Housing Liaison Specialist II– Orangewood Resource Center

Orangewood Foundation•Santa Ana, CA

About The Position

The Housing Liaison Specialist II supports transitional-age youth ages 18–24 at the Orangewood Resource Center, a drop-in center offering community resources and short-term case management to help young people transition to self-sufficiency. The role provides life-skills instruction, basic-needs assistance, and connections to employment, education, housing, and other community resources. It assesses individual needs, maintains current knowledge of housing resources, builds relationships with housing partners, and helps participants navigate barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing. Support is delivered using a trauma-responsive approach through individual meetings, outreach, and community events. The position may involve high stress related to participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. The position is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt. Its scheduled hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.; and the third Saturday of each month from 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. The position reports to the Program Supervisor in the Programs department. The work schedule may be modified based on Foundation needs. The role requires use of a personal vehicle and a valid California driver's license with proof of automobile insurance, as well as DMV clearance. Pre-employment screenings include a criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification. Applicants must also complete a Plum.io assessment as part of the application process.

Requirements

High school diploma and at least 4 years of experience with similar case management services, or a bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field and at least 2 years of experience with similar case management services.
Demonstrated understanding of trauma-responsive care, Housing First principles, barriers faced by TAY experiencing homelessness, and available Orange County resources.
Ability to work sensitively with young people affected by trauma, exploitation, behavioral health challenges, chronic homelessness, and complex needs.
Ability to work in a high-crisis, fast-paced environment and flexibility to meet participants outside typical business hours.
Strong decision-making skills and ability to remain calm and effective during crises.
Ability to take direction, accept feedback, and integrate new practices.
Strong multitasking skills and ability to learn and apply knowledge quickly.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and Access, and data entry.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
Effective written and verbal communication skills, including conflict resolution and mediation.
Ability to build positive working relationships with internal staff, participants, county partners, and community-based organizations.
Motivation, independence, adaptability, and commitment to serving vulnerable young people.
Comfort discussing and addressing child abuse, exploitation, risky behaviors, and trauma.
Understanding of and passion for the Foundation's mission, vision, and values; enjoys working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, and the TAY population.
Use of a personal vehicle, a valid California driver's license, proof of automobile insurance, and DMV clearance.
Completion of required pre-employment criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, previous employment verification, and Plum.io assessment.

Nice To Haves

Experience with HMIS and Apricot.

Responsibilities

Provide trauma-responsive, strength-based, person-centered assessment and care to TAY participants experiencing homelessness, including safety planning, advocacy, crisis intervention, and ongoing engagement.
Serve as a low-barrier referral access point and complete intakes, eligibility screenings, and needs assessments.
Develop and regularly update Individualized Housing and Service Plans that address housing goals, service needs, alternative strategies, and harm-reduction approaches.
Partner with other Orangewood programs to function as a Coordinated Entry System access point, completing assessments, collecting documentation, and ensuring enrollment within 30 days.
Provide housing-focused care and navigation, including helping participants find housing units, complete applications, secure documents, and attend housing-related appointments.
Deliver field-based and office-based support and connect participants to healthcare, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, benefits advocacy, basic needs, emergency housing, and transportation.
Support eligible participants with Medi-Cal and CalAIM enrollment and help participants who are not eligible for Medi-Cal access services.
Coordinate with referring partners, multidisciplinary teams, county agencies, and community providers to promote continued engagement and warm handoffs.
Foster a supportive environment for healing, stabilization, life-skills development, coping strategies, and positive decision-making.
Attend internal and external meetings, case conferences, provider meetings, and community events, representing the mission, values, and needs of participants.
Maintain accurate, timely documentation in HMIS, Apricot, and other systems; track program supports and follow confidentiality and compliance policies.
Provide customer service, distribute basic-needs items, and help participants access immediate and long-term resources.
Participate in cross-training and support other program roles to maintain services and contribute to shared program success.
Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

Benefits

Medical coverage through Blue Shield HMO and PPO, with HRA.
Delta Dental coverage.
Vision coverage through the EyeMed network.
Healthcare and dependent-care flexible spending accounts.
Mental-health services through Headspace, including virtual and in-person therapy.
Employee Assistance Program through Umum and Headspace.
Life, disability, accident, and critical illness coverage.
Pet insurance.
403(b) plan with company match.
Cell phone stipend.
Five sick days per year.
Up to three floating holidays per year.
Year-one PTO accrual of 15 days at 5 hours per pay period.
13 company-paid holidays.
Flexible scheduling.
Professional development.
Mental and physical wellness support.
Competitive compensation.