Housing Navigator - Westside & Downtown

Role: Housing Navigator

Reports to: Program Manager, Housing Stabilization and CES

Program: 1705- Navigation

Department: Coordinated Entry

Location:

Westside Administration Office - 1453 16th Street, 2nd Floor, Santa Monica, CA 90404

The Nest II - 316 W 2nd Street, Los Angeles, CA 90012

Schedule: Monday - Friday, 8am - 4:30pm

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 1

Summary:

In collaboration with the Department of Mental Health Interim Housing Program (DMH IHP), the Housing Navigation Program is responsible for providing 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, housed 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 role that operates 'in the field' with clients and is also required to partner with staff and clients at Interim Housing sites within the agency. The role is responsible for preparing housing applications, must have a strong focus on attention to detail, and will report to the Program Manager for the timely processing of any documentation submitted to the Housing Authority, Permanent Supportive Housing providers, or private landlords on behalf of program-enrolled clients.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Carry a case load of 20-25 clients to prepare and ensure that their housing interventions are successful, as signified by the signing of a lease.
• Developing a housing plan in collaboration with the client detailing clients’ needs for housing.
  
• Completing the County approved Coordinated Entry System Los Angeles Homeless Assessment Tool in HMIS within one month in partnership with IHP staff.
  
• Ensure that all required documents are uploaded into HMIS within 3 months of client entering IHP. Assist clients with obtaining identification and Social Security card, verification of disability, verification of homelessness, and other documents needed for permanent housing as needed.
  
• Serving as the client’s Point of Contact for permanent housing resource matching.
  
• Notifying the client’s additional treatment providers when a client is matched to a permanent housing resource.
  
• Completing housing applications, including the Universal Housing Application within seven days of invitation.
  
• Working with the clients to locate available permanent housing units, transporting and accompanying the client to view available units, and completing a rental application prior to the voucher’s expiration date.
  
• Identifying housing resources and developing relationships with property owners, property management companies, and landlords to increase the permanent housing opportunities for clients.
  
• Transporting clients to property management/housing authority offices to complete applications and execute leases.
  
• Assisting clients in understanding the requirements of the lease, the lease up process, and expectations for tenancy.
  
• Assisting clients with obtaining security deposit, furniture and other household goods.
  
• Assisting in arranging for and supporting the details of the move to permanent housing and providing transportation.
  
• Reviewing and negotiating leases with landlords/property managers, conducting unit site visits and providing support to the participant regarding budgeting for housing expenses.
  
• Ensure warm handoff to permanent housing case managers as appropriate.
  
• Within the oversight of Program Manager and supervisory team, 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 and progress notes, records, and communication logs regarding referrals, housing applications, and coordination with outside partners and as required by the project and its funding sources.
  
• Maintain a current, thorough knowledge of Housing Resources and various subsidy types inclusive of Permanent Supportive Housing providers in our 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in related field (Social Work, Community Organizing, or other Human Services) and one years’ 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 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 stay ahead of the curve and thrive in fast-paced work environment
• Able to work effectively with a wide range of constituencies
• Current valid CA Driver’s License.

Work Environment:

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

EXPECTED BEHAVIORS OF ALL STAFF

1. Act as a role model
2. Demonstrate a sense of responsibility
3. Continuously learn and improve
4. Acknowledge your own areas of improvement
5. Hear and provide honest, specific and direct feedback
6. Create an environment where everyone is welcomed valued and respected
7. Collaborate

Equal Opportunity Employer

The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination in employment. We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.

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.

Benefits & Perks

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement Planning (403b) & Matching
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• Employee Assistance Plans (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 & More
• The People Concern University & Certificates