Peer Navigator

Position Purpose:

The Peer Navigator provides individualized support to individuals experiencing homelessness, focusing on those living in encampments within the downtown Skid Row area. Working collaboratively with the street medicine team, the Peer Navigator connects clients to housing, healthcare, and supportive services. This role involves client advocacy, case management, benefit establishment, and addressing barriers to stability, with an emphasis on linking clients to appropriate resources and maintaining continuity of care.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Conduct initial assessments to evaluate client needs and develop tailored intervention plans addressing housing, services, crisis management, and care coordination.
2. Provide case management and navigation services to assist individuals in achieving and sustaining stable housing.
3. Offer on-site support in areas such as independent living skills, employment linkage, and benefits establishment to meet care plan objectives.
4. Respond promptly to referrals and client requests for assessments and interventions.
5. Identify and secure interim and/or permanent housing options in alignment with HUD guidelines, including Section 8, VASH, and affordable housing programs.
6. Assist clients with housing applications, paperwork for subsidized housing, and advocate with landlords for suitable placements.
7. Ensure timely and comprehensive documentation in electronic medical records (e.g., NextGen EMR).
8. Maintain accurate client records in data systems such as HMIS, including case notes, assessments, and follow-up documentation.
9. Collaborate with the street medicine team to facilitate healthcare access for individuals in encampments, including scheduling appointments and conducting follow-ups for patients on active caseloads.
10. Provide culturally sensitive case management tailored to the unique needs of individuals experiencing homelessness.
11. Offer counseling and education on evidence-based practices, including Trauma-Informed Care, Relapse Prevention, and medication-assisted treatments for opioid and alcohol use disorders.
12. Conduct outreach within encampments in the downtown Skid Row area to engage clients and build trust.
13. Build relationships with community partners, landlords, housing developers, and service providers to enhance resource accessibility for clients.
14. Collaborate with the street medicine team to coordinate care and share outcomes.
15. Participate in internal and external meetings, coalitions, and training sessions to improve service delivery.
16. Apply AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, Thank You) communication principles to reduce client anxiety and improve outcomes.
17. Complete other tasks as assigned to support the mission and objectives of the organization.

Requirements: 

1. AA or bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Sociology, or a related field, with at least one year of experience as a care coordinator, housing navigator, community health worker, or similar responsibilities (preferred).
2. High School Diploma or GED with at least two years of experience in housing navigation, community health work, or similar responsibilities (Certified Community Health Worker strongly recommended).
3. Experience in case management, housing services, or behavioral health (preferred).
4. Experience working with individuals who have multiple chronic conditions, frequent ER visits, or inpatient admissions, or who are experiencing homelessness.
5. Familiarity with HMIS, LANES Health Information Exchange, NextGen EMR, or similar data systems (a plus).
6. Commitment to providing culturally sensitive and trauma-informed care.
7. Ability to work effectively in outdoor environments, including encampments.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
9. Strong organizational and communication skills.
10. Excellent communication and customer service abilities.

*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 benefits package that includes:

• A monthly allowance for medical, dental, and vision premiums
• 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, life insurance, 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 Employer.