Housing Peer Navigator/Driver

Position Purpose:

The Housing Peer Navigator/Driver serves as a vital member of the Street Medicine Team, working to engage, support, and assist individuals experiencing homelessness, especially those residing in encampments throughout Skid Row and surrounding areas. This role integrates peer support, housing navigation, and mobile medical unit operation to connect individuals with essential healthcare, housing, and social services. The position emphasizes trauma-informed and harm reduction approaches while maintaining strong collaborative relationships with clinical staff, case managers, and community partners.This position is also responsible for operating and maintaining the Street Medicine mobile unit, ensuring safe transport of staff and equipment to designated outreach sites across Los Angeles County.

Responsibilities:

Client Support & Case Management

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments to identify client needs and develop individualized service plans.
2. Provide intensive case management and housing navigation services to assist individuals in achieving housing stability.
3. Support clients with life skills development, employment referrals, and benefits assistance.
4. Respond promptly to internal and external referrals and coordinate follow-up care.
5. Identify and coordinate access to interim and permanent housing programs, including Section 8, VASH, and other HUD-aligned initiatives.
6. Assist clients with application processes, documentation, and landlord engagement to secure appropriate placements.
7. Collaborate with the Street Medicine clinical team to support clients’ access to medical, behavioral health, and substance use treatment.
8. Educate clients on health-related topics and recovery-based practices such as harm reduction and relapse prevention.
9. Participate in case conferencing with care teams to review treatment goals and housing progress.
10. Maintain accurate documentation in electronic health records (e.g., Next-Gen) and housing-related systems (e.g., HMIS).
11. Prepare and submit reports and case notes in a timely and professional manner.
12. Conduct outreach to individuals in encampments to establish trust and engage them in services.
13. Build partnerships with landlords, housing developers, and community organizations to expand client access to housing and supportive services.

Driver & Mobile Unit Operations:

1. Safely operate the Street Medicine mobile unit to and from outreach locations throughout Los Angeles County.
2. Complete daily vehicle inspections, maintain logs, and report any issues or incidents promptly.
3. Ensure vehicles are fueled, cleaned, and maintained according to agency policies.
4. Assist with loading/unloading supplies and supporting logistical needs for mobile outreach operations.
5. Coordinate closely with the Med Tech, Case Manager, and Clinical team for integrated service delivery.
6. Attend team meetings, trainings, and community events as required.
7. Apply AIDET communication framework (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) to enhance client experience and reduce anxiety.
8. Provide general support and coverage for the Street Medicine program as needed.
9. Complete other duties as assigned to further the mission and effectiveness of the program.

Requirements: 

1. High School Diploma or GED with minimum two (2) years’ experience in case management, housing navigation, or community health work required.
2. Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Health, Public Health, or related field preferred.
3. Knowledge of housing programs, benefit systems, and service provider networks in Los Angeles County.
4. Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work compassionately with highly vulnerable populations.
5. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint).
6. Valid California Class B Driver’s License with passenger endorsement required.
7. Clean driving record for the past three (3) years, verified via MVR report.
8. Proof of insurance for personal vehicle if used for work-related travel.
9. LADOT driver permit preferred or ability to obtain.
10. Lived experience and/or experience working with people experiencing homelessness or substance use is highly valued.
11. Experience with electronic records systems such as HMIS, LANES, and Next-Gen a plus.
12. Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) preferred.

Physical Demands & Work Environment:

1. Ability to work outdoors in varying conditions, including encampments and street-based settings.
2. Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs., stand/walk for extended periods, and operate a vehicle for prolonged durations.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30 hours per week, you’ll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, & Vision Insurance Options
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer.