Housing Navigator

WESTCARE INC•Fresno, CA

23h•$26 - $26•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Navigator conducts street outreach and provides navigation for individuals and families who are homeless or at imminent risk of homelessness in Fresno and Madera Counties. The role provides individualized support through the Coordinated Entry System (CES), helps address barriers to permanent housing, and follows participants until they are connected to an appropriate housing intervention or no longer need services. The Navigator assesses participants, manages a caseload and client files, develops service plans, tracks data, coordinates referrals and warm handoffs, and assists with documentation, housing applications, and supportive or subsidized housing paperwork. The role works with Cal-Aim Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports housing services, supports smooth transitions to permanent housing, and follows clients to promote housing stability and retention. It also involves regular participant contact, extensive documentation in WestCare’s Clinical Data System, relationship-building with property owners and managers, and participation in required trainings and weekly Continuum of Care case conferencing. Services must be provided in a linguistically and culturally appropriate manner, including use of interpreters when needed. The position includes transporting clients in a company vehicle and performing other assigned duties.

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 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, First Aid certification, and an annual tuberculosis test.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual ability.

Responsibilities

Conduct street outreach, engagement, assessment, and navigation throughout Fresno and Madera Counties.
Intake and assess participants to determine eligibility and appropriate services.
Manage a caseload, maintain client files, develop service plans, and track pertinent data.
Maintain regular contact with participants and address gaps in activities related to their health and social service needs.
Link individuals to needed programs and provide warm handoffs.
Help individuals obtain documentation and services needed to secure housing.
Assist with housing applications and completion of supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, and monitor progress.
Receive referrals from Cal-Aim Enhanced Care Management (ECM).
Make and receive referrals to Cal-Aim Community Supports housing services for deposit assistance.
Help clients transition smoothly to permanent housing and follow them to 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 in 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 linguistically and culturally appropriate manner, including using 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, and perform other duties as assigned.