Housing Navigator (SSVF)

Housing Navigator

Compensation: $28.32/hour Benefits: Free Dental & Vision, 19 Paid Holidays - Including 3 Mental Health Days, 15 Vacation days & 10 Sick Days Annually, Retirement Plan with a match, Paid Training, 10-year anniversary sabbatical, Flexible Spending Accounts, Professional Development Allowance, Paid Parental Leave benefit, Discounted Pet Insurance, Affordable Health Insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees, 50% coverage paid by employer for dependents (vision, dental, health) and many more!

Company Overview For more than 50 years, Insight Housing has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our mission of ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive and sustainable housing solutions.

Program Overview A Pathway to Housing for Homeless Veterans- Insight Housing Roads Home program assists low-income Veteran families experiencing homelessness to attain housing placement and housing stability. The program provides street and venue-based outreach, case management, permanent housing placement, temporary financial assistance, employment assistance, and assistance in obtaining VA and other benefits. The program will work with all participants to develop and carry out action plans that improve their health and wellness.

Position Summary Under supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing Navigator supports the Roads Home Program's effort through landlord engagement, retention, and collaboration with other housing agencies. The Housing Navigator is the liaison for all landlords, property managers, the Roads Home program and our clients. This position acts as a housing advocate for Veteran households by negotiating housing options on their behalf and providing support in complying with housing rules through various tenant rights education and life skill trainings.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Identify and provide program participants with housing resources needed to reach their permanent housing goals.
• In partnership with the Housing Services Manager, develop partnerships with property managers and landlords in counties that Roads Homes serves and maintain a database of landlords and available properties.
• Match landlord qualifications with client needs.
• Monitor the local housing rental markets by keeping abreast of market rental rates, supply and demands of housing and other related conditions.
• Negotiate rental agreements with landlords, conduct housing inspections, and assist participants with review of lease agreements and move-ins.
• Assist with the client intake process and initial assessment.
• Collect and keep files of income certifications, calculations of subsidies and lease approvals for participants' direct lease contracts.
• Perform or arrange housing inspections prior to move-in.
• Maintain a database of all clients housed including date and location of permanent housing.
• Conduct regular home visits to clients who are housed.
• Ensure that all regulatory agreements, contracts, and fair housing laws are adhered to as they relate to housing.
• Provide individual and group education regarding housing retention, tenancy skills, and financial assistance and management.
• Coordinate eviction prevention services and follow up with landlords.
• In partnership with the Case Manager, assist clients in meeting basic needs for food, shelter, medical /mental health care, ID's, etc., as needed.
• Maintain HMIS database records, including client intakes, program entry and program exit; ensure that all data is entered into HMIS within 24 hours of service delivery.
• Adhere to laws regarding confidentiality and reporting requirements; maintain knowledge of HIPAA certification standards.
• Drive your own or agency vehicle to the field and to other program sites, as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency vehicle policy at all times.
• Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency's health and safety practices.
• Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned.
• Complete and submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.
• Work within the framework of Insight Housing's Code of Conduct.
• Perform other tasks as assigned.

Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities

• High school required. Bachelor's degree in Social Services or related field a plus.
• Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training.
• 1 year experience providing direct support services to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse or other social issues strongly preferred.
• 1 year experience in real estate, property management or housing support, preferred. Relevant internship and volunteer experience will be considered. Prior Customer service experience and administrative experience will be considered.
• Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness. Understanding of and sensitivity to issues related to homeless, low income, mentally disabled, and chemically dependent persons.
• Proficient in use of computer and Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and TEAMS). Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) a plus.
• Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds.
• Ability to provide good customer service. Communicate effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
• Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and crisis intervention skills with a can do and flexible attitude. Ability to work well under high pressure.
• Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.

Special Requirements

• This position requires frequent driving. A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies.
• Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.

Physical Requirements

• Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.
• Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.
• May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.
• May be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs.

Insight Housing is an equal opportunity employer and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.