STGi is currently seeking a qualified Housing Navigator candidates for the Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) and Veterans Affairs (VA) Supportive Housing (HUD/VASH) Program.
The primary work of the Housing Navigator is to assist and advocate on behalf of shelter participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing. The Housing Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator utilizes a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during and/or after permanent housing has been established and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position requires substantial field/outreach work.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Direct Service and Support
- Identify and place participants into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in less than 90 days of acceptance into the program.
- Develop and maintain accurate and current housing portfolio. Provide participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences.
- Help participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.
- Assist participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to clearinghouses or other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.
- Assist participants with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status.
- Advocate on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing.
- Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions.
- Determine rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.
- Explain and review the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant(s)/sub-tenant.
- Work with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment.
- Conduct outreach and expand access to housing by cultivating relationship with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, Internet search, and networking events. Develop expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.
- Assist clients with moving which may include helping to locate affordable moving companies, storage units, acquiring furniture, and other move-in essentials.
- Conduct regular in-person post-placement visits to mitigate risks and to improve the likelihood of housing retention.
- Attend collaborative meetings and network with other agencies and coalitions.
- Advocate on behalf of the Veteran to assist in the delivery of needed services.
- Attend daily/weekly meetings, supervision and case conferences as assigned.
Documentation and Data Collection
- Maintain and complete reports and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with guidelines and regulations.
- Maintain client data in required systems.
Required Skills
- Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness, including knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e. Section 8, Rapid Rehousing, VASH, etc.).
- Working knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, availability as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources.
- Ability to cope/resolve conflict and crisis situations.
- Ability to work collaboratively with others and in a team.
- Takes initiative and has a solution focused practice.
- Excellent verbal and nonverbal communication skills.
- Proven ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Proficient in use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery.
- Must have a current California driver’s license and insurance for regular driving and transporting.
Required Experience
- Must have a minimum of a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution in the social sciences or family therapy, and at least two (2) years of experience in the social service field.
- Prior experience working with low-income individuals and families including but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, with veteran status, and with older adults preferred.
WORKING CONDITIONS/PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
- Possible exposure to inclement weather during visits with veterans in their community
- Work with people experiencing homelessness whether on the streets, in shelters or other places of habitation or services, may present inherent challenges and difficulties such as: exposure to bed bugs or other infestations, unpleasant smells or odors, individuals who may have poor hygiene or unclean homes due to homelessness, mental health symptoms, or poverty.
- Additionally, employees may encounter instances of profanity, sexually explicit or derogatory language, or verbal or physical expressions of anger and trauma. Very rarely do these situations ever escalate to physical contact, and negative or derogatory communication patterns can often be negotiated successfully. All direct care staff are provided adequate training to develop skills to deescalate crisis situations that may arise, and STGi has established procedural safeguards for all employees to mitigate (but not eliminate) these inherent risks of employment.
STGi is a workforce solutions company providing comprehensive healthcare delivery, Head Start and management consulting services and human capital solutions help our clients. Our services and solutions help our clients sustain and enhance their operations to better accomplish their mission.
STGi offers a competitive benefits package which includes Medical, Dental, Vision, 401k with company match and a generous PTO policy.
STGi is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class.
Pay Rate: $25 - $28/hr
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