Housing Navigator - Homeless Services

ABUNDANT BLESSINGS

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Title: Case Manager

FLSA: Non-Exempt, Full-time

Supervisor: Lead Case Manager
Starting Rate: $24.00 To DOE

Location: Los Angeles, California

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At Abundant Blessings, it is our mission to continue the fight, to end homelessness through providing short-term or long-term crisis supportive housing services and necessary resources, for people who are experiencing homelessness, prolonged poverty, and poor health, have support to lead safe, stable lives as they transition to permanent housing. We do this by employing the most qualified staff, dedicated volunteers and partnerships that believe in everyone’s potential and ability to feel successful as defined in their own terms.

Summary:

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. The Housing Navigator will collaborate with the Case Manager to make sure the client will be permanently housed in a timely manner.

REQUIRED Experience:

· REQUIRED - Housing Navigation experience.

· REQUIRED - THREE (3) YEARS of Case Management experience.

· REQUIRED - Job-related experience collaborating with homeless individuals.

· REQUIRED - Experience/knowledge of housing subsidies, housing resources, and landlord/tenant rights.

Required Duties:

· The Navigator will work with clients in the Time Limited Subsidies Programs or Singles (male & female) Sites

· Provide a housing-first model to assist participants in becoming self-sufficient and obtaining permanent housing through referrals.

· Will provide support to participants through individualized case management including but not limited to support with completing housing applications.

· Will collaborate with participant to assure client is document ready for housing.

· The Case Manager will screen participants in Problem-Solving to determine if there is access to other housing options.

· Outreach to and build rapport with local business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers, and other service providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities.

· Work with Outreach staff to develop individualized housing plans and assist homeless neighbors with accessing resources and making referrals; continue to engage with unsheltered homeless neighbors until permanent housing is obtained.

· Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients, such as subsidized housing, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, Rapid Re-housing, as well as other nontraditional housing opportunities.

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

· Work with Outreach staff to assist in obtaining housing readiness documentation such as ID, social security card and income verification and provide transportation to appointments, as necessary.

· Provide support for people as they transition from homelessness to housing.

· Assist neighbors in the actual move-in process, both physically and emotionally.

· Collaborate with KCB Retention Case Managers to maintain consistent, positive relationships with landlords who have housed neighbors involved in KCB/OPHS programs.

· Maintain complete client records in client charts as well as in appropriate internal and external data management information systems (e.g., HMIS), and other reports as directed.

· Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, medical care programs, law enforcement, local officials, and providers of services and resources to homeless neighbors.

· Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.

· Facilitate and engage in local landlord outreach activities involving partners within the SPA 7 community.

· Maintain commitment to program-specific requirements identified in KCB Housing Policies and Procedures as well as the most updated “Housing Navigation Scope of Required Services,” provided by LAHSA (Los Angeles County Homeless Service Authority).

· Other tasks as assigned.

Rapid Re-Housing Navigation Duties:

· Establish a housing network by developing links with landlord and property management companies.

· Unit viewing and inspection.

· Create and manage data of available rental units in the Housing Stock Portfolio

· Develop partnership with landlords and property management companies to give priority to HOPICS Rapid Re-Housing tenant referrals.

· Assist with the application process and requesting application fees.

· Requesting the security deposit for the participant’s identified unit

· Requesting TLS for participants housing subsidy support (12-24 months)

Accountability and Review:

· Position reports to: Lead Case Manager

· Performance review: 3-month probationary period with a performance review, followed by Annual reviews.

Qualifications, Knowledge, and Experience:

· A minimum of two years’ related professional experience

• Prior experience working with low-income individuals and families including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults.

• Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness

• Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e., Section 8, Rapid Rehousing, PSH, Bridge Housing, VASH, etc.)

• Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, and availability, as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources, among others.

• Effective written and oral communication skills

• Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations.

• Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery.

• Proven ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.

• Exhibits dedication to the missions of Kingdom Causes Bellflower.

• Works effectively with people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, and socio-economic backgrounds.

• Ability to build trust and rapport with both property managers/landlords and homeless neighbors.

• Has basic understanding of severe mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues and symptoms.

• Listening with sensitivity to other people’s feelings, needs, and point of view; demonstrates tact and courtesy in expressing opinions or ideas and recognizing opportunities to enhance community relations.

• Is proficient with computers and related technology; must maintain neighbor-related data tracking systems, including case notes.

• Maintains a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard, is caring and compassionate.

• Displays appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercises mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.

• Completes tasks in a timely and efficient manner, utilizing good organizational skills. Has the ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively.

• Adapts well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.

• Effectively works within a team and successfully motivates others.

• Maintains personal and professional integrity and manages confidential information with discretion.

• Desires to grow in knowledge of homeless services and resources.

• Possesses a valid California driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record.

• Is able to work flexible hours.

• Is familiar with Harm Reduction and Housing First models of service delivery. (Preferred)

• Speaks conversational Spanish. (Preferred)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $28.00 per hour

Expected hours: 1 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Experience:

• Case management: 2 years (Preferred)

Work Location: In person