Housing Navigator

Monday - Friday, 8:30 am to 5:00 pm

Pay

The initial compensation for this position ranges from $23 to $28.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and internal equity considerations. A 7.5% bilingual differential is available for qualified positions.

Benefits

• Benefits eligibility starts on day one
• Robust benefits package including medical, dental, and vision
• 401K employer match up to 4%
• Competitive time off plans (eligibility requirements apply based on employment status)

About the role

Works within the vision, mission, and philosophy of the agency. The Cal-AIM Housing Navigator reports to the Cal-AIM Program Manager of Housing and is responsible for ensuring members authorized by the Managed Care Plans receive timely and quality housing transitional navigation services, housing deposits, and housing tenancy and sustaining services throughout the county. The Cal-AIM Housing Navigator provides and delivers Community Supports housing services, collaborates with the local Continuum of Care (CoC) homeless services systems, Managed Care Plans (MCPs), and Enhanced Care Management (ECM) providers to deliver quality services to members. Requires experience in the housing and homeless arena and knowledge of Housing of Urban and Development (HUD) funding and regulations.

Responsibilities

• Develop strategies for outreach to consumers who tend to isolate themselves
• Demonstrate a commitment to consumer choice and empowerment
• Develop respectful interpersonal relationships with consumers while maintaining appropriate boundaries
• Assist and support consumers with identifying, linking to, and utilizing healthcare resources, including primary care physicians, specialty care providers, dental care, and vision care
• Support members with linking to education and employment services
• Increase awareness and provide linkage to self-help programs and consumer advocacy organizations that promote recovery
• Encourage and support members' skills and talents
• Participate in off-site presentations introducing the program to community partners and potential new consumers
• Attend and participate in staff meetings and scheduled supervision to provide or receive input towards program development and staff training
• Exhibit a non-judgmental approach to effective listening, maintaining respectful eye contact and appropriate engagement
• Report to work on time and maintain reliable and regular attendance
• Model the agency's mission and core values in all communication and correspondence
• Communicate effectively in a culturally competent manner with a diverse member population
• Provide caregivers or other support systems with information about the agency, processes, procedures, and various roles to assist them
• Participate in continuous learning related to engaging consumers
• Complete intakes and assessments to determine clients' housing needs and identify clients requiring HMIS CES Surveys
• Meet with clients weekly to monitor and evaluate housing progression
• Assist clients with developing an individualized housing support plan based on the housing assessment
• Identify and secure resources to assist with subsidizing rent and identifying affordable housing options, including:
  • Evaluating the rental market
  • Networking with potential landlords to develop relationships and build housing stock
  • Assisting with housing applications, including gathering and compiling supporting documents
  • Assisting with applications for supportive and subsidized housing
• Conduct pre-inspections of identified units to ensure they meet Housing Quality Standards (HQS)
• Assist clients with requesting security deposit assistance and setting up fees (e.g., utility arrearages and deposits)
• Assist with obtaining necessary household goods ensuring access and safety (e.g., hospital beds, hoyer lifts, HVAC, pest control services)
• Provide landlord/tenant mediation services to address issues and help clients maintain permanent housing
• Educate clients on landlord/tenant rights
• Maintain documentation of services as required by program contracts and agency standards (e.g., service notes, HMIS, Salesforce, HUD, and funding source requirements)
• Maintain housing charts in accordance with agency and contractual requirements
• Conduct health and safety home visits, including unit habitability inspections
• Provide early intervention services identifying potential behaviors that may jeopardize housing (e.g., late rental payments, hoarding, substance use, lease violations)
• Collaborate and provide linkage to community resources to prevent eviction
• Assist with benefits advocacy, including obtaining identification and documentation for SSI eligibility and support with the SSI application process

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED and four (4) or more years of relevant experience; or equivalent combination of education and experience (two years of relevant experience equals one year of education)
• Knowledge of housing rights pertaining to homelessness and low- and moderate-income housing
• Knowledge of Coordinated Entry Systems (CES), local Continuum of Care system, local housing authorities, and ability to create partnerships with local landlords, realtors, and property management companies to build housing stock
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, and other related trainings
• Ability to work effectively and professionally with diverse communities
• High level of tolerance and understanding for individuals with urgent and multiple case management and health needs
• Ability to work independently as well as on a team
• Mature judgment, highly motivated, self-starting, and proactive
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal
• Strong sense of prioritization and ability to coordinate multiple demands in a high-pressure environment
• Valid California driver’s license and maintain an insurable driving record under the agency’s liability policy (if driving two or more times per week on company business) OR demonstrated ability to use public transportation if driving is not required
• Extensive knowledge of local community resources or ability to quickly acquire it

Skills

• Conflict Resolution
• Clear and accurate documentation
• Customer focus
• Learning agility
• Time management

Physical Requirements

• Frequently required to stand or sit
• Required to use hands to produce records and/or documentation in manual or electronic format
• Must regularly lift and/or move up to 5 pounds and occasionally move or lift up to 10 pounds
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions