Workforce & Housing Navigator

The Happier Life Project•Lake Elsinore, CA

7d•$24 - $30•Onsite

About The Position

The Workforce & Housing Navigator plays a key role in The Happier Life Project’s Community Reentry Initiative, supporting justice-involved individuals as they transition from incarceration to stable housing, employment, and community reintegration. This position provides individualized, trauma-informed, and participant-centered support across THLP’s full housing and service continuum, including recovery residences, peer-run respite, transitional housing, community partner placements, and Housing First–aligned options when appropriate. Working as part of a multidisciplinary, peer-led reentry team, the Navigator supports participants in securing housing, accessing employment pathways, reducing reentry barriers, and achieving long-term stability in alignment with Adult Reentry Grant (ARG) outcomes and BSCC requirements.

Requirements

Associate’s degree in human services, social work, psychology, sociology, or a related field (Bachelor’s preferred).
Minimum of three (3) years of experience providing direct services in reentry, workforce development, or housing navigation.
Knowledge of housing systems, rental assistance programs, and employment resources.
Experience working with justice-involved populations.
Strong interpersonal, communication, organizational, and documentation skills.
Ability to work independently, manage caseloads, and prioritize tasks.
Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and insurance.
Ability to lift up to 30 lbs and work flexible hours as needed.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in human services, social work, criminal justice, or a related field
Lived experience with justice involvement, recovery, or system navigation (highly valued)
Experience working with BSCC-funded programs or similar state/federally funded grants
Familiarity with Housing First principles, recovery housing models, and reentry best practices
Experience coordinating with probation, parole, workforce boards, or housing authorities
Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred
Experience using case management systems and grant-required data platforms

Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Stabilization
Conduct comprehensive housing assessments to identify participant needs, preferences, and readiness.
Support housing placements across THLP-operated and partner housing options, including recovery residences, peer-run respite, transitional housing, supportive housing, and Housing First–aligned placements when appropriate.
Coordinate rental assistance, move-in costs, utilities, and housing-related supports as allowable under ARG.
Collaborate with housing staff, peers, and community partners to ensure safe and stable placements.
Provide tenancy stabilization support and assist participants with transitions between housing models as needs evolve.
Workforce Development & Employment Support
Provide individualized workforce navigation, including job readiness, career exploration, and goal setting.
Assist participants with resume development, interview preparation, and job search strategies.
Coordinate transportation support for employment-related activities.
Facilitate connections to employers, job fairs, hiring events, and workforce partners.
Support participants in addressing employment barriers related to justice involvement.
Reentry Coordination & Community Integration
Support warm handoff and engagement following release from incarceration.
Assist participants with parole and probation reporting and compliance, as appropriate.
Coordinate with THLP program teams and community partners to address reentry barriers holistically.
Documentation, Data & Quality Assurance
Maintain accurate and timely documentation of all services provided.
Ensure data collection supports ARG performance measures, quarterly BSCC reporting, and audits.
Participate in case reviews, supervision, trainings, and quality improvement activities.
Adhere to THLP policies, confidentiality standards, and BSCC requirements.
Professional Practice & Organizational Alignment
Deliver services using trauma-informed, culturally responsive, and participant-centered practices.
Uphold ethical boundaries and professional standards.
Model THLP’s mission, core values, and peer-led philosophy.
Support cross-program collaboration to strengthen THLP’s reentry ecosystem.
Perform other duties as assigned in support of THLP’s mission.