Housing Navigator (52116)

Westcare•North Highlands, CA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Housing Navigator facilitates successful reentry into the community by ensuring participants have access to safe, stable, and affordable housing following incarceration. This position plays a critical role in reducing homelessness, stabilizing participants in the community, and supporting long-term recovery and reintegration outcomes. The Housing Navigator works closely with STOP program staff, DAPO, community-based organizations, landlords, and housing authorities to identify and secure appropriate housing placements while addressing participant-specific barriers to housing access.

Requirements

Knowledge of labor market research, staff development and training, vocational assessment, career planning and human resource management.
Excellent language and interpersonal skills.
Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
Basic computer skills and good documentation skills.
Must have the ability to pass a criminal history background check.
Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
Two (2) years’ experience as a Job Developer, Employment Specialist, or similar position.
High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, and therapeutic community concepts is preferred.
Experience working in case management, or similar experience, preferably in a social service setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide individualized client support by assessing housing needs, identifying barriers to housing stability, and developing housing-focused discharge plans.
Assist participants in developing transition and reentry plans that address housing readiness and sustainability.
Connect participants to permanent housing options aligned with their needs and eligibility criteria.
Provide ongoing follow-up and support to promote housing retention.
Assist clients with housing applications and complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork.
Survey rental markets to identify affordable housing opportunities within the program area.
Advocate on behalf of participants with prospective landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
Facilitate documentation collection required for housing eligibility and subsidy programs.
Coordinate with program staff to ensure housing placements align with overall case management plans.
Maintain working knowledge of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and housing subsidy programs, including: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Shelter Plus Care, Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Permanent Supportive Housing, Affordable and market-rate housing programs, and Other local, county, state, and federally funded housing opportunities.
Support participants in understanding eligibility requirements and compliance obligations for subsidized housing programs.
Conduct outreach in the community routinely (daily, weekly, and monthly) to expand access to housing options.
Participate in community events throughout the program area to establish and strengthen housing partnerships.
Recruit landlords and property managers and establish working relationships for the benefit of STOP participants.
Develop and maintain a landlord database to support ongoing placement efforts.
Coordinate with STOP Case Managers, Community Service Representatives, and the STOP Placement Office to ensure housing is integrated into broader reentry planning.
Maintain accurate documentation of housing applications, referrals, placements, and follow-up activities.
Track housing outcomes and provide data for contract reporting purposes.
Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
Perform all other duties as assigned.