Program Supervisor/Housing Navigator

CATHOLIC CHARITIES OF LOS ANGELES INC•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses 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.

Requirements

Requires a bachelor’s degree in a related field
A minimum of two years’ related professional experience
Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness
Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e. Section 8, Rapid Rehousing, PSH, Bridge Housing, VASH, etc.)
Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, and availability, as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources, among others.
Effective written and oral communication skills
Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations
Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery
Proven ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with low-income individuals and families including, but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults is preferable

Responsibilities

Identifies and places participants of the shelter into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants within ten months of acceptance into the program
Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. Provides participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences
Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
Assists 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
Assists participants with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status
Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing
Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions
Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval
Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/sub-tenant
Works with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment
Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events. Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies
Assists clients with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials, etc.)
Conducts regular in-person post-placement visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention
Attends collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions
Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings
Maintains and reports complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county guidelines
Utilizes the non-HMIS system for maintaining and reporting client data
Other duties as assigned