Housing Navigator

TLC Child and Family Services, home to Journey Academy, is a leading agency in Northern California where we believe Different is Beautiful. TLC’s thriving programs offer a continuum of evidence-based treatment and relationship-focused care to youth and families. We provide comprehensive quality mental health services, foster care and adoption services, residential treatment, special education services and transitional housing. Our team is enthusiastic and dedicated to empower families, children, young adults and their support systems to cultivate resilience and authenticity by fostering healthy relationships.

Position Summary:

The Housing Navigator is responsible for working with clients in our TAY housing programs through the process of locating and obtaining permanent affordable housing. This position will work part-time (25 hrs/week) with Social Workers, the Housing Director, Program Director, housing partners, and housing authority entities. The position is based in the Transition Age Youth Housing Programs Resource Center in Santa Rosa.

Essential Functions:

• Research and identify housing opportunities for participants as requested or needed and support with completing rental applications.
• Support participants with the application process for housing vouchers and follow up communication as necessary.
• Participate in Housing Program team meetings and Coordinated Entry meetings related to housing placement and assessment as needed.
• Develop outreach and marketing strategies to identify landlords and build housing inventory.
• Make presentations to interested parties: target audiences will vary but may include faith communities, rental associations, board and care facilities, elected officials, and property management companies.
• Assure that timely and accurate data is entered into required data systems.
• Educate participants to enhance their knowledge of locating and qualifying for affordable long-term housing.

Skills:

• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8 and Rapid Re-housing.
• Working knowledge of housing first model, trauma informed care, principles of harm reduction and positive youth development.
• Knowledge of adolescent development, case management, and crisis intervention.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, public speaking skills and comfort in representing TLC in the community.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred in a field related to Social Services; equivalent work experience and training will be considered.
• Experience providing direct services to high-risk youth/young adults including counseling and advocacy;
• Experience with real estate, rental properties and/or sales preferred.
• Obtain and maintain fingerprint, government and agency required background clearances, without additional exemptions.
• Ability to pass a pre-employment physical exam, TB and drug screen.
• Valid California driver’s license with an acceptable driving record and auto insurance showing employee as an insured driver on the policy.
• Bilingual preferred.

TLC Child and Family Services, is Nationally Accredited by the Joint Commission, a member of the National Association of Therapeutic Schools and Programs (NATSAP) and the California Alliance and has the Innovator Seal, which is the highest recognition by the Human Rights Campaign (HRC).

We value diversity and are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For more info about TLC go to www.tlc4kids.org

Salary Range: $52,000 - $68,000 per year, depending on years of experience.