Housing Navigator

Summary:

Housing Navigation is a fast-paced and very hands-on job requiring high levels of nuanced people skills, creativity with a solutions focus, and extreme flexibility as well as self-management by those who are comfortable in a wide variety of unconventional situations working with a very challenged population in scattered sites and in the field throughout the County of Riverside. Additionally, housing navigation requires a high level of detailed documentation and file work.

The Housing Navigator, under the direction of the Housing Director, provides participant advocacy, case management, benefits establishment, linkage to Mental Health/Substance Abuse services, linkage to stable housing, and all other supportive services as needed. Housing Navigators will provide individualized participant support by helping each participant develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. As part of the plan, the Housing Navigator will identify each area in which participants will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e. scheduling appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying subsidized housing, etc.) and the Housing Navigator will take full responsibility for their participants’ success.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Supportive Services

• Conduct screening interviews, complete intake documentation, and coordinate move-in and exit of all program participants.

• Provide social work case management and navigation services designed to assist participants and their families exit from displacement and move into permanent housing.

• Coordinate and identify appropriate resources and mainstream benefits that lead to permanent housing options for participants, such as, subsidized housing Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market-rate housing, and other housing opportunities.

• Provide onsite case management services in the areas of independent living skills, employment linkage, cooking groups, house meetings, social events, benefits establishment, and other services as needed to assist in reaching case plan and treatment plan goals.

• Provide guidance towards resources that help to increase participant income, including connecting them with our Workforce & Career Development services, Social Security resources, and other mainstream resources that may be available to them.

• Perform comprehensive case management assessments and develop a plan of intervention that addresses the need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination.

• Respond to referrals and participant requests for case management assessment and intervention within the required response time.

• Encourage and promote an environment that is strength-based to assist participants in meeting their individual goals.

• Assist participants with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for participants with prospective landlords.

• Use of personal vehicle to travel to scattered sites throughout Riverside County and transport participants.

• Work with, support, and help direct teams of volunteers giving direct support to your participants.

Outreach and Relationship Management

• Respond to and negotiate housing solutions with housing managers and landlords.

• Mediate disputes between displaced persons and neighborhood residents.

• Attend collaborative meetings.

• Network with other agencies, coalitions, and local community meetings.

• Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings.

• Maintain participant-related data tracking systems, including case notes, and complete HMIS entries with the support of the Chief Solutions Officer.

• Maintain an “On Call” status to respond to emergencies as assigned.

• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work, or related field.

• Two years of related experience with case management services, housing, and displaced and mentally ill populations.

• Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel, and (preferably) Access. HMIS training is a plus.

• Extensive experience working with individuals who are chronically displaced and/or displaced veterans.

• Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidies is ideal (ie, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH).

• Project a professional demeanor.

• Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Must maintain and execute confidential information.

• Highly motivated self-starter and ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.

• Ability to work with diverse communities and exercise mature judgment.

• Problem-solving and conflict-resolution skills.

• A working knowledge and practice of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and the cognitive approach to providing social services and development services.

• A working knowledge of the “hidden rules” and motivating factors and dynamics of social class and generational poverty in America.

Required qualifications:

• Employment eligibility verification.

• Reliable personal (not public) transportation available at all times.

• Updated tuberculosis test.

• Successful completion of background screening.

Physical Requirements:

Housing Navigators are often required to visit participants in non-conventional locations. Sometimes while carrying supplies and needed equipment. This may include…

• Walking extensive distances

• Walking on unlevelled terrain

• Carrying up to 30lbs for extensive distances

Navigators are also required to work for many hours out of their vehicles making many stops throughout the day.

I have read and understand the job requirements, responsibilities, and expectations set forth in the job description provided for my position. I am able to perform the essential job functions as outlined with or without any reasonable accommodations.

Path of Life Ministries is an equal-opportunity employer/program. Auxiliary aids and services are available upon request to individuals with disabilities.