Youth Housing Navigator - Trauma-Informed

Orangewood Foundation; Santa Ana (CA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Orangewood Foundation is seeking a Housing Liaison Specialist II for the Orangewood Resource Center in Orange County. The role focuses on trauma-responsive life skills coaching, basic needs support, and connecting participants to housing, employment, and education resources.

You will assess individual needs, maintain up-to-date housing resources, and build strong relationships with housing partners while guiding participants through barriers to stable housing.

Qualifications

• Trauma-Responsive Care understanding and principles.
• Housing First principles and housing access knowledge.
• Experience with case management services and trauma-informed approaches.

Responsibilities

• Provide trauma-responsive, strength-based assessment and care to TAY experiencing homelessness, including safety planning, advocacy, crisis intervention, and ongoing engagement.
• Serve as a low-barrier access point for referrals and complete intakes, eligibility screenings, and needs assessments.
• Develop and regularly update IHSP with housing goals, service needs, and harm-reduction approaches.
• Function as CES Access Point by completing CES assessments and enrollment within 30 days.
• Provide housing-focused care and navigation, including finding units, completing applications, and attending housing-related appointments.
• Deliver field-based and office-based care linking to healthcare, behavioral health, benefits advocacy, and housing support.
• Promote Medi-Cal and CalAIM enrollment when eligible; assist where not eligible.
• Coordinate with partners and multidisciplinary teams to ensure warm handoffs.
• Maintain a supportive environment for healing, life skills, and decision-making.
• Attend meetings and community events representing Orangewood’s mission.
• Maintain documentation in HMIS, Apricot, and ensure confidentiality.
• Participate in cross-training and support across program roles.
• Additional duties as assigned by leadership.

Skills

Trauma-responsive care

Housing First principles

Case management

Crisis intervention

Multitasking

Conflict resolution

Communication skills

Documentation

Microsoft Office

Relationship building

Education

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field

High school diploma with 4+ years’ experience in case management

Tools

HMIS

Apricot

Job description

Orangewood Foundation is seeking a Housing Liaison Specialist II for the Orangewood Resource Center in Orange County. The role focuses on trauma-responsive life skills coaching, basic needs support, and connecting participants to housing, employment, and education resources.

You will assess individual needs, maintain up-to-date housing resources, and build strong relationships with housing partners while guiding participants through barriers to stable housing.