Job Purpose/Summary

The Housing Navigator for Transitional Age Youth (TAY) provides housing navigation and recovery-oriented support services to American Indian/Alaska Native youth and young adults ages 18–24 in Los Angeles and Orange County who are experiencing opioid and/or stimulant use disorders. This grant-funded position is supported through the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and is designed to expand and strengthen recovery support for TAY experiencing housing instability and substance use disorders.

The Housing Navigator supports members in accessing safe, stable housing while addressing barriers related to substance use, behavioral health needs, and system involvement using a harm reduction and trauma-informed approach. The Navigator works closely with landlords, housing providers, and social service agencies to support successful housing placements and long-term retention. This role includes case management, advocacy, and ongoing support to help members achieve and maintain housing stability.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

Housing Navigation & Stabilization

Assist TAY members in identifying, securing, and maintaining safe and appropriate housing options, including transitional, permanent supportive, and independent housing.

Conduct housing assessments and develop individualized housing plans aligned with recovery and wellness goals.

Recovery-Oriented Support

Provide youth-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive services, with sensitivity to the needs of American Indian/Alaska Native communities.

Support members experiencing opioid and/or stimulant use disorders by coordinating with treatment, recovery, and harm reduction services.

Encourage engagement in recovery support while honoring member choice, autonomy, and self-determination.

Assist members in developing independent living skills, including budgeting, tenant rights, and household management.

Care Coordination & Advocacy

Collaborate with behavioral health providers, substance use treatment programs, housing providers, and community partners.

Advocate on behalf of members to reduce barriers related to housing access, income, legal issues, and system involvement.

Participate in multidisciplinary team meetings, case conferences, and care coordination activities.

Documentation & Reporting

Maintain timely and accurate case notes, housing plans, and required DHCS grant documentation.

Track outcomes and service delivery data in accordance with DHCS reporting requirements.

Support program evaluation, reporting, and continuous quality improvement efforts.

Experience & Qualifications

Bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, behavioral health, or a related field, or equivalent professional and/or lived experience.

At least one (1) year of experience working with Transitional Age Youth (ages 18–24), particularly those experiencing substance use disorders, housing instability, or system involvement.

Experience with housing navigation, homelessness services, or supportive housing programs.

Knowledge of harm reduction, recovery-oriented systems of care, and trauma-informed practices.

Strong communication, organizational, and advocacy skills.

Flexibility to work evenings and weekends as needed to support members and program activities.

Valid driver’s license

Education

Bachelor’s degree

License/Certifications

No requirement

Technology Skills

Basic computer literacy - be able to use a laptop to complete needed tasks for a job.

Able to utilize technology tools for virtual sessions.

Position Qualification Preferences

Experience working with the American Indian/Alaska Native community.

Familiarity with opioid and stimulant use disorders and evidence-based recovery supports.

Knowledge of local housing resources, Medi-Cal behavioral health systems, and DHCS-funded programs.

Bilingual or multilingual skills.

Work Environment

Hybrid role combining remote work, in-office responsibilities, and community-based field work.

Local travel required to meet with members and community partners across Los Angeles and Orange County.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described are typical of those required by an employee to perform the primary functions of this job successfully. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is required to stand, walk frequently, sit, bend, twist, talk, and hear. There are prolonged periods of sitting, keyboarding, reading, as well. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include reading, distance, computer, and color vision. Talking and hearing are essential to communicate with vendors, and staff.

There are some deadlines associated with this position. The employee must also multi-task and interact with other team members.

Performance Expectations

In the performance of their respective tasks and duties, all employees of Sacred Path are expected to conform to the following:

Uphold professional ethics and confidentiality in handling sensitive information and maintaining client privacy.

Adhere to all relevant policies, procedures, and regulations, ensuring compliance with healthcare and social service industry standards and best practices.

Interact in an honest, trustworthy, and dependable manner with clients, employees, and vendors, keeping in mind the primary purpose of client care and safety.

Possess cultural awareness and sensitivity

Demonstrate proficiency in the essential job duties and responsibilities, consistently meeting or exceeding performance targets and quality standards.

Other Requirements

Eligible to work in the United States

Pass fingerprint clearance

Maintain annual negative TB test results on file

Pass a post-offer drug test

Possess and maintain a reliable vehicle with valid CA driver’s license and active auto insurance

Available to work evenings and weekends

Willing to travel, as needed (travel time could range from 30 - 50%)

Flexible work from home options available.