About us
Jewish Family Service of the Desert (JFS) is a nonsectarian provider of social services to residents of the Coachella Valley, currently offering in-person and telecare mental health counseling, case management, and community outreach services designed to reduce isolation and provide interaction. Additionally, we coordinate the local Cafe Europa program for Holocaust survivors and Cafe Europa 2.0 for local children of Holocaust survivors. We are a staff of 24 that provided about 15,000 services to nearly 2000 unduplicated persons last year. We collaborate with several local agencies and are a Platinum Guidestar agency and a 4-Star Charity Navigator-rated agency.
Position Overview
JFS Housing Support Specialist/Navigators work an assigned caseload of IEHP's Housing Trio program, part of CalAIM Community Supports. Clients are pre-approved by IEHP and referred for Housing support in the areas of Navigation, Sustainability, and Deposit assistance. Housing Navigation involves assisting individuals and families in finding and securing stable, affordable housing, often working with homeless or at-risk populations. This includes assisting with housing searches, landlord negotiations, and maintaining lease compliance, with a focus on stabilizing high-need clients.
Job Duties:
- Identify and secure appropriate housing options (e.g., affordable apartments, subsidized housing, emergency shelters).
- Assist clients with completing housing applications and paperwork, securing documents to be "doc ready."
- Conducting housing assessments to determine client needs and eligibility.
- Providing information and referrals to relevant resources (e.g., homeless service providers and social service agencies.)
- Advocating for clients with landlords and other organizations.
- Survey the rental market and identify suitable properties.
- Negotiate with landlords and real estate agents.
- Assess clients and discuss care coordination that may include advocacy on behalf of the client.
- As needed, offer clients connections to all JFS services as well as those of collaborating agencies or other area providers.
- Works a caseload of IEHP Housing Navigation referrals.
- When appropriate, work with local agencies to offer clients a more robust solution.
- As needed, consult with JFS mental health clinicians to receive any behavioral health consultation.
- Perform ad hoc projects as requested by the Director and other program duties as needs arise.
Essential Job Functions
Documentation:
- Author client notes and save all pertinent information on the agency’s electronic health record (EHR).
- Communicate case updates and status with the supervisor.
Intake & Housing Planning:
- Conduct Comprehensive Assessments: Perform initial screenings to identify the member's housing preferences, barriers (e.g., criminal history, credit), and urgent needs.
- Develop Individualized Housing Stability Plans (HSP): Create customized, member-driven plans featuring short- and long-term goals for finding and retaining housing.
- Gather Essential Documentation: Assist members in obtaining necessary documents, such as photo IDs, Social Security cards, birth certificates, and proof of income.
- Identify Appropriate Subsidies: Identify and secure available resources to subsidize rent, such as Section 8 or local rental assistance programs
Housing Search & Securing Units
- Conduct Housing Location Services: Actively search for affordable housing options that match client needs.
- Landlord Engagement & Advocacy: Build relationships with local landlords, communicate on behalf of the member, and resolve potential disputes to secure tenancy.
- Application Assistance: Guide members through the entire rental application process, including filling out forms and attending viewings.
- Coordinate Move-in Support: Arrange for and facilitate the move, including arranging non-emergency transportation to viewings or to pick up keys.
- Secure Move-in Funds: Coordinate with IEHP to secure funding for deposits, utility set-up fees, and necessary household goods
Move-in & Retention
- Ensure Unit Safety: Ensure the living environment is safe, habitable, and ready for occupancy prior to move-in.
- Establish Tenancy Procedures: Develop a housing support crisis plan that includes early intervention strategies when tenancy is jeopardized.
- Conduct In-home Visits: Perform in-home visits to monitor housing stability and provide ongoing coaching on landlord relations.
- Provide Independent Living Skills Training: Educate tenants on budgeting, tenant rights/responsibilities, and home maintenance.
- Maintain Accurate Data: Document all client interactions in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and IEHP/CalAIM systems in compliance with program requirements
Core Competencies & Best Practices
- Utilize Housing First & Harm Reduction models: Apply trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing to support members with complex health/behavioral health conditions.
- Collaborate with Care Teams: Coordinate with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) providers, social services, and legal aid to address housing barriers
Evaluation:
- Participate in quality management studies as needed.
- Document progress and pertinent information in the client record each billable service (IEHP clients) and as necessary provide complete information to other case managers/staff who may be involved in the client’s case.
Communication/Interface:
- Attend Housing Navigation and other agency meetings as scheduled.
- Act as a positive role model for the agency when dealing with clients and the public.
- Accept clients as assigned; communicate to the supervisor any conflicts or difficulties with clients.
- Answer telephone calls or communications promptly and courteously.
- Appropriately communicate and document any changes in the plan of care and agency EHR.
Applicants may be asked to complete skill assessment(s).
Job Requirements and Qualifications
Education:
- High School diploma required; Bachelor's degree preferred (in social work, health/human services, psychology, public health preferred).
Language:
- Bilingual Spanish/English
Knowledge Requirements:
- Working knowledge of housing navigation supports, referrals, resources, community partners, and the provision of health and other care in a variety of settings. Knowledge of community resources, insurance, and care delivery systems. Knowledge of the Jewish Community and cultures preferred.
- Knowledge of local (inland empire) housing resources and programs.
- Familiarity with Section 8 and other housing assistance programs (rapid rehousing, permanent supportive housing, transitional housing, sober living, etc.).
- Understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction models.
- Knowledge of social work principles and practice.
Skills:
- Strong communication, interpersonal, and advocacy skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Ability to build rapport and trust with clients
- Proficiency in Google and other relevant software
- Experience with motivational interviewing, active listening, client-centered service delivery, and trauma-informed services
Experience:
- At least two years of housing navigation and case management experience or equivalent, with all populations including the mature adult demographic.
Special Information:
- Reliable transportation/ Valid Driver License
Job Type: Full-time
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $46,675.00 - $61,089.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Housing support/Case Management: 1 year (Required)
Language:
- English and Spanish (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver License (Required)
Work Location: In person
