Housing Navigator, SSVF

Veterans Village of San Diego•San Diego, CA

6d•$23 - $27•Onsite

About The Position

Veterans Village of San Diego is looking for employees who are passionate about serving all veterans. Changing the life of a vet takes a whole lot of work. It also takes dedication and commitment to our motto: Leave No One Behind. But the rewards are out of this world! We work hard, but we also enjoy having fun together. If you wish to be a part of this team and are ready to work for a cause, not just a paycheck, then VVSD is the place to start! The Housing Navigator is responsible for assisting SSVF and VASH clients in identifying and obtaining affordable housing with their VASH voucher. As an integral part of the Housing Navigator’s responsibilities, the Housing Navigator is required to create and maintain relationships with landlords who will work with SSVF and VASH clients. The Housing Navigator works collaboratively with the, VA VASH team, SSVF team and other VVSD Staff as is warranted. The Housing Navigator provides training to clients as it applies to obtaining and maintaining housing.

Requirements

Ability to develop appropriate strong working relationships with client population; be able to relate to individuals making significant life decisions and be supportive of individuals' increasing independence. Must also be able to prepare written reports and maintain client documentation
Skills in landlord negation
Knowledge of tenant rights and responsibility
Able to negotiate leases
Must be able to hold high standards of confidentiality
Prior experience working with homeless population
Ability to prioritize competing responsibilities and thrive in a challenging situation
Able to change priorities at a moment’s notice
Proficient skill level in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Power Point)
Privately owned vehicle, valid Driver's License with proof of current vehicle insurance
Must be able to fluently read, write and communicate in English
Must be able to sit for long periods of time
Must be able to comfortably perform, both physically and mentally, all aspects of job description and other duties as assigned by supervisor
Experience supporting programs serving homeless individuals/families and those diagnosed with physical or mental disabilities
Must be able to pass background check and drug screen
Ability to bend and lift light objects
Ability to sit for extended periods of time while viewing a computer monitor
Dexterity of hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard
Capable of hearing and speaking to exchange information
Seeing to read reports and data
Must be able to work in a noisy, busy environment.
Please Note: If you were a client of VVSD, you must have been out of all programs for a minimum of 2 years.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of housing resources in San Diego is a plus
Knowledge of HMIS a plus

Responsibilities

Proactively seeks new housing opportunities and resources to assist individuals/families in obtaining permanent housing
Maintain an up-to-date Housing Directory which should include documentation of all contacts with housing providers and landlords.
Conduct an initial meeting with each individual/family who participates in the VASH program.
In collaboration with case managers, negotiate leases on behalf of clients
Conduct unit inspection to ensure unit compliance in accordance with HUD standards.
Develop and facilitate trainings and workshops for clients and SSVF staff to include tenant rights, responsibilities, housing discrimination, and how to effectively communicate with landlords and others
Provide housing availability, including Fair Market Rate rentals and other affordable, permanent housing opportunities, to SSVF team, VA VASH team and clients in an efficient and timely manner.
Regularly follow up with clients seeking housing to help support their housing options.
Identify ways for clients to overcome housing barriers.
Disseminate relevant housing information to clients and Case Manager in a timely fashion
Regularly coordinate and communicate with VA Housing Navigators and SSVF Case Managers
Maintain case documentation, using HMIS in accordance with agency and best standard practices.
Be familiar with VASH/RAFTA/HUD Standards.
Maintain documentation of training, budgets, housing contacts, client contacts and other pertinent information in accordance with agency and best standard practices.
Attend SSVF team and agency meetings as required
Other duties as assigned by supervisor