Housing Navigation Specialist (6 month contract - 4 days a week)

Organizational background

The Women’s Centre of Calgary is a community organization that provides a safe and supportive space accessed by thousands of women and girls in Calgary. Our mission is to be every woman’s place for support, connections, and community. Specifically, we connect with women looking for assistance, for opportunities to connect and/or for ways to affect change in their community.

Position overview

The Housing Navigator supports the implementation of a Gender-Responsive Housing Navigation and Care Pilot. This role provides trauma-informed, low-barrier housing navigation support to women and gender-diverse individuals experiencing housing instability or homelessness. The Housing Navigator works directly with clients to assess needs, coordinate referrals, reduce barriers to housing access, and support stabilization, while collaborating with cross-sector partners across housing, health, and social services systems.

Required competencies

• Takes initiative
  
  
  
  • Identify gaps, recommends solutions, and implements as appropriate
  
  
  
  


• Adaptability
  
  
  
  • Ability to pivot when challenges or opportunities present themselves
  
  
  • Openness to change, and willing to support changes that provide improved experiences for women
  
  
  
  


• Communicates clearly
  
  
  
  • Provides regular status updates to leadership and relevant interested parties
  
  
  • Conveys ideas and information using precise written and spoken language
  
  
  • Adapts delivery based on audience, checking for understanding and commitment
  
  
  • Ability to identify when and what to communicate
  
  
  
  


• Detail Oriented
  
  
  
  • 
    Produces high-quality work
  
  
  
  

Job duties

Client Support & Navigation

• Conduct brief, trauma-informed screening and intake to identify housing needs and risks


• Provide one-on-one housing navigation support, including system navigation, applications, and follow-ups


• Support clients in accessing housing options, emergency supports, and financial resources


• Assist with housing search, documentation, and landlord communication


• Provide ongoing check-ins to support housing stability

Referrals & System Coordination

• Connect clients to appropriate community services, including housing support providers, homelessness response organizations, emergency shelters for women, newcomer support agencies, and other relevant resources.


• Build and maintain relationships with community partners and referral agencies


• Support coordinated access and cross-sector collaboration

Documentation & Data

• Complete and maintain accurate client records in Apricot (CRM system)


• Track service delivery, referrals, and outcomes


• Support data collection for evaluation and reporting

Program Implementation

• Support day-to-day implementation of the pilot initiative


• Identify and escalate system barriers and emerging trends


• Contribute to continuous improvement of navigation processes

Required qualifications and competencies

• Diploma or undergraduate degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field. A combination of experience and education in a related area will be considered.


• Minimum 2–3 years of frontline experience in housing, homelessness, or social services


• Strong understanding of Calgary housing and social service systems

• Basic assessment, safety planning, and crisis management skills.


• Excellent communication and relationship building skills.


• Understanding of trauma-informed, anti-oppressive, and culturally responsive practice


• Experience working with women, gender-diverse individuals, and equity-deserving communities


• Ability to navigate complex systems and advocate for clients


• Ability to work in a fast-paced, drop-in environment


• Problem-solving and critical thinking skills.


• Demonstrated proficiency in Microsoft Office suite.


• High level of organization and documentation skills


• Bilingualism is an asset.

Line of communication and accountability

• Reports to Programs Manager, works closely with Crisis Navigation Specialist

Working conditions and physical requirements

The Women’s Centre is a storefront community center operating in an open environment.  This role will require attendance and participation in off-site meetings and events in the community.  This position requires evening work.

Conditions of employment

• Criminal record and vulnerable sector check required.