Housing Navigator

Project 180•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$24 - $31

About The Position

Under the supervision of the Program Supervisor, the Housing Navigator is responsible for providing intensive, wraparound, field based case management services with a specific focus on securing long-term housing for clients following their transition out of interim housing. The Housing Navigator also serves as a member of a multidisciplinary treatment team. A successful Housing Navigator will actively engage this population in services, supporting their clients in making progress towards meaningful recovery goals and increasing utilization of community resources. Job title (I-III) to be established based on years of relevant experience.

Requirements

BA or BS in any field, and at least 1 year of case management experience, or in lieu of a BA, at least 2 years of case management experience.
Housing Navigator I: Less than 2 years case management experience
Housing Navigator II: 2 years case management experience
Housing Navigator III: 3 or more years of case management experience
Experience working with culturally diverse populations.
Valid CA driver’s license, proof of insurance and own vehicle required. Ability to transport clients in personal vehicle as needed.
Must not be on any type of legal supervision (probation or parole).
Verification of Employment Eligibility and Background Check
Basic computer skills
Empathetic, strong communication and relationship-building skills
Culturally competent: Understands and is sensitive to diverse backgrounds and needs
Resourceful: Efficiently navigates and utilizes resources available
Collaborative: Able to work in diverse teams to solve complex issues
Adaptive to changing circumstances and client needs in a dynamic environment
Strong critical thinking and problem solving skills, remains calm under pressure.
Detail-oriented, organized and has strong time management skills.

Nice To Haves

Lived experience with homelessness, mental health/substance use recovery or the criminal justice system
Experience using the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Spanish speaking
Experience working with the forensic and/or dual diagnosed populations.
Experience working on an interdisciplinary team in a mental health or hospital setting.

Responsibilities

Connect clients to permanent housing resources
Assess clients’ housing needs and support clients in developing an individualized housing plan with concrete action steps.
Link clients to needed financial resources (ie SSI/SSDI and/or General Relief) and required identification (ie California ID, Birth Certificate).
Develop and maintain knowledge of available housing resources. Gain access to the Coordinated Entry System (CES). Attend CES case conference and other community meetings specialized to housing linkage.
Assist clients with linkage to applications for housing related services, including but not limited to CES entry and housing subsidy applications. Support clients with understanding available resources, completion of housing applications, housing search, and preparing for interviews with prospective owners/property managers.
Identify client strengths and barriers to housing readiness/retention and assist participants to reduce barriers and linking to resources and services.
Provide intensive, wraparound, field-based services to support recovery goals
Actively engage clients in services through the development of strong rapport, consistent contact and use of motivational interviewing. Provide outreach services as needed, meeting clients “where they are at” (service location, client’s point of view).
Provide services to target cornerstones of recovery oriented care (instilling hope, empowerment, self-responsibility and engaging in meaningful roles). Ensure service delivery is consistent with ethical standards and a harm reduction, strength based, trauma informed framework.
Develop and maintain knowledge of available community resources. Complete needs assessment and link clients to community resources. Monitor ongoing participation in services/use of resources and facilitate problem solving to target barriers. Accompany clients to linkage appointments when appropriate.
Teach prosocial and recovery skills (ie communication, problem solving, anger management skills) for long term stability in the community.
Engage and join with collaterals (family members, probation, court) as appropriate. Provide education related to mental health recovery to better support clients. Engage in client advocacy.
Conduct custody pickups from LA county jails and accompany clients to court appearances.
Apply racial equity lens to all elements of clinical care.
Coordinate care with a multidisciplinary treatment team
Actively contribute to planning and execution of clinical interventions in collaboration with the treatment team. Leverage unique skills and abilities of team members in service delivery.
Participate in coordinated outreach and engagement efforts with the treatment team.
Collaborate with external partners (i.e. residential substance treatment facilities, primary care clinics, etc) to ensure high quality, integrated care.
Documentation and Reporting
Maintain comprehensive case notes in the electronic health record per program guidelines.
Adhere to DMH documentation guidelines.
Participate in program data collection per program guidelines.
Fulfill baseline Project 180 staff expectations.
Regular attendance required. Holiday or weekend work may be required.
Maintain and uphold Agency mission statement, values, policies, procedures, and principles.
Perform other duties as assigned by supervisor.
Maintain active license and/or registrations as applicable (i.e. BBS, CCAPP)