Housing Navigator

Job Description

Job Description

Community Supports Housing Navigator & Life Skills Specialist

Position Summary

Simple Solutions Psychotherapy is seeking a compassionate, motivated, and resourceful Community Supports Housing Navigator & Life Skills Specialist to join our CalAIM Community Supports team. This position plays a vital role in helping individuals experiencing housing instability obtain and maintain safe, stable housing while promoting long-term independence through care coordination, financial literacy, and life skills development.

The Housing Navigator works collaboratively with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Care Managers, healthcare providers, landlords, housing authorities, and community partners to assist members throughout every phase of the housing process—from locating permanent housing and securing move-in resources to supporting long-term housing stability.

This position requires strong advocacy skills, knowledge of community resources, excellent organizational abilities, and a commitment to person-centered, trauma-informed care.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Placement

• Conduct comprehensive housing needs assessments and identify barriers to obtaining permanent housing.
• Develop individualized housing plans that align with each member's goals and needs.
• Assist members in locating affordable housing opportunities, including apartments, shared housing, and subsidized housing programs.
• Build and maintain positive working relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and community housing partners.
• Coordinate apartment searches, property tours, housing applications, and lease signings.
• Assist members with gathering required documentation and completing housing applications.
• Advocate on behalf of members throughout the housing search and placement process.

Housing Move-In Assistance

• Coordinate security deposits, utility deposits, and other approved housing-related financial assistance.
• Obtain required documentation from landlords and property managers.
• Verify member eligibility for Community Supports housing services.
• Process move-in assistance requests in accordance with DHCS and health plan requirements.
• Maintain accurate records, receipts, invoices, and payment documentation.

Housing Transition & Independent Living Support

• Coordinate move-in dates and transition planning.
• Assist members with obtaining furniture, household essentials, and other necessary items to establish a safe living environment.
• Coordinate utility activation and other move-in logistics.
• Connect members to community resources that support long-term housing success.
• Monitor members' transition into permanent housing and address barriers as they arise.

Housing Stability & Tenancy Support

• Conduct home visits to assess housing stability and member well-being.
• Monitor compliance with lease agreements and assist members in understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Provide landlord mediation and conflict resolution support.
• Deliver eviction prevention services through early intervention and problem-solving.
• Assist members with budgeting, household management, and maintaining housing stability.
• Develop individualized housing stability plans and monitor progress toward goals.

Financial Literacy & Life Skills Education

• Facilitate individual and group workshops focused on budgeting, financial literacy, credit building, banking, money management, and financial wellness.
• Educate members on managing rent, utilities, and household expenses.
• Teach strategies for building and repairing credit and increasing financial independence.
• Assist members in developing savings plans and long-term financial goals.
• Provide life skills training related to independent living, lease compliance, household management, communication, problem-solving, and self-sufficiency.
• Monitor participation, document progress, and reinforce practical skills that promote long-term success.

Care Coordination

• Collaborate closely with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) Care Managers and interdisciplinary treatment teams.
• Participate in case conferences and multidisciplinary care planning meetings.
• Coordinate referrals to medical, behavioral health, substance use treatment, and community-based services.
• Maintain regular communication with members, providers, landlords, and community partners.
• Advocate for members to ensure access to appropriate services and resources.

Documentation & Compliance

• Complete all required Community Supports documentation within established timelines.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation in the electronic health record (EHR).
• Document member contacts, home visits, housing progress, landlord communications, and service coordination activities.
• Upload receipts, invoices, and supporting documentation for housing-related expenditures.
• Ensure compliance with DHCS, CalAIM, Community Supports, IEHP, Molina, and organizational documentation standards.
• Participate in quality assurance activities, supervision, and ongoing professional development.

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Sociology, Public Health, or a related field preferred.
• Associate degree with relevant experience may be considered.
• Minimum of two (2) years of experience in housing navigation, supportive housing, homelessness services, case management, or social services.
• Experience working with vulnerable populations, including individuals experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, or substance use disorders.
• Valid California driver's license, reliable transportation, and an acceptable driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout the assigned service area.

Experience with:

• CalAIM Community Supports
• Enhanced Care Management (ECM)
• Medi-Cal managed care
• Coordinated Entry System (CES)
• Homeless Management Information System (HMIS)
• Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8)
• Housing Authorities
• Recuperative Care
• Behavioral Health Services
• Substance Use Disorder treatment
• Landlord engagement and housing negotiations
• Community-based social services