Housing Liaison Specialist II– Orangewood Resource Center

Orangewood Foundation • Santa Ana, CA

5d

About The Position

The Housing Liaison Specialist II supports transitional-age youth (TAY), ages 18–24, at the Orangewood Resource Center, a drop-in center providing access to community resources and short-term case management. The role provides life-skills instruction, basic-needs assistance, and connections to employment, education, housing, and other community resources. It assesses participants’ individual needs, maintains knowledge of housing resources, builds relationships with housing partners, and helps participants navigate barriers to obtaining and sustaining stable housing. Support is delivered through one-on-one meetings, outreach, and community events using a trauma-responsive approach.

The position serves youth experiencing homelessness and may involve high stress while responding to participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma. Staff are encouraged to prioritize self-care and seek support when needed. The role is full-time, hourly, and non-exempt, with a schedule of 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.

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 similar experience.
• Demonstrated understanding of trauma-responsive care, Housing First principles, barriers experienced 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, and enjoyment of working directly with youth, volunteers, community partners, and the TAY population.
• Use of a personal vehicle is required.
• Valid California driver's license and proof of automobile insurance; DMV clearance is required.
• Ability to meet physical requirements including standing, sitting, typing, bending, and lifting up to approximately 25 pounds.
• Completion of pre-employment criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous-employment verification.
• Completion of the required Plum.io assessment as part of the application process.

Nice To Haves

• Experience with HMIS and Apricot.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-responsive, strength-based, person-centered assessment and care to TAY 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 (IHSPs), including housing goals, service needs, alternative strategies, and harm-reduction approaches.
• Work with other Orangewood programs as a Coordinated Entry System (CES) Access Point; complete CES assessments, collect required documentation, and ensure CES enrollment within 30 days.
• Provide housing-focused care and navigation, including helping participants find units, complete applications, secure documents, and attend housing-related appointments.
• Provide field-based and office-based care connecting participants to healthcare, behavioral health, substance-use treatment, benefits advocacy, basic needs, emergency housing, and transportation support.
• Support eligible participants with Medi-Cal and CalAIM enrollment and ensure access to services for participants who are not eligible for Medi-Cal.
• Coordinate with referring partners, multidisciplinary teams, county agencies, and community providers to promote continuous engagement and warm handoffs.
• Maintain a supportive environment that fosters healing, stabilization, life skills, 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 and 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 support access to immediate and long-term resources.
• Participate in cross-training and support other program roles to help ensure uninterrupted services and shared responsibility for program success.
• Perform additional duties as assigned by program leadership.

Benefits

• Medical coverage through Blue Shield HMO and PPO, plus HRA.
• Dental coverage through Delta Dental.
• 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) retirement plan with company match.
• Cell phone stipend.
• Five sick days per year.
• Up to three floating holidays per year.
• Year-one PTO: 15 days accrued at 5 hours per pay period.
• 13 company-paid holidays.
• Flexible scheduling.
• Professional development.
• Mental and physical wellness commitment.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level