Housing Navigator

Equus•Escondido, CA

11d•$27 - $28

About The Position

The Housing Navigator works with clients experiencing homelessness to secure immediate shelter, including hotel or motel placements, and to address barriers affecting their ability to obtain and retain housing and move toward self-sufficiency. The role manages referrals from County and community partners in accordance with Tier One and Tier Two guidelines, maintains a revolving caseload, assesses clients’ needs, and determines appropriate services on a case-by-case basis. The Housing Navigator develops action and stabilization plans with clients, provides and documents individual and group counseling and referrals, connects clients with specialized services, and helps resolve emergency problems. The position also determines eligibility for supportive services, issues needed funds and necessities, documents expenditures and service issuances, and works with prospective property owners and managers to promote permanent housing opportunities for individuals and families experiencing homelessness. The role requires strong communication and relationship-building with staff, agencies, employers, property owners and managers, mechanics, hotel and motel operators, and other service providers. It also involves maintaining confidential files and records, using data-processing systems, completing forms, scheduling appointments, applying regulations, and managing a high volume of work within strict deadlines. Travel throughout the County is required.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field, preferred, or equivalent skills and experience.
Intermediate computer skills, including Microsoft Office, email, and data entry.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Driver’s license with a good driving record.
Ability to travel throughout the County.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a Human Services field.

Responsibilities

Communicate clearly and persuasively, verbally and in writing, and present and explain information to groups.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with staff, agencies, employers, property owners and managers, mechanics, hotel and motel operators, and other service providers.
Use appropriate judgment when answering questions and releasing information, consider the consequences of decisions and recommendations, and maintain confidentiality of files and records.
Assess client needs and conduct sensitive, in-depth interviews.
Apply regulations to daily duties and exercise attention to detail.
Organize, prioritize, and complete a large volume of work within strict deadlines.
Help clients experiencing homelessness obtain immediate shelter, including hotel or motel placements, and address barriers to obtaining and retaining housing and achieving self-sufficiency.
Manage and process County and community referrals according to Tier One and Tier Two guidelines.
Manage and maintain a revolving caseload and determine appropriate service levels for clients on a case-by-case basis.
Refer clients to agencies for specialized services or counseling.
Develop action and stabilization plans with clients.
Consult and coordinate with staff, agencies, employers, property owners and managers, mechanics, hotel and motel operators, and other service providers.
Provide and document individual and group counseling and referral services.
Help develop immediate solutions to emergency problems and expedite the delivery of needed services.
Determine approval of supportive services according to established criteria.
Use data-processing systems; complete documents and forms; maintain records and files; and schedule appointments.
Provide supportive services and issue additional funds and necessities to clients as needed.
Document client-related expenditures, payments, and service issuances.
Work with prospective community property owners and managers through outreach and education to promote permanent housing opportunities for homeless individuals and families.
Perform other duties as assigned.