Housing Navigator

STGi•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

STGi is currently seeking a Housing Navigator for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing (HUD/VASH) Program in Los Angeles, CA. The primary work of the Housing Navigator is to assist and advocate on behalf of shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Housing Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator utilizes a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during and/or after permanent housing has been established and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position requires substantial field/outreach work.

Responsibilities

Identify and place participants into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in less than 90 days of acceptance into the program.
Develop and maintain accurate and current housing portfolio. Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
Help participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.
Assist participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
Assist participants with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
Advocate on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing.
Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions.
Determine rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/sub-tenant.
Work with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment.
Conduct outreach and expand access to housing by cultivating relationship with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events. Develop expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
Assist clients with moving which may include helping to locate affordable moving companies, storage units, acquiring furniture, and other move-in essentials.
Conduct regular in-person post-placement visits to mitigate risks and to improve the likelihood of housing retention.
Attend collaborative meetings and network with other agencies and coalitions.
Advocate on behalf of the Veteran to assist in the delivery of needed services.
Attend daily/weekly meetings, supervision and case conferences as assigned.
Maintain and complete reports and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with guidelines and regulations.
Maintain client data in required systems.