Housing Navigator

JOB OVERVIEW

Under the direction of the Program Director, the Housing Navigator is responsible for the navigation and case management of program participants with the goal of facilitating individuals to improve their finances and move to stable/permanent housing. Housing Navigation duties include, but are not limited to intake, assessments, meeting with clients, working with clients to develop and implement housing goal plans, providing supportive and referral services, monitoring client progress/outcomes, data entry/collection, record keeping, reporting, researching available housing opportunities, establishing relationships with landlords and housing agencies, and other duties as required. Community Homeless Solutions is a regional provider of comprehensive services to the homeless in Monterey and San Benito County. We are an “At-Will” and Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Title: Housing Navigator

This Position Reports To: Program Director

Position Status: Non-Exempt

Work Hours: Full-time; Monday thru Friday 8am to 5pm

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Housing Navigation

• Provide effective/compassionate housing navigation services and follow best practices, including Housing First principles and Trauma-Informed Care.

• Conduct housing navigation services such as client assessments, joint-development and implementation of client housing plans, meeting with clients, providing supportive and referral services, monitoring client progress/ outcomes, data entry/collection, reporting, and follow up services, etc.

• Participate and assist with weekly case reviews.

• Disseminate essential information, provide sound referrals, and advocate for client needs.

• Establish pertinent relationships with homeless service agencies to expand network of housing options and willing landlords that may house shelter clients.

• Develop database of possible housing locations for clients in various cities and keep updated on a regular basis.

• Develop expertise in rental support and Section 8 vouchers to be well versed regarding financial support available to clients for housing.

• Participate in professional development trainings such as Housing First and Trauma-Informed Care.

• Collect, record, and report all relevant program/client related information and data, to include use of HMIS.

• Treat all clients, staff, and the public with professionalism, respect, and courtesy.

• Perform crisis intervention activities as needed.

• Maintain client (past/present) confidentiality.

• Being able to do a shift log for each shift

• Ability to use google calendar

• All documents must be accepted by PM

• Any extensions will be signed by PM

• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS

• At least one year of case management experience.

• Knowledge of and experience with Housing First Principles, Trauma-Informed Care and other best practices is preferred.

• Demonstrated dedication to work effectively with the homeless, victims of domestic violence, as well as underserved, at-risk, and vulnerable populations.

• Strong verbal and written communication skills.

• Ability to work effectively with community partners.

• Ability to pass criminal background check.

• Ability to mediate disputes and manage emergencies and crisis situations.

• Must have a valid California State driver’s license.

• Ability to be insured by the agency’s insurance carrier.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office computer programs.

• Ability to work flexible hours.

• Good problem assessment & solving skills and ability to develop and implement plan of action with clients.

• Able to meet agency working conditions (see below).

• Bilingual/Bicultural Spanish preferred.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Working conditions described herein are representative of those that must be met by a CHS employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Variations in conditions may occur under certain circumstances.

ENVIRONMENT

Approximately 80% of the time performing job duties is spent indoors in a standard office.

Approximately 20% of the time performing outreach duties as assigned by the program manager in collaboration with the client.

Employee works near office equipment and may occasionally be exposed to the risk of electric shock. Much of the work is performed on a computer but requires proficiency with written notes and time management.

Noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

The temperature of the work environment is moderate and ranges from 65 ~ 80 degrees.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Seldom (1~5%): smell, drive, and reach above shoulders

Occasionally (6-33%): bend, twist, push, pull, climb, squat, crawl, kneel, and drive

Frequently (34-66%): sit, reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stand and walk; grasp with hands and fingers, and lift up to 40 lbs.

Continuously (67-100%): use hands to finger, handle or feel objects, tools, or controls; see (including close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust). Hear and speak; key (i.e., computer, calculator, telephone); and lift (up to 10 lbs.).

MACHINES, TOOLS AND EQUIPMENT

Seldom (1~5%): automobile

Occasionally (6-33%): copier, fax, and 10-key calculator

Frequently (34-66%): computer

Continuously (67-100%): writing instruments and telephone

TRAVEL

This job requires minimal routine travel within proximity to the regular assigned work location.

Valid driver’s license, proof of insurance, clean driving record, and ability to be insured by the agency’s insurance carrier. Reliable transportation required.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30