Housing Navigator

JOB TITLE: Housing Navigator

REPORTS TO: Access Center Program Manager

STATUS: Full-Time, 40 hours/week, Non-Exempt

CELL PHONE: Reimbursement

DRIVER POSITION: Yes; please reference driving policy

SALARY RANGE: $21-23/hr DOE

ABOUT US:

Safe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. Founded in 2011, our agency offers trauma-informed, low barrier programs that support young people in exiting the streets and achieving stability so that they can thrive, not just survive. Our robust continuum of care includes street outreach, drop-in services, health and wellness programming, case management, education and employment services, and housing programs.

SPY is a unique social impact agency that is committed to overcoming structural barriers to equity, community collaboration, and innovative youth-focused programming. If you have the skills, passion and collaborative spirit, join our growing team of nearly 80 employees.

SPY strives to attract and develop individuals who reflect a broad spectrum of diversity, including (but by no means limited to) racial, ethnic, gender identity and socioeconomic dimensions. We believe that inclusion of diverse perspectives is essential to achieving long-term, systemic change. We explicitly seek applications from those who self-identify as coming from historically marginalized populations to enrich and elevate our equity-centered approach to problem-solving.

ABOUT THE ROLE:

A member of the Access Center team, the Housing Navigator is responsible for providing direct assistance and support to TAY experiencing a housing crisis and homelessness through clinical engagement and intensive case management services. These services include, but are not limited to, the following: crisis intervention; developing and promoting housing readiness; accessing opportunities for housing assistance and rental subsidy programs; and securing permanent housing placement. The position is also responsible for the development and implementation of a housing plan and budget for each program member. This position requires extensive coordination within multiple internal SPY Programs and external systems that include developing relationships with the Housing Authority, DCFS, DMH, community partners and resources, landlords, and property owners and managers.

WHAT YOU’LL DO:

• Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing skills with participants to identify possible supports in their network that can assist them with temporary or permanent housing outside of the Youth Coordinated Entry System (YCES)
• Deliver both field- and place-based supportive services, as appropriate, to participants
• Acquire resources and make successful referrals, including follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing
• Identify safety or health issues that may need to be considered during identification of housing
• Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crisis
• Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises
• Negotiate terms of agreements between participants and host as appropriate (e.g. actively seek employment, attend to medical/mental health/substance abuse issues, complete household chores weekly, etc.)
• Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in all relevant databases in a timely and thorough manner
• Assist in budgeting with participants, and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved
• Facilitate access to YCES for participants, as appropriate, including the completion of the Initial Triage and Initial Assessment phases of system access and assessment
• For participants gaining entry into CES, provide a warm handoff to sustained case management services where possible, or provide initial case management for up to 60 days upon the participant gaining CES access
• Attend trainings and participate in regular technical assistance such as learning collaboratives
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization

Requirements

SKILLS YOU’LL NEED:

• Best practice models including: Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Critical Time Intervention.
• Self-Starter skill set, requiring the ability to develop relationships, build rapport and trust with members, community partners, volunteers, and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to uphold Access Center policy and procedure with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities in a multicultural environment.
• Works cooperatively with individuals, groups and organizations with diverse mission, composition, function, capacity and geographic location.
• Understanding of homeless services including CES and HMIS database.
• Strong understanding of LA County foster care and juvenile justice systems, including foster care placement options, participant rights and eligibility, and discharge planning processes.
• Strong belief in growth mindset, self-determination, and psychological resilience.
• Must have valid CA Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record

BACKGROUND YOU’LL NEED:

• 1 years’ case management or related experience working with unhoused and at-risk TAY preferred
• 1 years’ experience working in a drop-in center, access center, or access point preferred
• Knowledge and experience working with co-occurring populations (chronic health conditions, mental health and substance abuse) preferred
• Knowledge and experience working with LA-based housing resources, partners, and programs.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS:

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: In an effort to stem the significant increase in COVID-19 positive tests as a result of the Delta variant, the State Health Officer has issued an order, which went into effect on August 9, 2021, requiring paid and unpaid workers of homeless services organizations to provide proof of vaccination and/or booster (if eligible for the booster shot) or participate in weekly COVID-19 testing if still not fully vaccinated. Please send proof of vaccination to HR. Failure to provide proof of vaccination will require the candidate to produce a negative test result within 72 hours of their first day of employment and commit to weekly testing. To request a reasonable accommodation or exemption, contact HR at HR. Please be mindful that these accommodations are limited in nature.

BENEFITS & PERKS:

Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time. We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

All aspects of employment including the decision to hire, promote, discipline, or discharge, will be based on merit, competence, performance, and business needs. Safe Place for Youth does not discriminate on the basis of any protected status under federal, state, or local law.

Safe Place for Youth is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workforce. In addition, the organization will consider employment-qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring.

Please include references in your application.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.00 - $23.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: One location

Salary : $21 - $23