Navigation Coordinator

TITLE:  Navigation Coordinator

Pay Type: Salary

FLSA: Exempt

REPORTS TO: Manager of System Navigation

COMPENSATION:

 Min $53,000

Max $72,000

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY

Housing Forward is the backbone organization leading one of the nation's most innovative and successful homeless response systems. Through the All Neighbors Coalition, Housing Forward aligns more than 150 public, private, and nonprofit partners to build a coordinated, data-driven system that resolves homelessness across Dallas and Collin Counties. Since 2021, the community has achieved five consecutive years of reductions in homelessness while Housing Forward has grown into a high-performing lead agency with more than 45 employees driving system strategy, performance management, and cross-sector collaboration.    

Housing Forward is entering its next chapter by implementing bold strategies to ensure no one is forced to sleep outside. The organization seeks strategic leaders who thrive in complex environments, build alignment across diverse stakeholders, and embrace a culture of continuous learning, collaboration, and innovation to drive system improvement.  

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Navigation Coordinator drives progress toward housing placements by coordinating contracted System Navigators and Housing Forward teams across Dallas and Collin Counties. This position ensures individuals and families receiving Diversion, Transitional Assistance, and Supportive Housing services move efficiently from navigator assignment to housing placement.

The Coordinator leads regular case coordination meetings, follows up with navigators on outstanding tasks, and works closely with Housing Forward's Landlord Engagement and Padmission Journey teams to resolve barriers and accelerate move-ins. This role requires strong organization, persistent follow-through, and the ability to keep multiple partners aligned and accountable.

The Navigation Coordinator reports to the Manager of System Navigation.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Navigation Coordination and Case Progress

• Lead regular coordination meetings with contracted System Navigators to review assigned households, housing progress, barriers, and next steps.

• Drive timely follow-through on housing plans, applications, documentation, and other tasks needed to move households into housing.

• Track individual cases from navigator assignment through move-in, identifying delays and ensuring clear ownership of next steps.

• Escalate stalled cases or unresolved challenges to the Manager of System Navigation.

Housing Placement and Cross-Team Coordination

• Work closely with Landlord Engagement, Padmission Journey, shelter providers, and housing programs to coordinate timely housing placements.

• Facilitate communication and problem-solving between navigators and Housing Forward teams to address application, unit, documentation, rental assistance, and move-in barriers.

• Coordinate case conferencing and targeted problem-solving for households requiring additional support.

Navigation Operations and Partner Support

• Support consistent implementation of navigation workflows across Diversion, Transitional Assistance, and Supportive Housing.

• Maintain regular communication with contracted navigators and partner agencies to reinforce expectations, deadlines, and accountability.

• Identify recurring challenges and recommend operational improvements to the Manager of System Navigation.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities  

• Project Management and Execution: Ability to develop action plans, coordinate cases and partners, manage competing priorities, and drive efforts to meet milestones, timelines, and housing placement outcomes.

• Facilitation and Accountability: Ability to lead meetings, establish clear next steps, responsibilities, and deadlines, and hold partners accountable through consistent follow-through.

• Problem-Solving: Ability to identify barriers to housing placement, develop practical solutions, and engage appropriate partners to resolve challenges.

• Relationship Building and Communication: Strong ability to build trust and collaborate across agencies and teams while clearly communicating priorities, responsibilities, and progress.

• Managing Up and Risk Escalation: Ability to identify delays and emerging risks, elevate concerns and decisions needed from leadership with recommended solutions, and maintain urgency toward housing outcomes.

• Organization and Adaptability: Strong organizational skills and the ability to remain flexible and focused on solutions while managing multiple cases and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.

• Relevant Program Knowledge: Strong understanding of homeless response systems, housing navigation, and pathways to permanent housing. Familiarity with shelter operations, Coordinated Access, Diversion, Transitional Assistance, and Supportive Housing preferred.  

REQUIREMENTS 

• 2 years or more experience in human services, housing services, program coordination, or related fields.

• Experience coordinating services across multiple providers, managing caseload progress, or supporting housing placements preferred.

• Must have reliable transportation, a valid state-issued driver's license, and car insurance. Local travel to partner sites may be required.

• Must be flexible to work at different sites as scheduled.

• Must be able to maintain files and lift objects weighing up to 25 lbs.

WORK SCHEDULE

• Housing Forward's normal hours of operation are Monday–Friday, 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Occasional evening or weekend meetings may be required.

• Current Housing Forward guidelines require employees to work at least three days per week in the office, subject to change. Regular visits to shelter and navigation partner sites may be required.

COMPENSATION:

• Housing Forward has a flexible PTO policy for all full-time employees. The office is officially closed on New Year's Day, Memorial Day, Independence Day, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, Day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Eve, & Christmas Day. Housing Forward has MLK Jr., Juneteenth, and Election Day as Days of Service. 

• This position is eligible for employer-provided benefits:   

• Housing Forward pays 90% of employee Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance and 50% of Family Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance.  

• Housing Forward provides Basic Life Insurance as well as Short- and Long-Term Disability Insurance. 

• Housing Forward will provide a laptop. We will additionally provide the applicant with a phone and/or hot spot if needed. 

For additional questions about the position, please contact Rebecca Hickom at Rebecca.Hickom@housingforwardntx.org.