DESCRIPTION OF POSITION: The selected candidate will work with the Housing Program staff to work with unhoused youth in the community. The housing navigator will oversee all daily property management functions which include a walk through with youth at move-in day and conducting check-outs when youth exit the program. The specialist is also responsible for addressing landlord issues and completing maintenance requests.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
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Outreach to and build rapport with local business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers, and other service providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities
- Work with Outreach staff to develop individualized housing plans, and assist homeless neighbors with accessing resources and making referrals; continue to engage with unsheltered homeless neighbors until permanent housing is obtained.
- Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients, such as subsidized housing, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, Rapid Re-housing, as well as other nontraditional housing opportunities.
- Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing options, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
- Work with Outreach staff to assist in obtaining housing readiness documentation such as ID, social security card and income verification and provide transportation to appointments as necessary.
- Provide support for people as they transition from homelessness to housing.
- Assist neighbors in the actual move-in process, both physically and emotionally.
- Collaborate with KCB Retention Case Managers to maintain consistent, positive relationships with landlords who have housed neighbors involved in KCB/OPHS programs.
- Maintain complete client records in client charts as well as in appropriate internal and external data management information systems (e.g. HMIS), and other reports as directed.
- Establish and maintain positive, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, medical care programs, law enforcement, local officials, and providers of services and resources to homeless neighbors.
- Attend team meetings, case conferences, training workshops and community meetings as needed.
- Facilitate and engage in local landlord outreach activities involving partners within the SPA 7 community.
- Maintain commitment to program-specific requirements identified in KCB Housing Policies and Procedures as well as the most updated “Housing Navigation Scope of Required Services,” provided by LAHSA (Los Angeles County Homeless Service Authority).
- Other tasks as assigned.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk and hear. The employee is also regularly required to sit, stand, walk and bend; and use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls. The employee is frequently required to reach with hands and arms.
QUALIFICATIONS REQUIREMENTS:
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The candidate is required to have:
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Excellent customer service skills;
- Strong knowledge of housing resources in the community
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Previous experience of managing housing required;
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Personal accountability for the quality and impact of work;
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Capacity to work independently in the field, willingness to work collaboratively;
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Excellent communication skills, professional demeanor and strong organizational skills;
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Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word and Excel
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Bachelor’s degree preferred in Social Work, Sociology, Education, or related field; and work experience in related field; or have lived experience and be in school working towards their bachelor degree; and trained in and has demonstrated understanding of young adult and child abuse issues; has experience managing housing and knowledge of federal, state, and local fair housing laws.
- Experience in working with management properties
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Must possess valid California Driver’s License, own vehicle, proof of insurance and have a good driving record.
- Fingerprint and Child Abuse Index clearances from the Department of Justice.
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Must meet all requirements set by Community Care Licensing pertaining to the hiring of employees by a licensed community care facility.
