What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Navigator position at Social Service Staffing & Recruiting, Inc.?
The Housing Navigators provide case management and housing location services for assigned program participants. The Housing Navigator collaborates with Care Coordinators at interim housing sites and through housing programs to connect individuals experiencing homelessness to permanent housing.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:
● Manages a caseload of 20-25 households that have been matched to Housing Navigation slots.
● Rapidly enrolls referrals received from LAHSA and/or interim housing providers, including gathering documentation needed for enrollment and creating Housing and Services Plans (HSP) in collaboration with participants.
● Assists participants in identifying and applying for units, time limited subsidy programs, housing vouchers, and/or permanent supportive housing resources, based on the individual’s needs.
● Collaborates with Care Coordinators to support the lease up process, including verifying property ownership, inspecting units, submitting move-in packets, and facilitating warm hand-off s with the care coordination team.
● Connects participants to resources that support housing stabilization and promote wellness, including medical, mental health and/or substance use services, employment, etc.
● Engages households on a consistent basis to provide support related to HSP goals. Frequency of services will be based on the needs of the individual. Weekly visits are required for unhoused participants and home visits must occur at least once a month for housed participants.
● Provides trauma informed services that align with Housing First and Harm Reduction philosophies, are in accordance with agency and funder expectations, and abide by legal and ethical standards.
● Strives to recognize the best in each participant and supports the meaningful change they seek through building relationships and utilizing motivational interviewing techniques and strength based case management techniques.
● Acts as an advocate for participants who are experiencing housing barriers (e.g. poor credit, evictions, etc.), while establishing and maintaining a professional relationship with landlords and property owners.
● Ensures that landlords are respecting tenant rights and that participants are aware of the expectations and obligations outlined in their lease agreements.
● Connects participants to legal services when necessary to mitigate evictions or other tenant rights issues.
● Maintains accurate and timely documentation in HMIS and charts in accordance with agency policies and expectations.
● Completes annual recertifications, including assessing for ongoing eligibility.
● Regularly explores opportunities for community integration to support housing retention in preparation for a successful termination of services when appropriate.
● Transports participants as needed to essential appointments and conducts visits within the community in SPA 3 and Los Angeles County, including colocation at interim housing sites when assigned.
● Participates in weekly supervision and staff meetings, as well as Programs Department and agency-wide meetings and training.
EDUCATION, TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:
● A minimum of one year of experience providing housing location or case management support to persons experiencing homelessness, or at risk of homelessness, including working with persons experiencing chronic health issues, mental health needs, or with histories of substance use or have a minimum of two (2) years of experience in a related human services or housing fi eld
