Part-Time Housing Navigator (limited two years)

Openhouse•San Francisco, CA

6d•Hybrid

About The Position

Openhouse seeks a dynamic, compassionate person rooted in the spirit of community service who feels passionate about working with elders. Openhouse believes housing is healthcare and a human right. The Temporary Housing Navigator provides information and assistance for older adults and adults with disabilities with a focus on housing. In addition to being a neighborhood hub for services, the Openhouse is a city-wide resource for Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) older adults and adults with disabilities. The Temporary Housing Navigator assesses the needs and capabilities of individuals, provides current information on opportunities and services available within the community, follows up as necessary, and documents the provision and outcomes of services to ensure program effectiveness and achievement of objectives. They work in collaboration with the Openhouse Community Support Services team. The Housing Navigator models Openhouse’s commitment to a trauma-informed, person-centered, affirming approach to providing services and building community. This role is funded through a two-year grant. Employment is contingent upon the continuation of grant support, and the position is not expected to continue beyond the grant period.

Requirements

At least two years of experience working with older adults and/or adults with disabilities.
Exceptional communication and presentation skills relating to older adults, adults with disabilities, their caregivers, families, families of choice and health professionals.
Sensitivity to and knowledge of the unique life experiences, challenges, and strengths of LGBTQ older adults and adults with disabilities.
Experience working with people who are unhoused.
Sensitivity to and knowledge of the unique life experiences, challenges, and strengths of the communities supported by Openhouse’s mission.
Full COVID vaccination required (or approved accommodation).
Physical skills and ability to participate in event and program planning and execution, and ability to be independently mobile in the community.
Must be available to attend and work occasional events outside of standard work hours, including: Occasional evening meetings and events, Community events throughout the year.
Must be able to travel locally to meetings or offsite events.
Must be able to operate a computer and other common office machinery such as a copier/printer up to eight hours/day daily.
Must be able to work in a shared office space, with moderate levels of noise.

Nice To Haves

Spanish speaking fluency
Good problem-solving skills, the ability to prioritize multiple tasks, and strong, non-judgmental communication using a harm reduction approach.
Motivation to be of service to LGBTQ elders and adults with disabilities.
Ease with using and learning new technology, especially for data entry.
Knowledge of and experience with San Francisco’s senior and wider housing system and San Francisco resources.
A community-centered approach to service delivery, professional boundaries, and willingness to engage community members in difficult conversations.
An understanding of data tracking and reporting to measure outcomes and ensure compliance with contract requirements.
Existing relationships with community providers, including case managers, and other health care and social service organizations and workers.

Responsibilities

Manage and input data collected from housing navigation intakes, housing action plans, and follow-up calls into internal and external databases.
Collaborate with the Housing and Resource Navigation Team and Community Support Services staff, including the Director of CSS to ensure contract deliverables are met.
Provide housing counseling during a four-hour drop-in clinic every Tuesday.
In one-to-one housing counseling sessions, provide an overview of housing availability, review screening criteria for affordable housing, including income eligibility requirements, availability of security deposit, credit check and criminal background check.
Advocate, as needed, directly with landlords, property management, and housing agencies on behalf of community member; or identify appropriate advocacy services such as Tenant’s Rights, Eviction Defense Collaborative, or other legal resources.
Develop relationships with community organizations with shared values and beneficial resources and encourage coalition-building to provide the community with holistic care, including attending partnership meetings such as the LGBTQ Community Partnership, etc.
Cultivate collaborations with staff in organizations providing housing, health, HIV and social services which serve older adults to build service referral and housing placement networks.
Promote ADRC & Housing Assistance Program to LGBTQ senior communities and community partner organizations through outreach.