Housing Navigator

Path of Life Ministries•Riverside, CA

5h•Hybrid

About The Position

Housing Navigation is a fast-paced and very hands-on job requiring high-levels of nuanced people skills, creativity with a solutions focus, and extreme flexibility as well as self-management by those who are comfortable in a wide variety of unconventional situations working with a very challenged population in scattered sites and in the field throughout the County of Riverside. Additionally, housing navigation requires a high level of detailed documentation and file work. The Housing Navigator, under the direction of the Senior Housing Manager, provides participant advocacy, intensive case management, benefit establishment, linkage to Mental Health/Substance Abuse services, linkage to stable housing and all other supportive services as needed. Housing Navigators will provide individualized participant support by helping each participant develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. As part of the plan, the Housing Navigator will identify each area in which participants will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e. scheduling appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying subsidized housing, etc.) and the Housing Navigator will take full responsibility for their participant’s success.

Requirements

Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Sociology, Psychology, Social Work or related field.
Two years of related experience with case management services, housing, displaced and mentally ill populations.
Computer skills with proficiency in Microsoft Office, Excel and (preferably) Access. HMIS training a plus.
Extensive experience working with individuals that are chronically displaced and/or displaced veterans.
Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidies is ideal (ie, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH).
Project a professional demeanor.
Demonstrated ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Must maintain and execute confidential information.
Highly motivated self-starter and ability to coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
Ability to work with diverse communities and exercise mature judgment.
Problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
A working knowledge and practice of Motivational Interviewing, Trauma Informed Care, and the cognitive approach to providing social services and development services.
A working knowledge of the “hidden rules” and motivating factors and dynamics of social class and generational poverty in America.
Reliable personal (not public) transportation available for occasional errands. Mileage will be reimbursed.
Must possess a valid California Driver's License, have a minimum of three (3) years of licensed driving experience, and maintain an acceptable driving record as verified by the DMV.
Proof of Automobile insurance.
Employment eligibility verification.
Successful completion of background screening.

Nice To Haves

HMIS training a plus.

Responsibilities

Conduct screening interviews, complete intake documentation, and coordinate move in and exit of all program participants.
Provide social work intensive case management and navigation services designed to assist participant and their families exit displacement and move into permanent housing.
Coordinate and identify appropriate resources and mainstream benefits that lead to permanent housing options for participants, such as, subsidized housing Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities.
Provide onsite intensive case management services in the areas of independent living skills, employment linkage, cooking groups, house meetings, social events, benefits establishment, and other services as needed to assist in reaching case plan and treatment plan goals.
Provide guidance towards resources that help to increase participant income, including connecting them with employment services, Social Security resources, and other mainstream resources that may be available to them.
Perform comprehensive intensive case management assessments and develop a plan of intervention that addresses need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination.
Respond to referrals and participant requests for intensive case management assessment and intervention within required response time.
Encourage and promote an environment that is strength based to assist participants in meeting their individual goals.
Assist participants with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for participants with prospective landlords.
Use of personal vehicle to travel to scattered sites throughout Riverside County and transport participants.
Work with, support, and help direct teams of volunteers giving direct support to your participants.
Respond to and negotiate housing solutions with housing managers and landlords.
Mediate disputes between displaced persons and neighborhood residents.
Attend collaborative meetings.
Network with other agencies, coalitions, and local community meetings.
Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings.
Maintain participant related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete HMIS entries with support of Chief Solutions Officer.
Other duties as assigned