Housing Navigation Specialist I

Los Angeles LGBT Center•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Housing Navigator meets contract requirements while providing client-centered supportive services. The role focuses on resolving homelessness quickly for eligible participants by helping them access emergency, transitional, and permanent housing. The Youth Center serves young people up to age 24 who are at risk of or experiencing homelessness, in an LGBTQ+ safe and affirming environment.

Requirements

At least 3 years of direct-service experience as a case manager with homeless clients, clients with chronic illnesses, or in housing case management/navigation.
Knowledge of or experience working with the LGBTQ community and familiarity with issues relevant to LGBTQ people.
Knowledge of community resources and referrals for mental health, case management, and other appropriate services.
Reliable transportation and ability to be insured.
AHA CPR certification.
Excellent verbal and written communication skills, with strong organizational, detail, and interpersonal skills.
Excellent computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office, word processing, Electronic Health Records, and other software systems.
Ability to be self-motivated and dedicated to initiating and completing complex tasks.
Ability to manage multiple tasks, maintain attention to detail, and preserve strict confidentiality of medical information.
Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
Demonstrated ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions, socioeconomic backgrounds, religions, ages, English-speaking abilities, immigration statuses, and physical abilities in a multicultural environment.
Passion for the Center’s work and its mission to improve the lives of LGBTQ people.
Ability to maintain a “whatever it takes” attitude when working with challenging individuals.

Nice To Haves

Training in Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed practice.
Bilingual English/Spanish fluency.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary contact for clients throughout their participation in the program.
Complete comprehensive intake and assessments to determine participants’ needs, eligibility, interests, and goals.
Assess and implement interventions to reduce barriers to housing.
Help participants obtain and stabilize in permanent housing as available.
Link clients to supportive services, including mental health, health, substance abuse, employment, and education services, both within the Center and through external providers.
Connect clients with resources such as DPSS, Social Security, Medi-Cal, and CalFresh, and act as their liaison with those resources.
Search for suitable housing opportunities with clients, including short-term crisis and affordable housing.
Collect required eligibility documents and assist with housing applications.
Develop individual case plans with clients and their current or previous supports, addressing education and employment, housing stability, financial stability, positive healthy outcomes, and permanent connections.
Conduct required home and field visits to help ensure clients maintain their housing successfully.
Work creatively and effectively with an interdisciplinary team to support client needs.
Present clients at weekly case conferences and coordinate services with internal and external providers.
Maintain client statistical data, enter information in HMIS Clarity, complete standardized screening, and record points of contact.
Maintain complete, accurate electronic records of care and services provided.
Communicate with participants and landlords and interact professionally with staff and clients.
Use standard office equipment, including personal computers and printers.
Assist with data audits, prepare required reports, and submit them on time.
Participate in staff, agency, planning, and other meetings as needed.
Comply with OSHA, HIPAA, and other applicable regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.