Housing Navigator, Kensington

Role: Housing Navigator

Reports to: Program Manager

Program: 1705- Navigation

Department: Coordinated Entry

Location: Kensington Campus - 45244 32nd St West, Lancaster, CA 93536

Setting: Not 100% Onsite

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 2

Job Description Summary:

In collaboration with the Department of Mental Health Interim Housing Program (DMH IHP), the Housing Navigation Program is responsible for providing housing-focused supportive services for people experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them identify, apply for, secure, and move into permanent housing. As a vital member of a multi-person Housing Navigation team, housed within the Housing department, this role bridges a critical gap in services in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (LA CoC). This is a fast-paced role that operates 'in the field' with clients and is also required to partner with staff and clients at Interim Housing sites within the agency. The role is responsible for preparing housing applications, must have a strong focus on attention to detail, and will report to the Program Manager for the timely processing of any documentation submitted to the Housing Authority, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, or private landlords on behalf of program-enrolled clients.

Job Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry a case load of 20-25 clients to prepare and ensure that their housing interventions are successful, as signified by the signing of a lease.
• Developing a housing plan in collaboration with the client detailing clients' needs for housing.
  
• Completing the County approved Coordinated Entry System Los Angeles Homeless Assessment Tool in HMIS within one month in partnership with IHP staff.
  
• Ensure that all required documents are uploaded into HMIS within 3 months of client entering IHP. Assist clients with obtaining identification and Social Security card, verification of disability, verification of homelessness, and other documents needed for permanent housing as needed.
  
• Serving as the client's Point of Contact for permanent housing resource matching.
  
• Notifying the client's additional treatment providers when a client is matched to a permanent housing resource.
  
• Completing housing applications, including the Universal Housing Application within seven days of invitation.
  
• Working with the clients to locate available permanent housing units, transporting and accompanying the client to view available units, and completing a rental application prior to the voucher's expiration date
  
• Identifying housing resources and developing relationships with property owners, property management companies, and landlords to increase the permanent housing opportunities for clients.
  
• Transporting clients to property management/housing authority offices to complete applications and execute leases.
  
• Assisting clients in understanding the requirements of the lease, the lease up process, and expectations for tenancy.
  
• Assisting clients with obtaining security deposit, furniture and other household goods.
  
• Assisting in arranging for and supporting the details of the move to permanent housing and providing transportation.
  
• Reviewing and negotiating leases with landlords/property managers, conducting unit site visits and providing support to the participant regarding budgeting for housing expenses.
  
• Ensure warm handoff to permanent housing case managers as appropriate.
  
• Within the oversight of Program Manager and supervisory team, collaborate with assigned DMH IHP site staff to effectively communicate, problem solve, and provide services to clients identified for Housing Navigation.
  
• Maintain up to date, accurate, and complete data and progress notes, records, and communication logs regarding referrals, housing applications, and coordination with outside partners and as required by the project and its funding sources
  
• Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of Housing Resources and various subsidy types inclusive of Permanent Supportive Housing providers in our community
  
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HACLA, HACOLA, DHS, DMH, and other community housing resource providers
  
• Attend and participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, and special projects to promote professional development

Job Description Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in related field (Social Work, Community Organizing, or other Human Services) and one years' full-time experience working with people experiencing homelessness, preferably those living with mental illness and / or substance addictions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience
• Knowledge of homeless social service providers and Coordinated Entry System
• Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, housing providers and community partners in a culturally competent manner
• Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills
• Self-starter with the ability to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment
• Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies

Job Description Work Environment: