Housing Navigator

Introduction & Position Purpose:
Are you passionate about making a meaningful difference in the lives of individuals facing housing instability? Join our team as a Housing Navigator and be at the forefront of addressing homelessness in our community. As a Housing Navigator, you will work closely with individuals at risk of homelessness or who are chronically homeless, as well as homeless families. Your role will involve providing client advocacy, comprehensive case management, assistance with benefit establishment, linkage to vital Mental Health/Substance Abuse services, and support in securing stable housing. You'll also play a crucial role in connecting clients with all necessary supportive services to address their unique needs. If you're dedicated to helping individuals overcome barriers to successful housing and empowering them to achieve stability, apply now to join our dynamic team of Housing Navigators.

Principal Responsibilities:

1. Perform initial comprehensive case management assessments and develop intervention plans that address housing needs, service requirements, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination.
2. Knowledge of LAHSA services and completion of CES or "Coordinated Entry System" on all patients.
3. Provide case management and navigation services aimed at helping clients and their families secure and maintain stable housing.
4. Offer onsite case management services covering independent living skills, employment linkage, benefits establishment, and other necessary services to support the achievement of care plan and treatment plan goals.
5. Respond promptly to referrals and client requests for case management assessment and intervention within the required response time.
6. Identify suitable permanent housing options for clients in alignment with HUD guidelines, including subsidized housing Section 8, Shelter, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market-rate housing, and other housing opportunities.
7. Assist clients with housing applications, complete paperwork for supportive and subsidized housing, survey the rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords (Contract Management).
8. Maintain client-related data tracking systems, including case notes, and complete HMIS entries.
9. Conduct follow-up and retention services and provide backup documentation in client files.
10. Engage in outreach to the community, business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers, and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities, fostering strong relationships to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services, and housing opportunities.
11. Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention.
12. Participate in collaborative meetings, network with other agencies, coalitions, and attend local community meetings actively.
13. Take part in staff meetings and training sessions regularly.
14. Adhere to all organizational safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements to ensure a safe environment for patients, staff, and visitors.
15. Participate in required safety and compliance trainings and apply learned practices in daily work activities.
16. Identify, report, and help mitigate unsafe conditions, incidents, or hazards in the workplace.
17. Use equipment, tools, and supplies safely and responsibly in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
18. Maintain awareness of infection control, occupational health, and emergency preparedness procedures appropriate to the role.
19. Participate in JWCH's customer service training called AIDET on an annual basis.
    1. Demonstrate an understanding of AIDET (Acknowledge, Introduce, Duration, Explanation, and Thank You) to apply in patient encounters or team discussions.
    2. Utilize the AIDET communication framework to communicate with patients and team members in a manner that reduces patient anxiety, increases patient compliance, and improves clinical outcomes.
20. Performs other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

1. An AA or bachelor's degree in social work, Sociology, or related field is preferred.
2. Minimum is High School Diploma or GED (Certified Community Health Worker strongly recommended) and at least 2 years of experience with housing navigation, community health worker, or similar responsibilities working with the homeless or at risk of homelessness.
3. Experience working with individuals who have multiple chronic conditions, ER visits or frequent in-patients' admissions.
4. Electronic Health Record experience and/ Data entry skills.
5. Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point.
6. The ability to conduct comprehensive assessments, develop intervention plans, and provide ongoing case management services.
7. Familiarity with different types of housing options, Housing for Health, CES, subsidized housing, Section 8, permanent supportive housing, and market-rate housing. (i.e., Section 8, Shelter, VASH)
8. Strong communication skills to respond to referrals, interact with clients, participate in collaborative meetings, and engage in community outreach effectively.
9. Must have valid Class C California Driver's License, proof of vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation for travel to a variety of sites throughout LAC.

Disclaimer: Salary offered will be based on the candidate's relevant experience, qualifications, and in accordance with applicable laws and internal pay equity policies.

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce are recommended to be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19.

Employee Benefits:

At JWCH Institute, Inc., we believe in taking care of those who take care of others. If you work 30+ hours per week, you'll enjoy competitive pay and a robust benefits package that includes:

• Medical, Dental, Vision
• Monthly employer-sponsored allowance for assistance with health premiums.
• Funded Health Savings Account (up to deductible) to assist with carrier-approved medical expenses.
• Paid time off (vacation, sick leave) and 13 paid holidays.
• 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan.
• Mileage reimbursement.
• Short- and long-term disability plans (LTD/STD).
• Life insurance policy & AD&D, and more!

Become part of a team where your work matters. Apply today and help us change lives, one patient at a time.

JWCH Institute, Inc + Wesley Health Centers is an Equal Opportunity and Fair Chance Employer .