Housing Navigator - MSW in Irvine, California at Acacia Health

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Position Summary
The Housing Navigator – Community Supports is responsible for providing Housing Navigation and Tenancy Sustaining Services for members authorized through the Community Supports program. The Housing Navigator works directly with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability to secure and maintain safe, stable housing within the authorized six-month service period.

This position serves as a critical liaison between members, housing providers, landlords, community agencies, and healthcare partners to ensure successful housing outcomes. The Housing Navigator utilizes person-centered, trauma-informed, and housing-first approaches to help members overcome barriers to housing placement and retention.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Navigation Services
• Conduct housing assessments and develop individualized housing support plans.
• Assist members in identifying, applying for, and obtaining permanent or transitional housing opportunities.
• Support members through housing searches, application processes, document collection, and move-in coordination.
• Develop and maintain relationships with landlords, property management companies, affordable housing providers, transitional housing programs, shelters, and community organizations.
• Advocate on behalf of members to address housing barriers and improve access to available housing resources.
Tenancy & Housing Sustaining Services
• Provide tenancy support and education to promote housing stability.
• Assist members in understanding lease agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities.
• Mediate landlord-tenant issues and support conflict resolution efforts when appropriate.
• Connect members to community resources that support successful tenancy, including benefits, employment, healthcare, behavioral health, transportation, and food assistance.
• Monitor housing stability and proactively address risks that may lead to housing loss.

Community Supports Program Management
• Manage an assigned caseload of Community Supports members receiving Housing Navigation and Tenancy Services.
• Ensure services are delivered within authorization timelines and program requirements.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation in accordance with organizational, contractual, and regulatory requirements.
• Track member progress and housing outcomes to support program performance measures.
• Collaborate with health plans, care managers, providers, and community partners to coordinate services.
Coordinated Entry & Housing Systems Navigation
• Utilize knowledge of Santa Clara County housing resources and systems to facilitate housing placement.
• Work within the Coordinated Entry System (CES) framework.
• Understand and utilize the VI-SPDAT assessment process and housing prioritization methodologies.
• Maintain accurate client information within HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) and other applicable databases.
• Participate in community housing meetings, case conferencing, and collaborative care coordination activities.

Required Qualifications
• Master’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Psychology, Public Health, or related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience in housing navigation, homeless services, case management, care coordination, or community-based social services.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, behavioral health conditions, or complex social needs.
• Knowledge of housing-first and trauma-informed care principles.
• Strong organizational, communication, and relationship-building skills.
• Ability to work independently in a fast-paced community setting.
• Valid California driver's license and reliable transportation.

Preferred Qualifications
• Experience providing CalAIM Community Supports services.
• Knowledge of Santa Clara County housing resources, affordable housing programs, and homeless response systems.
• Experience using HMIS.
• Knowledge of Coordinated Entry System (CES) processes.
• Experience administering or working with VI-SPDAT assessments.
• Established relationships with landlords, housing providers, shelters, and community agencies within Santa Clara County.
• Bilingual skills preferred.

Competencies
• Housing resource development
• Housing placement and retention strategies
• Care coordination
• Crisis intervention
• Motivational interviewing
• Trauma-informed care
• Documentation and compliance
• Community partnership development
• Cultural humility and member-centered service delivery

Work Environment
This position is based in Irvine, CA with telehealth and telephonic communication to members residing in Santa Clara County.

Position: Full Time
Pay range: $34-38 per hour
Location: Irvine, CA - In Office