Housing Specialist

HOUSING NAVIGATION SPECIALIST
Location: On-site - Lake Elsinore, CA
Schedule: Full-Time (Hours may vary; evenings and weekends, as needed)
Compensation: $28.00 - 32.00 per hour (depending on experience)
Reports To: Program Manager Position Summary
The Housing Navigation Specialist supports justice-involved participants in securing safe and stable housing by providing direct navigation, education, and advocacy throughout the housing process. This role requires extensive knowledge of Section 8, housing vouchers, landlord engagement, and community-based housing programs. The Housing Navigation Specialist establishes and maintains relationships with property owners, housing authorities, and organizations that specialize in justice-involved reentry housing. This work aligns with the mission of The Happier Life Project and the metrics-driven requirements of the Adult Reentry Grant (ARG). The Housing Specialist delivers person-centered, trauma-responsive services, including the use of Motivational Interviewing techniques to help individuals explore their readiness for change in a supportive and nonjudgmental way. Key Responsibilities
Participant Engagement

• Conduct housing assessments to identify participant needs, housing history, barriers, and eligibility for housing programs.
• Provide person-centered support in locating safe, stable housing options.
• Assist participants with housing applications, appeals, unit searches, and the voucher process.
• Offer education on tenant rights, responsibilities, budgeting basics, and housing

readiness.

• Facilitate groups, workshops, or classes related to housing readiness as assigned.

Housing Navigation and Coordination

• Support participants with completing Section 8 and other housing voucher applications.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of eligibility requirements for local housing programs.
• Coordinate with housing authorities, property management companies, reentry housing providers, and community partners.
• Accompany participants to appointments, housing tours, and lease signings as needed.

• Facilitate communication between tenants and landlords to support housing stability.
• Landlord Engagement and Relationship Building
• Identify and recruit landlords willing to rent to justice-involved participants.
• Establish and maintain strong, ongoing relationships with property owners and management agencies.
• Provide landlords with information about available incentives, support services, and program expectations.
• Serve as a professional point of contact for conflict resolution and follow up.

Tracking and Documentation

• Document all housing contacts, applications, referrals, and progress notes in the EHR system.
• Ensure all documentation follows BSCC and THLP standards, including PIP formatting.
• Track outcomes such as housing obtained, retention, barriers, and participant progress.
• Complete required logs, reports, and updates by assigned deadlines.

Partnership Development

• Identify and cultivate partnerships with organizations and providers that specialize in reentry housing, transitional housing, sober living, and community support programs.
• Collaborate with partner agencies to coordinate placements, wraparound services, and long-term stability support.
• Attend housing-related meetings, community events, workshops, and trainings that strengthen program capacity.

Program Responsibilities

• Participate in case conferencing, team meetings, and supervision.
• Attend outreach events, resource fairs, and partner activities as assigned.
• Provide education and support to team members on housing-related topics.
• Support the Program Manager and Lead Integrated Care Navigator with housing-related data, updates, and problem-solving.
• Other duties as assigned

Required Qualifications

• Minimum two years of experience providing housing navigation, outreach, case management, or related reentry or homelessness services.

• Strong understanding of Section 8, housing vouchers, rapid rehousing programs, and landlord engagement strategies.
• Experience building and maintaining relationships with property owners and housing partners.
• Strong communication skills and ability to advocate effectively for participants.
• Knowledge of local housing resources, community agencies, and justice-involved reentry supports.
• Experience with electronic documentation and data entry.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and proof of insurance.
• Ability to work in person with some flexibility for evenings or weekends.

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate degree or higher in human services, sociology, psychology, or a related

field.

• Bilingual English and Spanish.
• Lived experience with housing instability, justice involvement, or reentry.
• Familiarity with Medi-Cal, SDOH tools, and evidence-based case management practices.

Work Environment
This is an in-person role based at the THLP office, housing authority offices, property locations, and community partner sites. The Housing Navigator must be available to support participants in both office and field settings.