Lead Housing Navigator

“Every person deserves compassion, dignity, and the safety of a place to call home.”

Homelessness is the largest social and public health crisis in California. Illumination Foundation (IF) is a growing non-profit organization dedicated towards disrupting the cycle of homelessness by providing targeted, interdisciplinary services in our recuperative care centers, emergency shelters, housing services and children’s and family programs. IF currently has 13+ facilities with 22+ micro-communities scattered across Orange County, Los Angeles County and the Inland Empire.

Role

The Lead Housing Navigator/Lead Housing Case Manager plays a crucial role in supporting individuals with chronic health or mental health conditions, as well as those experiencing homelessness. This position is responsible for developing and coordinating customized housing plans to ensure stable housing and connecting clients with essential community resources and services. The Lead is committed to enhancing the health and well-being of homeless individuals through supportive services, while upholding strict confidentiality and professionalism. In this leadership role, the Lead must demonstrate strong leadership skills, including the ability to guide a team effectively in high-pressure situations. The Lead will be responsible for assisting approximately 1-6 team members and ensuring they receive necessary support.

The pay range for this position is $26.00 - $28.00per hour, depending on experience. Monday - Friday, 8:00AM to 5:30PM.

Responsibilities

• Should be able to manage a caseload of 10 to 15 clients and express a willingness to accommodate additional cases if requested. 

• The Lead is also expected to identify and implement solutions to overcome barriers, address conflicts, recommend workflow optimizations, and troubleshoot any system inefficiencies that may arise. 

• The Lead will collaborate with and train team members by providing onboarding, developing training materials, and offering guidance through shadowing opportunities. 

• Work with Manager in determining strengths and weaknesses of the Cal AIM policies, structures, and program.  

• Assist in training and providing resources to Housing Navigator/Housing Case Managers.  

• Train Housing Navigators/ Housing Case Managers and encourage teamwork, growth, efficiency, and effectiveness.  

• Attend Interdisciplinary Care Team meetings  

• Collaborate with Manager to discuss team operations and program updates.  

• Collaborate with Manager in providing solutions to barriers in staff and client care during team meetings. 

Housing Duties:

• Develop individualized housing plans with measurable goals and objectives and assist participants in achieving clients' desired outcomes.  

• Jurisdiction is determined by the relevant county associated with each role, such as Orange County, Inland Empire, or Los Angeles. 

• Must be willing to travel to various locations and engage with clients in the field. 

• Collaborate with Manager to discuss updates about staff and/or program.  

• Assist in training and provide resources to continuing increase knowledge. 

• Exemplify leadership by displaying IF’s Guiding Principles.  

• Lead meeting and occasionally act as the supervisory figure, if manager is not present.  

• Demonstrate leadership by guiding and collaborating with CSS HN/ HCM  

• Must accept personal responsibility and accountability for performance of duties.  

• Models’ openness, honesty and accountability to colleagues, volunteers, donors and all others involved with Illumination Foundation.  

• Demonstrates a commitment to excellence in all endeavors on behalf of Illumination Foundation. 

• Acts in an ethical manner reflecting core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect and responsibility.  

• Assist staff and clients in housing applications, housing searches and housing resources.  

• Problem solve and present solutions and alternative options to Management.  

• Maintain client records according to HIPAA and adhere to all client confidentiality requirements and standards.  

• Complete training and development opportunities as determined appropriate by the supervisor.  

• Coordinate, prepare, and maintain necessary charting and documentation promptly and comprehensively in accordance with the key performance indicators (KPIs).. 

• Attend relevant subcommittee and implementation meetings  

• Seek out innovative housing solutions for client housing  

• Conduct housing inspections to meet Housing and Urban Development, and Housing Habitability (if applicable) 

• Work with Housing Navigators/ Housing Case Managers to develop housing goal plans and make referrals to appropriate resources if applicable.   

• Assist in the training of new employees and oversee their caseloads by fostering the professional development, efficiency, and effectiveness of staff. 

• Attaining services such as housing, mental health care, employment, financial assistance, legal advocacy, etc. (if applicable)  

• Develop relationships with representatives within Illumination and in other agencies to support individuals  

• Act as an advocate for clients to ensure the maximum benefits and resources are obtained and maintained to ensure client's ability to become self-sufficient  

• Network and collaborate with housing providers, landlords and property managers to develop housing stock for program. Includes temporary and permanent housing alternatives. 

Expectations

• Prioritize individual and client health and safety.  

• Be able to meet targets and work under pressure.  

• Communicate with tact and professionalism.  

• Set and maintain healthy boundaries with clients.  

• Demonstrate the ability to maintain confidentiality of client information and work-related information/materials  

• Self-starter with excellent initiative and strong sense of urgency  

• Ability to work independently and within a team environment  

• Understanding of housing fair market rate, property management and fair housing laws.  

• Understanding of HMIS and Coordinated Entry  

• Passion and commitment to ending homelessness  

• Familiarity with principles of harm reduction, trauma informed, housing resources and health care delivery systems such as the California Department of Health Care Services. 

• We uphold the values of  Community , Action , Respect , and Empowerment in all aspects of our work. 

• Community  
  We lead with the vision of a strengthened and compassionate community for all. By embodying collective care, we serve as an example of what is possible when we come together. 

• Action 
  Our “whatever it takes” mindset drives us forward. We take initiative, step in where others have stepped out, and create solutions when none exist. 

• Respect  
  We deeply value the dignity and uniqueness of every individual we serve. We honor their stories, their journeys, and their right to be seen and heard. 

• Empowerment 
  We heal—always. Our work enables clients to grow stronger in health, confidence, and belief in their potential as they move forward on their life journey. 

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications

Required:

• 2 Years of Housing Navigation or Case Management Experience, or similar field  

• Understanding of housing rental market and property management 

• Understanding of Homelessness and at risk of Homelessness according to HUD requirements. 

• Proficiency in Microsoft (Outlook, Teams, SharePoint and Calendar).  

• Customer and client relations skills 

• High School Diploma or equivalent.  

• Possession of a personal vehicle is required. 

• Valid CA Driver’s License and eligibility for company vehicle insurance.  

Preferred:  

• Bilingual in English and Spanish.  

• Bachelor's degree or at least one year of case management experience or similar position  Homeless services, case management, mental health, permanent supportive housing experience 

Benefits

• Medical Insurance funded up to 91% by Illumination Health + Home (Kaiser and Blue Shield), depending on the plan
• Dental and Vision Insurance
• Life, AD&D and LTD Insurance funded 100% by Illumination Foundation
• Employee Assistance Program
• Professional Development Reimbursement
• 401K with Company Matching
• 10 days vacation PTO/year
• 6 days sick PTO/year
• 10 days holiday PTO/year
• Potential eligibility for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSFL) for federally qualified loans