Housing Navigator/ Case Manager -11-205-SC/Zahn

Job Description

Job Description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church.  Its message is based on the Bible.  Its ministry is motivated by the love of God.  Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Navigator provides, develops, and implements a housing plan for each program participant, including facilitating housing skills in group/individual formats. The Housing Navigator is responsible for external resources and referrals for clients, such as identifying and securing housing opportunities, rental negotiation, and accompanying families to housing appointments as needed to achieve housing placement.  Overall, the assessing, arranging, coordinating, and monitoring the delivery of individualized services to facilitate housing stability for families that are homeless.

Essential Functions

• Provides strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
• Monitor, implement and enforce the applicable policies of the program by use of evidence-based practices in service delivery such as intensive case management, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, critical time intervention, and housing first practices.
• Ensure compliance with all applicable laws and regulations that govern the program.
• Developing relationships and partnerships with landlords or property managers.
• Maintain inventory of housing opportunities: low-income housing, government permanent housing and affordable housing, etc.
• Provide linkage to community resources which promote long-term housing retention.
• Understand the rules and regulations of the local and federal housing programs used by Los Angeles County community providers; including Rapid Rehousing, Flexible Housing Subsidy Pool, Tenant Based Rental Assistance, Section 8 and other programs.
• Monitoring and evaluating program participant progress through monthly follow ups.
• Monitor and evaluate program participant progress by developing an individualized housing and service plan, including planning a path to permanent housing stability and conducting any necessary re-evaluations.
• Maintain and update resident’s information as required by HMIS and ensure the accuracy of resident records, evidence of goals completed, and the compilation of data for demographic reports.
• Facilitate access to services required to foster housing readiness (credit repair, legal aid, housekeeping, money management, tenant rights and responsibilities, etc.)
• Accompany families to housing appointments, assist families in their housing search, and assist with housing documentation completion.
• Provide information and instruction to clients regarding how to complete housing application, housing search, tenant rights and responsibilities including the observation of rental agreement rules/being a good neighbor.
• Work closely with other agency programs or departments to maximize participant outcomes: Work Source Center, DPSS, FSC, DMH, DHS.
• Ensure HIPPA compliance regarding all client matters.
• Other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis.  Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead.  Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone. Ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA in human services field with minimum of two years of experience (or) AA degree with four years of experience. Or equivalent five years’ experience in the field.
• Bilingual English/Spanish strongly preferred.
• Must possess a valid Class C California Driver’s License.
• Previous HMIS experience preferred.
• Must pass criminal background check in order to be eligible for employment.

Skills, Knowledge, & Abilities

• Ability to make judgments and organize responsibilities independently.
• Knowledge and sensitivity regarding homelessness, mental health and chronic, issues.
• Knowledge of Homelessness continuum of care, housing providers, and social services agencies.
• Ability to obtain annual TB test and complete other required TSA trainings.
• CPR/First Aid Certification.