Housing Navigator

Description

The Housing Navigator supports Veterans experiencing homelessness by providing comprehensive housing location, navigation, and stabilization services. The Housing Navigator assesses each Veteran’s needs and connects them to appropriate housing options, including Permanent Supportive Housing, shared housing, general affordable housing, and private market units. The role includes working directly with landlords, accompanying Veterans to housing appointments, and supporting them through the entire housing search, application, leasing, and move-in process.

During intake, the Navigator assists Veterans in creating an Individual Action Plan (IAP) focused on achieving housing stability. After moving in, the Navigator continues to support veterans for up to 120 days, ensuring ongoing housing stabilization and connection to community resources.

Requirements

• Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or providing services to Veterans or individuals within mental/behavioral health systems.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Services, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Experience working with Veterans is strongly preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources, supportive services, and homeless services systems.
• Ability to work independently, manage high caseloads, and adapt to fast-paced environments.
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Proficiency in HMIS or willingness to be trained.
• Ability to engage clients using Trauma-Informed Care principles and client-centered service delivery.
• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation (if applicable for field-based work).
  
  

Key Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Client Services

• Complete participant intakes, needs assessments, and housing preference forms.
• Assist participants in identifying personal goals and developing Individual Action Plans (IAPs) to support long-term housing stability.
• Accompany Veterans to housing appointments, interviews, and unit viewings.
• Provide housing stabilization services including life skills coaching, budgeting, transportation planning, lease education, and self-advocacy.
• Ensure weekly contact with assigned Veterans to maintain trust, engagement, and progress.
• Maintain detailed case notes for each client’s engagement, entered into the designated system within 24 hours of service delivery.
  
  

Resource Coordination & Supportive Services

• Connect Veterans to resources aligned with their IAPs, including health care, mental health services, legal support, benefits, employment services, education, and vocational training.
• Provide ongoing stabilization and problem-solving support during the housing search and post-move-in phases.
• Conduct warm hand-offs to long-term service providers when necessary.
  
  

Landlord & Housing Partner Engagement

• Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
• Establish a portfolio of diverse housing options for Veterans.
• Support Veterans with rental applications, housing documentation, and unit searches.
• Collaborate with partners to resolve conflicts, remove barriers, and support successful tenancy.
  
  

Data Management & Compliance

• Enroll, update, and exit participants in HMIS, ensuring timely, accurate entry of all Universal Data Elements and Program-Specific Data Elements, including HUD-VASH requirements when applicable.
• Complete accurate case files with all required eligibility and documentation.
• Ensure HMIS exits occur within 3 business days of program exit.
• Track unit applications, housing progress, referrals, and participant milestones.
• Compile and submit reports detailing client status, housing activity, and supportive services provided.
  
  

Coordination & Collaboration

• Participate in CES coordination meetings, case conferences, and MVA-assigned meetings.
• Collaborate with community partners to streamline referrals and increase service accessibility.
• Attend staff development trainings, workshops, and professional development as assigned.
  
  

Work Environment

• May involve fieldwork, travel to participant residences, landlord sites, and community partner locations.
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Will work in an office environment and travel to community partners and housing sites. Must be able to lift 15 lbs. with a fair amount of sitting, answering telephone calls, and movement within the office. May be required to work some evenings and an occasional weekend day. Must be able to operate standard office equipment. A valid Driver’s License is required.

About Jvs Socal

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency providing job training, education, career services, mentoring, and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. As JVS SoCal continues to grow, we continue to look for qualified, dedicated staff to join us and play a role in transforming lives and bettering our communities throughout SoCal and beyond!