Case Manager - Housing Navigator, Westside

Position: Housing Navigator, Westside
Reports To:  Program Manager, Westside CES
Schedule:  Monday - Friday, 8:00 am - 4:30 pm
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (hourly), Non-Management
Location: Westside Administration Office, 1453 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Benefits:  Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement Planning (403b), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

SUMMARY
In collaboration with the Coordinated Entry System (CES) and The People Concern agency-wide programs, the Housing Navigator field-based program is responsible for effectively navigating individuals matched to housing resources by the CES Matcher through the match-to-lease-up process. As a member of a multi-person Housing Navigation team housed within the CES department, the Housing Navigator must thrive in a fast paced, group-oriented setting, and enjoy working ‘in the field’ with clients in an array of both public and private agencies. Importantly, the Housing Navigator must possess a working knowledge of the myriad subsidies available through CES, and must be able to assist the Program Manager in determining client eligibility for these subsidies according to the complex matrix of HUD, local Housing Authority, and unit-specific regulations. The Housing Navigator is responsible for preparing housing applications with a strong focus on attention to detail, and is accountable to the Program Manager for the timely processing of any documentation submitted to the Housing Authority, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, or private landlords on behalf of their program-enrolled clients.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Carry a case load of 20 clients to prepare and ensure that their housing matches are successful, as signified by the signing of a lease.
   
   
2. Maintain up to date, accurate, and complete data and progress notes, records, and communication logs regarding referrals, housing applications, and coordination with outside partners and as required by the project and its funding sources
   
   
3. Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals and objectives to assist participants in achieving their desired outcomes
   
   
4. Assess clients’ legal, financial, social, medical, and psychological needs as related to their housing search
   
   
5. Assess clients’ eligibility for public assistance; provide referrals and advocacy to access those benefits
   
   
6. Work cooperatively and cohesively with CES Matcher, CES Coordination Team and Interim Housing Teams throughout Service Planning Area 5 (Westside)
   
   
7. Perform housing location duties for clients matched to scattered site housing resources
   
   
8. Provide transportation to clients as needed
   
   
9. In coordination with the Housing Navigation team Program Manager, mediate conflicts between clients and property management and/or private landlords to promote a smooth match-to-lease-up process
   
   
10. Implement and consistently practices harm reduction, trauma informed care, housing first and integrated care interventions
    
    
11. Able to serve a diverse vulnerable client populations and communicate effectively in a culturally competent manner
    
    
12. Establish and maintain a positive and effective working relationship with PSH lease-up staff and property management and agency colleagues to promote seamless delivery of services to members
    
    
13. Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of Housing Resources and various subsidy types inclusive of Permanent Supportive Housing providers in our community
    
    
14. Advocate on behalf of clients to law enforcement, government agencies, social service agencies, educational institutions, medical and legal professionals, and others to ensure equitable access to housing
    
    
15. Develop effective, trusting relationships with program participants
    
    
16. Network and collaborate with community based organizations to obtain referrals and ensure contractual capacity is met
    
    
17. Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HACLA, HACOLA, DHS, DMH, and other community housing resource providers
    
    
18. Ensure all paperwork and data collection for clients is complete, timely, accurate, and current in agency records, member charts and electronic databases
    
    
19. Attend and participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, and special projects to promote professional development
    
    
20. Assists the Program Manager with integrating housing services across the agency and works on multiple housing projects as needed

QUALIFICATIONS

1.    High School Diploma, GED or Equivalent required

2.    Bachelor’s degree in related field (Social Work, Community Organizing, or other Human Services) and one years’ full-time experience working with the homeless, preferably those living with mental illness and / or substance addictions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience preferred

2.    Knowledge of homeless social service providers and Coordinated Entry System

3.    Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, housing providers and community partners in a culturally competent manner

4.    Detail oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills

5.     Self-starter with the ability to stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment

6.     Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies

Preferred Qualification(s)

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

1. Combination of field and office environment
2. Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
3. On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
4. Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments
5. Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
6. May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day