Housing Navigator in Los Angeles, California at WEINGART CENTER ASSOCIATION

DMH

JOB SUMMARY:

The primary role of the Housing Navigator (HN) is to identify interim housing for the clients and participants in Weingart Center’s Programs and Services Department. The HN works directly with Case Managers (CM) and other service providers who have screened participants for housing. The HN is responsible for locating housing options, developing relationships with landlords and property management companies as well as facilitating the application process along with the CM and participant. They will assist the CM with housing selection, budgeting and finding needed supportive services in the community.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS INCLUDE, but are not limited to the following:

Works in conjunction with the Case Manager to provide an appropriate housing plan.
Accurately assesses each client’s/participant’s individual housing needs against housing resources.
Assists client/participant to secure appropriate housing.
Assists client/participant in completing housing applications, if needed.
Works with Case Manager throughout the housing application processes.
Assists client/participant in contacting and making tenant arrangements with prospective landlords.
Responsible for canvassing for housing resources in the community.
Helps client/participant to identify needed resources in the community in which participants choose to live.
Helps client/participant to complete and understand rental agreements and to explain thoroughly housing terms and conditions.
Provides specific information to client/participant regarding programs to obtain special utility rates for low-income users.
Networks with affordable housing agencies in different communities.
Maintains current brochures, applications, and materials available to help ensure a client’s/participant’s successful transition.
Confers with supportive services staff on a regular basis to ensure client success in obtaining residential stability.
Other related duties as required.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

Must be empathetic and have excellent listening skills.
Strong knowledge of low-income housing resources, social service, welfare, legal, corrections, health care, substance abuse, alcoholism, mental health care, and other systems associated with target population.
Strong ability to advocate effectively on behalf of low-income and/or homeless clients/participants.
Clear and complete speech and communication skills.
A valid California Driver License required.
Must have current automobile and liability insurance with reliable transportation.

REQUIRED EDUCATION/TRAINING AND EXPERIENCE:

A bachelor’s degree in social services preferred, or two (2) years of relevant social services experience.
Experience in the delivery of social services to homeless and/or low-income individuals.
Demonstrated abilities in management of multiple projects and priorities essential.

PHYSICAL AND MENTAL REQUIREMENTS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:

Sitting and standing for long periods of time, walking, stooping, and bending.
Ability to move to various physical locations in the complex.
Ability to see, hear and talk clearly to receive instructions and to give instructions.
Complex reading skills, complex writing skills, judgment, and decision-making capability.
Ability to be self-directed in work and work well with others as part of a case-work team.
Work indoors in a temperature-controlled environment.
Ability to work well under highly stressful conditions, to interact with needy participants, to set realistic goals, to establish healthy boundaries.
Ability to respond effectively to the most sensitive inquiries or complaints.
High level concentration and attention to detail for extended periods of time required.
Ability to quickly organize and communicate thoughts and to understand communications from others.
Ability to work independently, with others and around others, to have verbal contact with others, face-to-face contact with others, and to prioritize work and make decisions.
Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 as defined by CDC.