Housing Navigator (53363)

Westcare•Fresno, CA

11d

About The Position

The Housing Navigator conducts street outreach throughout Fresno and Madera counties to identify individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness. The position provides individualized support through the Coordinated Entry System (CES), helps address barriers to permanent housing, and navigates clients through housing interventions until they are linked to appropriate services or no longer need assistance. The Navigator conducts outreach, engagement, and assessments; manages participant caseloads and files; develops service plans; tracks data; connects clients with programs and services; and assists with documentation, housing applications, and supportive or subsidized housing paperwork. The role coordinates referrals with Cal-Aim Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports housing services, supports smooth transitions into permanent housing, and follows clients to promote housing stability and retention. It also involves maintaining relationships with property owners and managers, documenting services in WestCare’s Clinical Data System, attending required trainings and case conferencing, and providing culturally and linguistically appropriate services. Client transportation is provided in a company vehicle.

Requirements

Two years of case management or direct outreach experience.
Graduation with a two-year degree in Addiction Counseling, Psychology, Social Work, Community and Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field.
Excellent communication skills.
Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
Ability to work well in a team environment.
Adherence to high ethical standards, especially those governing confidentiality.
Professional appearance and demeanor.
Sensitivity to the populations served.
Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare vehicle insurance.
CPR certification and First Aid certification.
Annual tuberculosis test.
Ability to meet new requirements that may be issued by local, state, or federal authorities or funders, including vaccination requirements.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Maintain a strong working knowledge of housing services, supportive services, and community resources.
Conduct street outreach, engagement, assessment, and navigation throughout Fresno and Madera counties.
Complete intake and assessments to determine participant eligibility and appropriate services.
Manage a caseload, maintain client files, develop service plans, and track relevant data.
Maintain regular contact with participants, identify gaps in health and social service activities, and address those gaps to support progress.
Link individuals to needed programs and provide warm handoffs.
Help individuals obtain documentation and services needed to secure housing.
Assist with housing applications and supportive or subsidized housing paperwork, and monitor progress through completion.
Receive referrals from Cal-Aim Enhanced Care Management (ECM).
Make and receive referrals to Cal-Aim Community Supports (CM) housing services for deposit assistance.
Help clients transition to permanent housing and support housing stability and retention.
Navigate clients until they are linked to an appropriate housing intervention or services are no longer needed.
Complete extensive documentation using WestCare’s Clinical Data System.
Build and maintain relationships with property managers and property owners.
Attend required Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoC) CES and Navigator trainings.
Provide weekly updates to the Master by Name List and participate in weekly FMCoC case conferencing meetings.
Provide services in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner, including arranging interpreters for people with limited English proficiency.
Transport clients in a company vehicle.
Embrace and embody WestCare Foundation’s mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals.
Perform other duties as assigned.