Bilingual Housing Navigator (Imperial County)

NAMI San Diego•El Centro, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties is seeking a Bilingual Housing Navigator to support individuals who are Medi-Cal members, served by HealthNet (CHPIV) in Imperial County, and are experiencing homelessness or are at risk of homelessness. These individuals may have serious chronic medical conditions, serious mental health conditions, or substance use issues, and can be adults, children, youth, or transition-age youth. The Housing Navigator will assist individuals in identifying and obtaining housing, successfully moving in, and retaining it. This position is field-based in Imperial County, with some work in the El Centro offices.

Requirements

Must be fluent in English and Spanish.
Minimum one year of experience providing housing navigation or closely related support.
Minimum of one year of experience supporting individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness.
Minimum of one year of experience supporting individuals experiencing mental health or substance use conditions.
Intermediate to advanced proficiency with computer software (Microsoft Office: Outlook, Word, Excel) and web navigation.
Strong positive viewpoint towards individuals living with mental health conditions, substance use conditions, homelessness, recent history of justice involvement, and their families.
Able to communicate effectively, verbally and in writing.
Demonstrated ability to maintain confidentiality.
Exceptional interpersonal skills, positivity, attention to detail, flexibility, and enjoy working in an ever-changing environment.
Excellent planning, organizing, analyzing, problem-solving, and time management skills.
Ability to get along and work effectively with others.
Reliable and consistent attendance.
Must be willing and able to drive personal car to transport clients.
Must have a valid California Driver's License and comprehensive automobile insurance as required by law.
Must have a satisfactory driving record.
Applicants will be required to undergo a background check following a contingent offer of employment and must receive satisfactory results prior to a final offer of employment.

Nice To Haves

Personal lived experience or with a family member or loved one with mental health conditions, substance use, or homelessness.
In depth knowledge of Imperial County's housing resources, social services, and culture.
Knowledge of and use of recovery language, preferred.

Responsibilities

Build rapport and provide culturally sensitive, gender affirming and trauma informed support.
Conduct ongoing meetings with clients to determine needs, preferences, and goals.
Develop and implement person-centered housing plans, updating them as needed.
Research available housing options, present them to individuals, accompany them to potential housing sites, and support with application processes.
Support individuals with applications for subsidies and obtaining housing-related documentation.
Identify needs for rental deposits, one-time services, and modifications for safe and stable housing; obtain approvals, coordinate, and secure related funding.
Support individuals with maintaining safe and stable tenancy, including resolving landlord-related issues.
Conduct outreach with landlords and housing sites to provide program information and facilitate client access to housing.
Utilize evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, housing first, and harm reduction.
Complete timely and accurate documentation of eligibility, consent, assessments, progress towards goals, and all communications.
Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness and relevant agencies/providers.
Participate in homeless outreach events with the goal of maintaining an active caseload of 35 clients.
Other duties as assigned.