Housing Navigator

About the position

The Independent Living Skills Housing Navigator will provide housing navigation services for youth ages 18 to 21, with priority given to youth in the foster care system. The program aims to identify barriers to finding or maintaining housing and equip targeted youth with the tools and knowledge to overcome those barriers. The Housing Navigator will work across all regions of San Diego County, including East, Central, North Central, North Inland, and South. Responsibilities include supportive housing case management, outreach, engagement, and collaboration with various stakeholders to assist youth in securing housing and related services.

Responsibilities

• Provide supportive housing case management, outreach, and engagement, assistance with housing placement and stabilization services.
• Collaborate with HHSA Child Welfare Social Workers regarding Housing Navigating Services.
• Collaborate with ILS and/or THP+ case worker(s) and attend Child & Family Team Meetings.
• Guide and support eligible youth through the housing search process.
• Assist clients in obtaining all necessary documentation required to obtain permanent housing.
• Participate in the housing needs assessment process to identify barriers to housing.
• Assist youth in completing housing applications and other required paperwork.
• Work with Child Welfare Social Workers to ensure youth are actively working towards their goals.
• Assist youth in communication with prospective landlords or roommates.
• Develop strong working relationships with community partners.
• Access assistance with establishing positive rental and credit history, eviction counseling.
• Establish and maintain working relationships with staff, volunteers, and the community.
• Maintain database listings of up-to-date community resources.
• Link clients to appropriate internal/external resources.
• Respond to crisis situations and de-escalate as needed.
• Attend all agency required meetings and trainings.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in social science, psychology, required OR a minimum of 4 years of experience providing housing navigation services as an equivalency.
• Shared life experience and/or relevant case management experience focused on at-risk young adults (ages 16-24), preferred.
• Two years’ experience providing direct service to high-risk youth/street youth.
• One year of experience in housing subsidy programs, preferred.
• Knowledge of adolescent development.
• Willingness to develop or possess working knowledge of trauma-informed care practices.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and maintain appropriate professional boundaries.
• Must be computer literate.
• Ability to use sound judgment in decision making and problem solving.
• Ability to work with individuals in crisis, homelessness, foster care, and/or mental health issues.
• Must effectively collaborate with clients, families, county and providers.

Benefits

• Generous vacation time
• Holidays
• Health insurance
• Vision insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Employee assistance program
• Discount programs
• Public service forgiveness loan
• Excellent retirement plan with matching contributions