Systems Navigator

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority; California; Hybrid; USD 52,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid telework policy

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) is seeking a System Navigator to provide field-based housing support for individuals experiencing homelessness. You will assist clients with permanent housing opportunities, develop stabilization plans, and coordinate services with landlords and partner agencies.

The role requires collaborating with countywide interim housing sites and other homeless service providers, maintaining up-to-date case notes, and engaging unsheltered individuals to

Qualifications

• Two years (paid/unpaid) in social services or homeless services preferred.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Valid California driver’s license required at hire (per license section).

Responsibilities

• Provide field-based services to individuals experiencing homelessness and assist them with housing placement.
• Develop housing stabilization plans and coordinate with landlords and housing providers.
• Conduct assessments to determine housing needs and connect clients to services (health, benefits, employment, etc.).
• Maintain accurate case notes and documentation in HMIS/Clarity systems.
• Travel as needed to interim housing sites and housing appointments.
• Build relationships with service providers and partner agencies to support client outcomes.

Skills

HMIS knowledge

Clarity Records

People skills

Written communication

Organizational skills

Microsoft Office

Project multitasking

Diversity engagement

Bilingual (English/Spanish)

Education

High school diploma

AA degree preferred

Tools

Clarity (HMIS)

Microsoft Office Suite

Job description

The Los Angeles Homeless Services Authority (LAHSA) seeks motivated professionals who want to use their talents and skills to make a difference. Our staff are adaptive problem solvers and passionate about enriching people's lives. If you are mission-driven, dedicated to superior service and support, and can diligently work independently and in a collaborative environment, join our team. LAHSA is leading the fight to end homelessness in LA County. Here, not only would your work impact the community, but we also offer a comprehensive and competitive benefits package.

Created in 1993, LAHSA is a joint powers authority of the city and county of Los Angeles. As the lead agency in the HUD-funded Los Angeles Continuum of Care (CoC), we coordinate and manage federal, state, county, and city funds for programs providing shelter, housing, and services to people experiencing homelessness.

The System Navigator will provide field-based services to persons experiencing sheltered & unsheltered homelessness as they transition into permanent housing. The selected candidate’s primary responsibilities are to support county wide Interim Housing sites with assisting clients with permanent housing opportunities and locate best fit housing placement options, provide housing stability services, including implementation of housing stabilization plans, and coordination of multiple services to meet each clients' needs. System Navigators are also responsible for building and maintaining good working relationships with landlords/management companies/property owners as well as with other homeless service providers and partnering agencies. Other responsibilities include engaging unsheltered persons experiencing homelessness to provide document assistance and connect them with interim housing and other stabilizing resources.

The functions listed below are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed and are not to be interpreted as an exhaustive list of responsibilities.

• Develop effective, trusting relationships with program clients.
• Work with clients to develop and implement a housing stabilization plan that will maximize housing location, placement, and retention which will increase quality of life and community engagement.
• Conduct CES Assessment to accompany housing plan to determine appropriate housing intervention and service needs.
• Provide connections to available resources for the homeless population (e.g. linkage to primary care physicians, health insurance, mental health / substance abuse support, benefits advocacy, employment services, food banks, credit repair, legal aid, In Home care).
• Maintain professional relationships with clients, Elected Offices, and city or County Departments.
• Keep up-to-date, accurate, well-written/well documented case notes.
• Complete all documentation and paperwork in a timely manner.
• Prepare clear and thorough housing assessments and referrals for inclusion in case files and provide supervisor with any and all information requested in the timeframe given.
• Assist clients with completing housing/ subsidy applications and securing housing of their choice
• Transport clients to gather needed documents for housing including but not limited to the DMV, Social Security office and Department of Social Services.
• Transport clients to unit viewings and assist with completion of rental applications
• Coordinate with Unit Acquisition teams to identify and share appropriate housing options with participants.
• Develop relationships with landlords to assist in identification of housing units and leasing process for participants.
• Assist clients with accessing resources and services to increase housing stability (e.g. linkage to primary care physicians, health insurance, mental health / substance abuse support, benefits advocacy, employment services, food banks, credit repair, legal aid, In Home care).
• Other duties and special projects as assigned.

• Knowledge of the LA CoC HMIS
• Maintain up to date Clarity (HMIS) Records for services provided to clients directly in the field. Excellent people skills, specifically customer service skills and a capacity for collaboration and interpersonal relationships
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to express technical concepts clearly to both technical and non-technical audiences
• Strong organizational skills with a strong attention to detail
• Intermediate level of computer software programs specifically, Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Access, Power Point and Outlook)
• Ability to simultaneously manage multiple projects and timelines
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse community and organizational groups
• 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. This is a very active position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to walk; climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move items over 10 pounds.
• Bilingual (English/Spanish) is preferred.

• Minimum two (2) combined years’ experience (paid/unpaid) and demonstrated effective work in social services, preferred homeless services.
• Certificates and/or trainings specific to domestic violence, mental illness, and harm reduction, is preferred.
• A high school Diploma is mandatory, however, an A.A. Degree Degree from an accredited college or university with relevant social service work experience.
• Any combination of extensive and applicable work experience and educational credentials to perform the above duties successfully.

License Requirement

• A valid California Class C driver’s license is required at the time of hire. Employees must have a good driving record and the employee must be eligible for coverage under LAHSA’s insurance carrier guidelines.

Schedule

The Chief Executive Officer or designee may change the schedule of positions between hybrid and onsite, as necessary to accomplish LAHSA's business needs.

Additional Information

LAHSA has adopted a hybrid telework policy requiring employees to work onsite at our Los Angeles office a minimum of two (2) days per week. Applicants must be able to meet this onsite requirement, with or without a reasonable accommodation. LAHSA is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, please contact Human Resources at [e-mail] to initiate the interactive process.

Applicants may make a reasonable accommodation request for this job by calling the Human Resources Department at [phone]; or via email at [e-mail].

Residency Requirement

This position requires the employee to reside within the State of California. Proof of residency may be requested as part of the onboarding process to ensure compliance with organizational and operational requirements.

We are an Equal Opportunity / E-Verify Employer