Housing Navigator

Statement of Purpose

The Housing Navigator will work under the supervision of the Housing Program Manager to address the immediate housing needs of people experiencing homelessness who have mental health and/or substance use disorders within service planning area (SPA) 8.

Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities

• Conduct intake assessment and enrollment into Housing Navigation

• Create an Individualized Housing and Supportive Services Plan

• Coordinate with treatment setting (if client is enrolled in treatment) to ensure Care Coordination services are not overlapping with Housing Navigation efforts

• Develop relationships with community partners, other service providers, agencies offering housing subsidies, and property owners and managers

• Assist in housing unit viewings

• Completion, submission, and coordination of housing subsidy and/or lease applications, including gathering all necessary documentation (identification, income verification, etc.)

• Management and distribution of Participant Assistance Funds

• Identification and other vital documents

• Costs associated with credit reports, housing applications, utility hookups

• Transportation

• Food, hygiene products, moderate furnishings

• Reporting and documentation through HMIS and any other platform as directed by DPH-SAPC

• Coordinate care in collaboration with all members of the clients care team

Prerequisite Qualifications

The following are the qualifications required to perform the essential functions of this position. Qualifications may be subject to modification based on the Americans with Disabilities Act.

• High school diploma or GED equivalent and qualified work experience in the human services field (preferably in a housing-related capacity).
• Possesses in-depth knowledge of available housing, social and community service programs in service planning area (SPA) 8.
• Must have knowledge in Microsoft Office, specifically MS Word and Excel.
• Have at least 2 years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness, (PEH) and have a minimum of one year of experience providing Housing Navigation or Case Management unless otherwise approved by the County.
• Have expertise in the following areas: chronic homelessness, outreach and engagement strategies, SUD and mental health services, crisis intervention, suicide assessment and prevention, affordable housing and public benefits applications, housing and landlord/tenant rights, eviction prevention, etc.
• Must have a valid California Driver's license, reliable vehicle and adequate insurance.
• Recovering individuals must have a minimum of two years clean, sober and be abstinent to be considered for employment.

Must be able to stand, stoop, bend, squat, and reach for purpose of performing job duties such as handling materials stocked on shelves, filing, lifting, and assisting in emergency situations. Routinely lift and move items weighing up to ten pounds and occasionally up to twenty-five pounds. Vision, hearing, manual dexterity and eye-hand coordination must be adequate for performance of job duties. Able to sit at desk, use keyboard, write and physically perform other job duties.

The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job as identified and shall not be considered as a detailed description of all the work requirements which may be inherent in the position.

Required Education:

• High School Diploma or equivalent.

Required Experience:

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability.
• Experience in case management or social services.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge of community resources and housing programs.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to maintain client confidentiality.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
• Valid drivers license and reliable transportation.