Housing Navigator

Hope The Mission•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

Hope the Mission’s mission is to prevent, reduce, and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions. The Housing Navigator provides field-based housing services to people moving from homelessness into permanent housing and reports to the Program Manager. The role assesses participants’ needs, develops individualized housing plans, and guides participants through the housing process, including applications, vouchers, move-in, and stabilization. It also builds relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to expand housing options. The Housing Navigator works across programs including Section 8, VASH, DHS Housing for Health, and time-limited subsidies. The position requires practical knowledge of these programs, strong interpersonal skills, systems knowledge, and the ability to build trust with participants. Success is measured by whether participants obtain housing and remain housed. The role operates in field-based settings across multiple locations in Los Angeles County, with regular community engagement and coordination with internal programs, external service providers, and partner agencies. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Requirements

Valid California driver's license and an acceptable motor vehicle record qualifying for HTM's commercial insurance coverage.
Reliable personal transportation and proof of vehicle insurance.
Ability to work in field-based settings across multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County.
Ability to lift up to 25 pounds and perform the physical demands described in the posting.
Compliance with HIPAA standards and HTM company policies.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
Minimum three years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness or similar populations.
Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care principles.
Knowledge of HUD guidelines and subsidized housing programs, including Section 8, VASH, DHS Housing for Health, TLS, and related voucher programs.
Experience with HMIS or similar data systems.
Skills in housing navigation and placement across multiple housing models and subsidy programs.
Case management skills, including assessment, housing plan development, and ongoing participant follow-up.
Ability to build relationships with landlords, property owners, sober livings, and housing providers.
Advocacy and problem-solving skills for helping participants navigate complex housing systems.
Ability to de-escalate and mediate conflict in high-stress or crisis situations.
Ability to maintain accurate and timely HMIS and participant-file documentation in compliance with funder requirements.
Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse populations.
Clear written and verbal communication skills, including reporting and cross-agency collaboration.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.
Ability to manage a complex caseload independently with minimal supervision.
Successful completion of background checks required for the worksite.
Must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field; equivalent experience may be considered.
Bilingual English/Spanish.

Responsibilities

Engage participants in housing-focused case management and build trusting, effective working relationships.
Assess participants to determine appropriate permanent housing interventions and individual service needs.
Provide housing readiness support, including help with documentation, applications, and eligibility requirements.
Monitor participant progress toward housing goals through regular follow-up.
Assist participants with housing voucher applications through LAHSA, Public Housing Authority, and related programs.
Support housing searches and identify placement options suited to participants’ needs.
Navigate participants to permanent housing placements, including TLS, DHS Housing for Health, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), tenant-based and project-based supportive housing, VASH, shared housing, SROs, and low-income housing.
Coordinate available move-in assistance, including deposits, furniture, and other housing supports.
Develop and maintain an individualized Housing & Services Plan for each participant, with goals oriented toward permanent housing.
Maintain complete and accurate participant files, including assessments, housing plans, case notes, applications, vouchers, lease agreements, and exit documentation.
Enter and maintain required HMIS data and ensure documentation meets program and funder requirements and deadlines.
Meet performance outcome targets established by applicable LAHSA and funding contracts.
Connect participants to resources that support housing acquisition and stability, including legal aid, credit repair, and tenant rights services.
Build and maintain professional relationships with landlords, property owners, sober livings, and housing providers.
Collaborate with internal HTM programs, external service providers, and partner agencies to support participant housing progress.
Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to support participants through conflict.
Participate in team meetings, trainings, case conferencing, coalition meetings, and homeless services meetings.
Provide navigation services across multiple housing models and programs in field-based settings.
Follow Hope the Mission and funder rules, regulations, and policies.
Perform other duties as assigned.