Housing Navigator Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• Knowledge of labor market research, staff development and training, vocational assessment, career planning and human resource management.
• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, and therapeutic community concepts is preferred.
• Experience working in case management, or similar experience, preferably in a social service setting is preferred.
• Excellent language and interpersonal skills.
• Superior organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Basic computer skills and good documentation skills.
• Must have the ability to pass a criminal history.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Ability to obtain and maintain clearance from California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR).
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• Two (2) years’ experience as a Job Developer, Employment Specialist, or similar position.
• High School Diploma or equivalent is required.

Nice To Haves

• Knowledge of offender populations, criminal subcultures, and cultural differences, substance abuse assessment tools, and therapeutic community concepts is preferred.
• Experience working in case management, or similar experience, preferably in a social service setting is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide individualized client support by assessing housing needs, identifying barriers to housing stability, and developing housing-focused discharge plans.
• Assist participants in developing transition and reentry plans that address housing readiness and sustainability.
• Connect participants to permanent housing options aligned with their needs and eligibility criteria.
• Provide ongoing follow-up and support to promote housing retention.
• Assist clients with housing applications and complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork.
• Survey rental markets to identify affordable housing opportunities within the program area.
• Advocate on behalf of participants with prospective landlords, property managers, and housing providers.
• Facilitate documentation collection required for housing eligibility and subsidy programs.
• Coordinate with program staff to ensure housing placements align with overall case management plans.
• Maintain working knowledge of Public Housing Authorities (PHAs) and housing subsidy programs, including: Housing Choice Vouchers (Section 8), Shelter Plus Care, Veteran’s Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), Permanent Supportive Housing, Affordable and market-rate housing programs, and Other local, county, state, and federally funded housing opportunities.
• Support participants in understanding eligibility requirements and compliance obligations for subsidized housing programs.
• Conduct outreach in the community routinely (daily, weekly, and monthly) to expand access to housing options.
• Participate in community events throughout the program area to establish and strengthen housing partnerships.
• Recruit landlords and property managers and establish working relationships for the benefit of STOP participants.
• Develop and maintain a landlord database to support ongoing placement efforts.
• Coordinate with STOP Case Managers, Community Service Representatives, and the STOP Placement Office to ensure housing is integrated into broader reentry planning.
• Maintain accurate documentation of housing applications, referrals, placements, and follow-up activities.
• Track housing outcomes and provide data for contract reporting purposes.
• Must Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and Perform all other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.