Housing Navigator

Position Summary

The Community Supports Case Manager – Housing Navigator assists Medi-Cal members experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness in obtaining, transitioning into, and maintaining permanent housing through California's CalAIM Community Supports Program. This position serves as the primary liaison between members, landlords, property management companies, housing authorities, community organizations, and healthcare providers to reduce barriers to housing and promote long-term housing stability.

The Housing Navigator provides comprehensive housing navigation, housing transition, housing tenancy, and financial literacy services while coordinating closely with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) providers and other interdisciplinary team members to ensure members receive person-centered, coordinated care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Navigation

• Conduct comprehensive housing needs assessments and identify barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
• Develop individualized housing plans that support each member's housing goals.
• Identify and secure affordable housing opportunities that meet members' needs.
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with landlords, property management companies, housing authorities, and community partners.
• Coordinate apartment tours, complete housing applications, and assist members throughout the leasing process.
• Assist with lease documentation and other required housing paperwork.
• Advocate on behalf of members during the housing search and placement process.

Housing Deposits and Move-In Assistance

• Coordinate security deposits, utility deposits, and approved move-in assistance for eligible members.
• Obtain and maintain required landlord documentation and lease agreements.
• Verify member eligibility for Community Supports housing-related services.
• Process payment requests and maintain accurate financial documentation, receipts, and supporting records.
• Ensure all housing-related expenditures comply with DHCS, IEHP, and organizational requirements.

Housing Transition Services

• Coordinate move-in dates with landlords and members.
• Assist members in obtaining furniture, household essentials, and other approved move-in items.
• Coordinate utility activation and other services necessary for a successful transition into permanent housing.
• Connect members to community resources that support long-term housing stability.
• Monitor and facilitate a smooth transition from homelessness or temporary housing into permanent housing.

Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services

• Conduct home visits to monitor housing stability and identify potential barriers.
• Provide eviction prevention interventions and landlord mediation when appropriate.
• Assist members in maintaining lease compliance and positive landlord relationships.
• Develop individualized housing stability plans.
• Teach budgeting, financial management, lease compliance, and independent living skills.
• Coordinate ongoing housing support services with ECM providers and other members of the care team.

Financial Literacy and Life Skills Education

• Facilitate individual and group classes on budgeting, financial literacy, credit building, banking, and money management.
• Educate members on developing and maintaining household budgets.
• Teach members strategies for managing rent, utilities, and recurring household expenses.
• Provide education on building and repairing credit, understanding credit reports, and improving overall financial health.
• Assist members in establishing savings goals and developing long-term financial plans that support housing stability.
• Facilitate life skills workshops focused on independent living, lease compliance, tenant rights and responsibilities, conflict resolution, and self-sufficiency.
• Document member attendance, participation, progress, and outcomes in accordance with Community Supports documentation requirements.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Care Managers and interdisciplinary care teams.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary team meetings.
• Coordinate referrals and communicate regularly with medical, behavioral health, social service, and community providers.
• Maintain consistent communication with members to monitor progress toward housing and wellness goals.

Documentation and Compliance

• Complete all Community Supports documentation within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record.
• Maintain landlord communication logs and housing progress notes.
• Upload receipts, invoices, leases, and supporting documentation as required.
• Ensure compliance with DHCS, CalAIM, IEHP, Medi-Cal, and organizational policies and procedures.
• Participate in audits, quality improvement initiatives, and documentation reviews as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or a related field preferred.
• Associate degree with equivalent experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in housing navigation, homeless services, supportive housing, case management, or a related field.
• Experience working with Medi-Cal, CalAIM, Community Supports, or Enhanced Care Management preferred.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and a clean driving record.

Preferred Qualifications

Experience with:

• Coordinated Entry System (CES)
• Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Landlord recruitment and engagement
• Fair Housing laws
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
• Housing Authority programs and processes
• Behavioral Health
• Substance Use Disorder services
• Recuperative Care
• Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
• Community Supports (CS)

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• California DHCS Community Supports requirements.
• CalAIM Housing Transition Navigation, Housing Deposits, and Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services.
• Landlord-tenant laws and housing resources.
• Housing First principles.
• Trauma-Informed Care.
• Harm Reduction.
• Motivational Interviewing.
• Crisis intervention and de-escalation techniques.
• Community resource coordination.
• Strong organizational, communication, documentation, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within an interdisciplinary team.