Navigator Protocol & Responsibilities

Navigator Protocols

1. You will receive your navigator assignments in an email from ColumbiaNAACPHousingNavigators@gmail.com. This email will contain basic information about a tenant’s need, copies of their intake form, resources, and a link to the Navigator Handbook.

2. If you accept the tenant, contact them within 24-48 hours. (Evictions move quickly!) During that call, you will conduct the fuller intake and provide initial information and resources to the applicant. If you cannot accept the tenant, please let the ColumbiaNAACP email know immediately so we can reassign the tenant to another Navigator.

3. If you identify a pressing legal issue, sign the tenant up for SC Legal Services. It is a pressing legal issue when you see the following: 1) tenant has received a letter terminating the lease or has been served with any legal papers; 2) tenant has a conditions problem that is making the home uninhabitable or missing an essential service being provided such as heat or water.

4. After the call, the email the completed intake information to ColumbiaNAACPHousingNavigators@gmail.com. It is important that we have all identifying contact information about the opposing party, even if legal action has not been started.

5. Proceed to review the tenant’s housing issues and discuss problems with Navigator mentors to identify sources of redress.

6. Call the tenant again to discuss possible resources and services available to the tenant, and the navigator will refer the tenant to those resources. Provide the tenant with information on how to follow up and reach back out for assistance.

7. If you are sending the case for pro bono legal help, explain to the tenant that an attorney will be reaching out to him or her. If the attorney does not a response from the tenant the case will be closed. Ask the tenant for the best way for the attorney to reach him or her.

Navigator Responsibilities

In order to be a part of the Housing Navigators Program, we ask that you commit to:

1. Assisting at least 3 tenants per month

2. Respond to emails and tenants within the time frame above

3. Attending follow up trainings / reviewing training materials

4. Document all conversations with tenants

5. Respecting those whom you work with and alongside