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 client advocacy, case management, benefit establishment, linkage to Mental Health/Substance Abuse services, linkage to stable housing and all other supportive services as needed. Housing Navigators will provide individualized client support by helping each client 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 clients 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 clients’ 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 clients and their families exit homelessness and move into permanent housing.

• Coordinate and identify appropriate resources and mainstream benefits that lead to permanent housing options for clients, 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 Employment Pipeline 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 need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination.

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

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

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

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

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

 

Outreach and Relationship Management

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

• Mediate disputes between homeless persons and neighborhood residents.

• Attend collaborative meetings.

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

• Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings.

• Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete HMIS entries with support of Director of Homeless Services.

• 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 in related experience with case management services, housing, homeless and mentally ill populations.

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

• Extensive experiences working with individuals that are chronically homeless and/or homeless 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 and Outreach Navigators are often required to visit clients 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.

 

NOTE:  This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employee may perform other related duties as negotiated to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.