual, and audio acuity.
• Use of repetitive motion, prolonged periods of sitting, and sustained visual and mental applications and demands.
• Occasional lifting (up to 25 pounds), bending, pulling, and carrying.

Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

SAMU First Response is an Equal Employment Opportunity (“EEO”) Employer. SAMU does not to discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, religion, gender, gender identity, pregnancy, marital status, partnership status, domestic violence victim status, sexual orientation, age, national origin, citizenship status, veteran or military status, disability, medical condition, genetic information, caregiver status, unemployment status or any other characteristic prohibited by federal, state and/or local laws.

On-site or Remote: On-site

Location: Washington, DC

Project/Program: SAMU Youth Housing Stability & Drop-In Center Program

Travel Required: Within the DMV

Application Deadline: ASAP, rolling