Housing Navigator - Westside Administration

Reports to: Program Manager, Housing Stabilization and CES Program
Location: Westside Administration Office - 1453 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90404
Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

About the role

In collaboration with the Department of Mental Health Interim Housing Program (DMH IHP), the Housing Navigation Program provides housing-focused supportive services for people experiencing homelessness with the goal of helping them identify, apply for, secure, and move into permanent housing. As a vital member of a multi-person Housing Navigation team within the Housing department, this role bridges a critical gap in services in the Los Angeles Continuum of Care (LA CoC). This is a fast-paced, field-based position that partners with clients and staff at Interim Housing sites. The role is responsible for preparing housing applications with strong attention to detail and timely processing of documentation submitted to the Housing Authority, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, or private landlords on behalf of program-enrolled clients.

Responsibilities

• Carry a caseload of 20-25 clients to prepare and ensure successful housing interventions, as signified by the signing of a lease.
• Develop a housing plan in collaboration with the client detailing their housing needs.
• Complete the County-approved Coordinated Entry System Los Angeles Homeless Assessment Tool in HMIS within one month in partnership with IHP staff.
• Ensure all required documents are uploaded into HMIS within 3 months of the client entering IHP.
• Assist clients with obtaining identification, Social Security card, verification of disability, verification of homelessness, and other documents needed for permanent housing.
• Serve as the client’s Point of Contact for permanent housing resource matching.
• Notify the client’s additional treatment providers when a client is matched to a permanent housing resource.
• Complete housing applications, including the Universal Housing Application, within seven days of invitation.
• Work with clients to locate available permanent housing units, transport and accompany clients to view units, and complete rental applications prior to the voucher’s expiration date.
• Identify housing resources and develop relationships with property owners, property management companies, and landlords to increase permanent housing opportunities for clients.
• Transport clients to property management/housing authority offices to complete applications and execute leases.
• Assist clients in understanding lease requirements, the lease-up process, and expectations for tenancy.
• Assist clients with obtaining security deposits, furniture, and other household goods.
• Arrange for and support the details of the move to permanent housing, including providing transportation.
• Review and negotiate leases with landlords/property managers, conduct unit site visits, and provide support regarding budgeting for housing expenses.
• Ensure warm handoff to permanent housing case managers as appropriate.
• Collaborate with assigned DMH IHP site staff to effectively communicate, problem-solve, and provide services to clients identified for Housing Navigation.
• Maintain up-to-date, accurate, and complete data, progress notes, records, and communication logs regarding referrals, housing applications, and coordination with outside partners as required by the project and its funding sources.
• Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of housing resources and various subsidy types, including Permanent Supportive Housing providers in the community.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with HACLA, HACOLA, DHS, DMH, and other community housing resource providers.
• Attend and participate in supervision, staff meetings, trainings, conferences, workshops, and special projects to promote professional development.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field (Social Work, Community Organizing, or other Human Services) and one year of full-time experience working with people experiencing homelessness, preferably those living with mental illness and/or substance addictions; or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Knowledge of homeless social service providers and the Coordinated Entry System.
• Able to communicate and interact with subcontractors, housing providers, and community partners in a culturally competent manner.
• Detail-oriented with excellent time management, organizational, written, verbal, interpersonal, and computer skills.
• Self-starter with the ability to thrive in a fast-paced work environment.
• Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies.
• Current valid California Driver’s License.

Work Environment

• Combination of field and office environments.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
• On occasion, walk or drive to different local sites.
• Work in busy and loud environments.
• Exposure to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor.
• May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day.

Schedule

Monday - Friday, 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement Planning (403b) & Matching
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• Employee Assistance Programs (EAP)
• TELUS Health
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Basic Life / Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Corporate Discounts: Discounts on hotels, theme parks, concerts, movies, restaurants, and more
• The People Concern University & Certificates

About The People Concern

The People Concern empowers the most vulnerable among us to rebuild their lives. One of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, The People Concern was formed in 2016 in a merger of two trusted social service organizations based in Los Angeles County, OPCC and Lamp Community. Informed by more than fifty-eight years of work in the community, The People Concern is a leading provider of, and advocate for, evidence-based solutions to the multi-faceted challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence. With compassion and profound respect for those we serve, we provide a fully integrated system of care – including outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills & wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing – tailored to the unique needs of homeless individuals, survivors of domestic violence, challenged youth, and others who have nowhere else to turn. The People Concern’s model of integrated and comprehensive care empowers our participants to navigate the multi-faceted obstacles in their lives, become their best selves, and ultimately, connect with and contribute to their communities.