Housing Navigator - FT & PT

Job Description

Job Description

Hope Mission Statement

The mission of Hope the Mission is to prevent, reduce and eliminate poverty, hunger, and homelessness by offering immediate assistance and long-term solutions.

Position Purpose and Summary 

Getting into housing is rarely simple for someone who has been unhoused. The system is complex, the barriers are real, and the process demands persistence from people who are already exhausted. The Housing Navigator makes that process possible.

Reporting to the Program Manager, the Housing Navigator provides field-based housing services to people moving from homelessness into permanent housing. This role works directly with participants to assess their needs and build individualized housing plans. It guides them through every step — from applications and vouchers to move-in and stabilization. It also means building relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers to expand available options for the people HTM serves.

The Housing Navigator works across multiple housing programs including Section 8, VASH, DHS Housing for Health, and time-limited subsidies. This requires knowing how each program works — not just in theory, but in practice. The role calls for strong people skills, solid systems knowledge, and the ability to maintain trust with participants who have often been let down before. Success is not measured by activity. It is measured by whether people get housed — and stay that way.

Responsibilities

Participant Engagement & Assessment

• Engage participants in housing-focused case management and build trusting, effective working relationships

• Conduct assessments to determine appropriate permanent housing interventions and individual service needs

• Provide housing readiness support including assistance with documentation, applications, and eligibility requirements

• Monitor participant progress toward housing goals through regular, consistent follow-up

Housing Navigation & Placement

• Assist participants with housing voucher applications through LAHSA, Public Housing Authority, and related programs

• Support housing search activities and identify best-fit placement options based on individual participant needs

• Navigate participants to permanent housing placements including Time-Limited Subsidy (TLS), DHS Housing for Health, Housing Choice Voucher (Section 8), Tenant-Based and Project-Based Supportive Housing, VASH, shared housing, SROs, and low-income housing options

• Coordinate move-in assistance resources including deposits, furniture, and other housing supports as available

Planning, Documentation & Collaboration

• Develop and maintain a Housing & Services Plan (HSP) for each participant with clear, individualized goals oriented toward permanent housing

• Maintain complete and accurate participant files including assessments, housing plans, case notes, applications, vouchers, lease agreements, and exit documentation

• Enter and maintain required data in HMIS; ensure all documentation meets program and funder requirements and is updated within required timeframes

• Meet performance outcome targets established by applicable LAHSA and funding contracts

• Connect participants to community resources that support housing acquisition and stability including legal aid, credit repair, and tenant rights services

• Build and maintain professional relationships with landlords, property owners, sober livings, and housing providers to expand available housing options

• Collaborate with internal HTM programs, external service providers, and partner agencies to support participant housing progress

• Apply de-escalation and mediation techniques to support participants through conflict

• Participate in team meetings, trainings, case conferencing, coalition meetings, and homeless services meetings

• Operate in field-based settings with frequent community engagement; support navigation services across multiple housing models and programs

• Uphold all Hope the Mission and funder rules, regulations, and policies

• Perform other duties as assigned

Requirements

• Valid California driver's license with an acceptable motor vehicle record qualifying for HTM's commercial insurance coverage.

• Reliable personal transportation and proof of vehicle insurance.

• Ability to work in field-based settings across multiple locations throughout Los Angeles County.

• Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and perform the physical demands described in the job description.

• Compliance with HIPAA standards and all HTM company policies.

• Legal authorization to work in the United States.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work or a related field preferred; equivalent experience considered.

• Minimum 3 years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness or similar populations.

• Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed Care principles.

• Knowledge of HUD guidelines and subsidized housing programs including Section 8, VASH, DHS Housing for Health, TLS, and related voucher programs.

• Experience with HMIS or similar data systems.

• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Skills

• Housing navigation and placement across multiple housing models and subsidy programs.

• Case management, including assessment, housing plan development, and ongoing participant follow-up.

• Relationship-building with landlords, property owners, sober livings, and housing providers to expand available housing options.