About the Role
The Eviction Diversion Initiative (EDI) seeks two Housing Court Navigators to connect tenants facing eviction with essential resources like rental assistance, legal services, and mental health support. Navigators will provide direct services, case management, and referrals, working closely with court staff and service providers to help tenants navigate the housing court process and maintain stable housing.
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 understanding 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.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
Requirements
- Associate's degree and two years of relevant experience or a high school diploma and 2-4 years of relevant experience 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).
- Commitment to EDI’s mission and to serving tenants with professionalism and empathy.
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States at the time of application and throughout employment.
- Candidates are expected to provide accurate and truthful information throughout the hiring process.
Skills
- Direct services
- Case management
- Navigation support
- Communication skills
- Interpersonal skills
- Collaboration
- Electronic case management systems
- Standard office software
Location
- Rochester
- Syracuse
Work Type
- Full-time
Experience Level
- 2 years of relevant experience
- 2-4 years of relevant experience
Education Level
- Associate's degree
- High school diploma
- Bachelor's degree preferred
Salary/Compensations
- $52,000 - $60,700
Benefits
- Comprehensive healthcare with a national network
- Free basic dental coverage
- Vision insurance
- Short-term and long-term disability
- Life insurance
- Flexible spending accounts including commuter FSA
- Talkspace and Ginger through healthcare plans
- 403(b) retirement plan with a two-to-one employer contribution up to 5%
About the Company
- 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 operating programs, conducting original research, and providing expert assistance and policy guidance.
- Backed by decades of on-the-ground experience and nationally recognized expertise, we bring innovative, practical, and lasting solutions to justice systems nationwide.
Equal Opportunity
- The Center for Justice Innovation is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.
- We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender identity, gender expression, pregnancy, national origin, age, military service eligibility, veteran status, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, or any other category protected by law.
- We strongly encourage and welcome applications from women, people of color, members of the LGBTQ+ community, and individuals with prior contact with the criminal justice system.
- Our goal is to create a supportive and respectful environment where everyone, regardless of background or identity, feels valued and included.
