Housing Navigator

Champions Recovery; Hanford (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Job summary

Champions Recovery is hiring a Housing Navigator to support individuals facing homelessness and those at risk, providing person-centered case management and housing navigation in the tri-county area. You will assess housing needs, assist with applications, and advocate with landlords while coordinating move‑in and exit for program participants.

Collaboration with CalAIM, housing programs, and community partners is essential.

Qualifications

• BA in social work, psychology, or related field
• AA in social work, psychology, or related field + 2 years’ mental health experience
• 1 year of experience as a Housing Navigator and/or Whole Person Care or Health Homes Case Management experience may be substituted
• Experience in case management for persons living with mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, or justice involvement
• Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) preferred

Responsibilities

• Identify member’s housing status, preferences, income, household needs and barriers to housing.
• Assist clients with housing applications and subsidized housing paperwork; survey rental market.
• Advocate for clients with landlords and coordinate move-in and exit processes.
• Provide client advocacy, case management, outreach and engagement; develop Housing Support Plans.
• Record all contacts and services in Champions’ electronic health records system in a timely manner.
• Conduct community outreach and participate in stakeholder meetings.

Job description

Under the direct supervision of the CalAIM Program Manager, the employee will be evaluated based on skillset, experience, and ability to provide program services under the capacity as a Housing Navigator.Essential Duties and Responsibilities of a Housing Navigator:Experience working with individuals who are chronically homeless, homeless families, those at risk of becoming homeless, and/or homeless veterans.Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidy is ideal (i.e., Housing Choice Vouchers, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities).Identify the member’s current housing status, preferences, income, household needs, accessibility needs and barriers to obtaining housing.Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.Assist the members through the approval and leasing process.Provide client advocacy, case management, outreach and engagement, individualized client support by conducting Housing Assessments, helping to develop Housing Support Plans to address their barriers, achieve better health outcomes, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing.As part of the Housing Plan, identify each area in which clients will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e., scheduling appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying subsidized housing, etc.). Establish realistic housing goals and the steps to obtain permanent housing.Conduct outreach in the community routinely including daily, weekly, monthly; and is expected to meet clients where they are; this includes shelters, parks, alleyways, community events, etc.Participate in community events throughout the tri-county area and will be expected to advocate on behalf of their clients.Work to recruit landlords and establish working relationships for the benefit of clientele.All CalAIM Employees will be expected to demonstrate the following skillsets:Provide person centered approach services.Assist clients with identifying barriers and building plans to mitigate or reduce barriers.Connect clients to other community resources in the community.Comfortable with public speaking.Good working knowledge of how to use general office tools including Microsoft Office and Outlook.Team oriented individual willing to support peers in daily outreach or coverage as needed.Work collaboratively with Champions programs, managed care plans, primary care providers, and local housing programs to conduct screening interviews, complete intake documentation, and coordinate move-in and exit of all program participants.Respond to referrals and clients’ requests for case management assessment and intervention within the required response time.Accurately record all contacts made and services provided in Champions’ electronic health records system in a timely manner.Encourage and promote an environment that is strengths-based to assist clients in meeting their individual goals.Maintain complete and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county, and the Organization’s guidelines.Complete follow-up and retention services and provide back-up documentation in client file.Outreach to community, business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers, and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities and build strong relationships to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services, and housing opportunities.Attendance to community meetings and possible engagement and participation of committees such as the Kings Tulare Housing Alliance Stakeholder meetings, monthly coordination meetings, etc.Performs other duties as assigned.Please note this job description is not designated to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required for the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:BA in social work, psychology, or related field; AA in social work, psychology, or related field + 2 years’ mental health experience; and/or 1 year of experience as a Housing Navigator and/or Whole Person Care or Health Homes Case Management experience may be substituted.Experience must be in the provision of case management services for persons living with mental illness, substance use disorders, homelessness, and/or justice-involvement.Must have valid California Class C Driver’s License; maintain a good safety record (verified by DMV at hire and periodically) and a reliable vehicle; proof of liability insurance if driving personal vehicle.First Aid and CPR certifications obtain within 30 days of employment and maintain current thereafter.Experience performing work related to data collection, entry, budgeting, credit repair, and organizing skills.Additional experience in presentation of information to groups and organizations.Experience in obtaining third party credit, criminal, and rental history reports.Experience with culturally diverse population.Ability to understand and interpret information, follow instructions, and manage workflow. Strong Interpersonal skills: ability to work effectively with people in a constructive manner within a community-based treatment setting.Basic and routine computer keyboarding, programs and software and advanced office management practices and operating procedures.Able to multi-task in a fast-paced environment, apply professional judgement in solving difficult issues, and to communicate in a clear, precise, and professional manner.Bilingual (English and Spanish speaking) preferred.Recovering individuals must have a minimum of two years clean, sober and abstinent to be considered for employment.Must be able to provide services to clients while culturally practicing humility and trauma-informed, gender-responsive, and patient-centered care.Ability to work flexible schedules/shifts/areas, including some nights and weekends to meet the needs of clients in the program.Must maintain good relationships with consumers, co-workers, government, and civic representatives, as well as community members within whom the Agency is transacting business and relate to them in a professional manner.Ability to work independently and to carry out assignments to completion within parameters of instructions given, prescribed routines, and standard accepted practices.