Agency Summary

Friendship Shelter is a non-profit homeless services agency founded in 1988 and dedicated to ending homelessness in South Orange County, one person at a time. Friendship Shelter operates a full spectrum of services to end homelessness, including street outreach, emergency shelter, housing navigation, financial assistance, and permanent housing with supportive services. We believe in a housing-first and harm-reduction approach and value the unique experience of each client we serve. All of our programs employ trauma-informed principles and are housing-focused, low-barrier and client-centered. We are committed to diversity in our workforce and endeavor to create a work experience that is inclusive, meaningful, and effective at ending homelessness.

Position Summary

The Outreach Housing Navigator is responsible for managing a caseload of individuals experiencing homelessness and at-risk clients, as well as creating realistic, achievable housing plans with each client. This includes providing case management and housing navigation, conducting assessments, making referrals, providing transportation (as applicable), and goal setting.

Job Duties:

• Provide initial eligibility assessments and ongoing case management to clients through regular appointments and follow-up.
• Assist clients with accessing resources necessary to secure and maintain housing (including accessing employment and/or income benefits, linkages to medical care, mental health care, money management, etc.).
• Provide advocacy and assistance to clients for tasks related to their housing plan (such as housing search, meeting a prospective landlord, signing housing documents, attending appointments for income or health services, etc.).
• Keep accurate, current, and well written case notes and housing plans for every client.
• Collect and report client data as required per agency contracts and policies, including entering data and documents into HMIS and CalOptima Connect.
• Participate in case reviews and staff meetings as required. Communicate regularly with program staff regarding guest progress.
• Assess each client’s needs using agency provided tools and work with clients to create a housing plan that resolves homelessness.
• Model personal behaviors that reflect the problem solving, communication and life skills we expect of our guests.
• Provide housing navigation services in conjunction with all contract requirements and guidelines.
• Utilize a team approach in delivering services that quickly and efficiently resolve housing barriers.
• Respond to crises as needed and work with other Navigators and Program Manager to resolve client issues.
• Maintain positive and cooperative relationships with staff, partnering agencies, and community volunteers who provide services and support to the program.
• Participate in county wide meetings as a representative of Friendship Shelter as requested.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• Experience in case management or direct service required.
• Experience and/or credentials working with individuals with severe and persistent mental illness, substance use disorder, or other disabling conditions.
• Understanding and commitment to Client Centered, Harm Reduction, and Housing First models of service delivery.

Basic Qualifications:

• Degree in social work, related field, or equivalent experience.
• Proficient computer skills.
• Action-oriented and adaptable with excellent communication skills and organizational abilities.
• A collaborative, positive, and mature approach and an ethic of teamwork.
• Strong conflict resolution and de-escalation skills.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle with valid registration and insurance.
• Experience with navigating the local OC social service arena, such as Medi-Cal, food stamps/GR, ID services, social security, and homeless service providers preferred.
• Familiarity with Orange County Continuum of Care preferred.

Driving Requirements

- Driving is an essential duty or function of this job.

- Drive up to 30 %

Environmental & Physical Requirements

Office/ Non-Sedentary Requirements

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the job. Work will be performed in shared spaces within the office environment and will involve interaction with clients. Typically requires the ability to spend 66% hours each workday doing the following activities: stand for extended periods of time, walk, bend, stoop, or climb. May require the ability to lift and/or push up to 25 pounds 33% - 66% of the time. Driving a personal vehicle for client meetings during work hours is required.

Additional Information Regarding Friendship Shelter Job Duties and Job Descriptions

Job duties include additional responsibilities as assigned by one’s supervisor or other manager related to the position/department. This job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required for the position. The Company reserves the right at any time with or without notice to alter or change job responsibilities, reassign or transfer job position or assign additional job responsibilities, subject to applicable law. The Company shall provide reasonable accommodations of known disabilities to enable a qualified applicant or employee to apply for employment, perform the essential functions of the job, or enjoy the benefits and privileges of employment as required by the law.

Any estimate, schedule, or guideline provided to associates in this job description or elsewhere in connection with their jobs is only intended to help describe job duties and for planning purposes. Regardless of any such estimate, schedule, or guideline, employees must always record all time worked for our company (which includes but is not limited to on-site work time at a shelter, office, or other work location; required waiting time; administrative time; and work-related travel time).

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.72 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Ability to Relocate:

• Laguna Beach, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person