Housing Navigator, Programs

Housing Navigator, HOY

We are looking to hire a dynamic and passionate Housing Navigator who is client centered, community focused and is a self-starter.

Come be part of a team who CAR2Es! At North County Lifeline, you will find people who are Connected to the communities we serve, Authentic, and Resourceful. We are Responsive to the needs of our clients and Engaged in our mission to build self-reliance among youth, adults, and families.

Position Summary

LifeSpring is a growing program that assists youth and young adults who are exiting the foster care system as well as youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. Under the supervision of the LifeSpring Program Manager, the Housing Navigator provides supportive services in a team of 3 to youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Assures that the approach is functioning from a housing first model. The Housing Navigator makes sure that the youth's needs and wants are being heard and addressed, that youth are getting assistance in obtaining safe, stable, inclusive housing that supports independence and permanent connection. The Housing Navigator assures that all services provided to youth are being implemented through a youth driven, wellness and recovery model that is strength based, culturally relevant, trauma informed and outcome based that supports self-sufficiency. The Housing Navigator will assist youth in in exploring housing options and connecting youth to resources. Youth Housing Navigators will create a warm and welcoming environment so youth will feel safe and accepted. The Housing Navigator will possess knowledge and expertise in relationship to transitional age youth, specifically former foster youth, CSEC/HT and/or homeless youth, and the specific issues surrounding this population and demonstrate excellent engagement skills

Required Education and Experience

BA preferred. Applicant must have experience working with transitional age youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness and have knowledge on how to navigate systems. Provide services within the boundaries of their professional training. Possess a good understanding of the homeless issue here in San Diego, human development, mental health, and substance use and how that impacts daily functioning. Strong skills in rapport building, assessments, goal setting, and motivating YYA's. Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with other program and agency staff. Ability to focus on multiple priorities and meet deadlines.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Required:

Possesses advanced knowledge that is primarily intellectual in character and includes exercising discretion and independent judgment

Establish and maintains effective working relationships while showing open mindedness and a collaborative spirit. Compatibility with agency purpose, goals, philosophy, and approach. Demonstrates enthusiasm and passion for their work. Utilizes a creative approach to problem solving. Interactions with others reflect a spirit of honesty, humbleness, and self-awareness. Accepts constructive criticism with a positive attitude and willingness to implement change. Ability to work well independently and demonstrate appropriate initiative. Must demonstrate knowledge of trauma Informed, client driven, and culturally competent care.

Other Requirements

Reliable transportation. Must have a California driver license and good driving record. Willing to use own, properly insured, reliable vehicle for the job (mileage reimbursed). Employment subject to clearances, including background finger printing checks, driving record, tuberculosis testing, and drug testing.

Specific Activities

• Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage Youth's.
• Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, new clothing, hygiene products, access to shower and do laundry, etc.)
• Engage and promote Youth's social & emotional well-being.
• Participate in HOY Case Conferencing with partners.
• Empower Youth's to make their own personal decisions by providing all their options and allowing them to explore what they feel is best for them.

• Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners.
• Initiate and organize outreach efforts

• Participate in weekly supervision with Program Manager.
• Maintain confidentiality except in mandated reporting situations and where valid, legal releases have been obtained or the release is otherwise permitted by law.

• Remains culturally sensitive and respectful in all Youth and staff interactions.
• Maintains documentation utilizing agency forms and formats.

• Conduct screening and assessments with participants experiencing housing crisis
• Administer the Transitional Age Youth Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (TAY-VI-SPDAT) to participants, if needed
• Assist participants that meet requirements for program assistance and determine appropriate referrals or temporary emergency shelter placement vouchers
• Provide quality trauma informed and positive youth development principles to participant.
• Provide developmentally appropriate assessments and case management services
• Build relationships with and recruit local hotels/motels/landlords to partner with HOY
• Assist with paperwork related to housing including applications, security deposits and/or lease signings
• Assist participants with interpreting their lease, paying bills and budgeting
• Refer and link participants to appropriate community resources and provide "wraparound" support services as needed
• Submit required narrative for collaborative reporting to funding sources
• Track goals, compile data and complete reports for funding sources
• Transport participants to and from activities and appointments as needed
• Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage and auditing

• Participate in trainings to promote development and growth.
• Participates in staff meetings, supervision, training programs, and other meetings in accordance with Lifeline.
Other duties as assigned.

Compensation and Benefits

Your well-being matters at North County Lifeline!

• Paid vacation
• Paid sick time
• Paid holidays (14 days)
• Exceptional medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage
• Free health and wellness programs
• Free Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance program
• Great employee incentive award programs
• Training and education assistance
• Matched 403b retirement plan
• Flexible Spending Account
• Menu of optional benefits, including short term disability, critical illness, accident, hospitalization and cancer policy

Pay Range Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills. EEO.

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be exposed in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Travel is required to client homes. Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee will be required to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer.

Work Schedule

Non-exempt, Full-time, 40 hours a week- Monday - Friday- Flexible hours (may include evenings and weekends)

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

North County Lifeline DBA Lifeline Community Services ("Lifeline") is steadfast in its commitment to ensuring an inclusive workplace where diversity is celebrated and discrimination is not tolerated. We are committed to creating a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their best selves to work. We adhere to all federal, state, and local laws concerning employment discrimination and provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state, and local laws.

In California, we extend these protections to include ancestry, medical condition, genetic characteristics, mental or physical disability (including HIV and AIDS), familial status, citizenship, primary language, immigration status, and age (40 and above) among others, recognizing and valuing the diverse backgrounds and perspectives that all individuals bring to our team.

Lifeline is committed to complying with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA) by providing reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and by ensuring that our employment practices do not discriminate against any individual.

We believe that diversity fuels innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a team that reflects a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. Lifeline's success is built on a foundation of respect, integrity, and the collective contributions of all our employees.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training. Lifeline expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on any of the protected characteristics mentioned above.

Lifeline's leadership is committed to fostering a culture of diversity and inclusion and ensuring that our employment environment is free from discrimination and harassment. All employees are encouraged to report any instances of discrimination, harassment, or retaliation in violation of this policy to a supervisor, HR representative, or through our reporting email.

By embracing diversity and promoting equality, Lifeline not only complies with all relevant legislation but also creates a richer, more vibrant work environment for all our employees.

Accommodations and Accessibility Statement

Lifeline Community Services is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all qualified individuals, including those with disabilities. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the California Fair Employment and Housing Act (FEHA), and other applicable laws, Lifeline will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants and employees with disabilities, unless doing so would result in an undue hardship for the organization.

If you require an accommodation to participate in the application or interview process, please contact humanresources@nclifeline.org as soon as possible. Accommodations may include, but are not limited to, assistance with completing the application process, providing documents in an accessible format, or arranging for an accessible interview location.

Our goal is to ensure that all individuals have equal access to opportunities and are able to perform their job duties safely and effectively. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment where all employees can thrive.