Position: Case Manager - Housing Navigator, Westside

Status: Full Time, Non-exempt, non-management

Reports To: Program Manager, Westside CES

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm

SUMMARY

In collaboration with the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and The People Concern

agency-wide programs, the Housing Navigator field-based program is responsible

for effectively navigating individuals matched to housing resources by the CES

Matcher through the match-to-lease-up process. As a member of a multi-person

Housing Navigation team housed within the CES department, the Housing Navigator

must thrive in a fast paced, group-oriented setting, and enjoy working ‘in the

field’ with clients in an array of both public and private agencies.

Importantly, the Housing Navigator must possess a working knowledge of the

myriad subsidies available through CES, and must be able to assist the Program

Manager in determining client eligibility for these subsidies according to the

complex matrix of HUD, local Housing Authority, and unit-specific regulations.

The Housing Navigator is responsible for preparing housing applications with a

strong focus on attention to detail, and is accountable to the Program Manager

for the timely processing of any documentation submitted to the Housing

Authority, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, or private landlords on

behalf of their program-enrolled clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Carry a case load of 20 clients to prepare and ensure that their housing matches are successful, as signified by the signing of a lease.

Maintain up to date, accurate, and complete data and progress notes, records, and communication logs regarding referrals, housing applications, and coordination with outside partners and as required by the project and its funding sources

Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals and objectives to assist participants in achieving their desired outcomes

Assess clients’ legal, financial, social, medical, and psychological needs as related to their housing search

Assess clients’ eligibility for public assistance; provide referrals and advocacy to access those benefits

Work cooperatively and cohesively with CES Matcher, CES Coordination Team and Interim Housing Teams throughout Service Planning Area 5 (Westside)

Perform housing location duties for clients matched to scattered site housing resources

Provide transportation to clients as needed. Will need to transport clients in personal vehicle at times.

In coordination with the Housing Navigation team Program Manager, mediate conflicts between clients and property management and/or private landlords to promote a smooth match-to-lease-up process

Implement and consistently practices harm reduction, trauma informed care, housing first and integrated care interventions

Able to serve a diverse vulnerable client populations and communicate effectively in a culturally competent manner

Establish and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with PSH lease-up staff and property management and agency colleagues to promote seamless delivery of services to members

Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of Housing Resources and various subsidy types inclusive of Permanent Supportive Housing providers in our community Advocate on behalf of clients to law enforcement, government agencies, social service agencies, educational institutions, medical and legal professionals, and others to ensure equitable access to housing

Develop effective, trusting relationships with program participants

Network and collaborate with community based organizations to obtain referrals and ensure contractual capacity is met Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HACLA, HACOLA, DHS, DMH, and other community housing resource providers

Ensure all paperwork and data collection for clients is complete, timely, accurate, and current in agency records, member charts and electronic databases

Attend and participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, and special projects to promote professional development

Assists the Program Manager with integrating housing services across the agency and works on multiple housing projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

1. High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent required

2. Bachelor’s degree in related field (Social Work, Community Organizing, or other Human Services) and one years’ full-time experience working with the homeless, preferably those living with mental illness and / or substance addictions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

3. Knowledge of homeless social service providers and Coordinated Entry System

4. Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, housing providers and community partners in a culturally competent manner

5. Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills

6. Self-starter with the ability to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment

7. Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies

Preferred Qualifications

• Bilingual (English/Spanish)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. Combination of field and office environment

2. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.

3. On occasion walk or drive to different local sites

4. Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments

5. Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor

6. May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES

• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times
• Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others
• Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration
• Respond in a timely manner in all aspects of communication
• Work with minimal supervision
• Possess a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, good driving record, and personal car insurance.
• Perform other duties as assigned

BEHAVIORS EXPECTED OF ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES

• Act as Role Models
• Demonstrate a Sense of Responsibility
• Continuously Learn and Improve
• Acknowledge Their Own Areas for Improvement
• Hear and Provide Honest, Direct and Specific Feedback
• Create an Environment Where Every Person is Welcomed, Valued and Respected
• Collaborate

The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination

in employment. We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit

history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $23.08 per hour

Benefits:

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

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

People with a criminal record are encouraged to apply

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Preferred)

Experience:

• Case Managment: 1 year (Preferred)
• working with the homeless: 1 year (Preferred)

Work Location: In person