Housing Navigator (Full-Time) - Covenant House California

COVENANT HOUSE CALIFORNIA

Job Description - Housing Navigator

Covenant House CA (CHC) is excited to announce the launch of its new Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program in Santa Clara, CA. Drawing upon CHC’s 30+ years of experience serving young people, ages 18-24, staff will assist to develop a program that effectively meets the unique needs of young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking in Santa Clara County. CHC is committed to meeting young people where they are, accepting them for who they are, and relentlessly engaging them so that they can fulfill their dreams. This is a once-in-a-lifetime career opportunity to help launch a new program, that will change the lives of young people forever!

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the supervision of the Santa Clara Program Director, the Housing Navigator will work to assist transitional-aged youth (ages 18-24) experiencing homelessness in obtaining and maintaining housing in the community through the Rapid Rehousing Program. This includes brokering relationships with local property owners and management companies, marketing and packaging the program and our young people in a manner that appeals to the property owners and management companies. The Housing Navigator will also negotiate rental rates to ensure that they fall within the Rapid Rehousing Program guidelines and Santa Clara County Fair Market Value (FMV). They also provide supportive case management services such as mentoring, coaching, behavioral support, education, employment referral, transportation, and resource and benefits navigation to address the overall needs of young people. They will support the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager in the assessment of participants' needs and preferences, the application process, move-in, and coordinated services to maintain positive relationships in the community and stable housing for the young person.

SCHEDULE: Full-time 40 hours a week

SALARY RANGE: $23.00 /hour

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

1. Act as contact for property owners and management companies as it relates to their collaboration with the Rapid Rehousing (RRH) program;

2. Build an inventory of rooms/units available to support our young people in accessing stable housing in the communities of their choice that is within the Rapid Rehousing Program budget guidelines and FMV;

3. Along with the Rapid Rehousing Case Manager, complete and review a comprehensive intake and assessment of new participants to help determine needs, interests, and goals;

4. Assist in connecting participants to supportive services such as mental health, health, substance use, employment, and education both at Covenant House California and with external service providers; provide linkage to mainstream resources, such as Social Security and Medi-Cal; act as intermediary for residents with those resources;

5. Match participants with housing opportunities; help them build relationships within the community to ensure positive and beneficial placements and outcomes;

6. Support participants in planning for moving into a new apartment or room; this includes the purchase of items, moving into the new space, decorating, ensuring an ongoing ‘feel’ of the space;

7. Provide support on a monthly basis as assigned to gather, process, and submit all of the necessary documentation needed to ensure rents are paid on a monthly basis through our accounts payable department at CHC. Be available to trouble-shoot any barriers to payment or challenges that arise with the property managers;

8. Work with the Case Managers, participants, and their current/previous supports to develop individual Success Plans to help them meet short-term and long-term goals in the areas of education and employment, housing stability, permanent connections, and well-being;

9. Work effectively and creatively as a member of the participants' Circle of Support to support the needs of residents; attend Success Planning meetings to coordinate services with outside service providers;

10. Accurately document services and complete data entry into HMIS and the Efforts to Outcomes (ETO) database system and prepare monthly reports as required;

11. Work a flexible schedule to be able to connect with participants and landlords when they are available. This may include evenings and weekends;

12. Attend in-service training as required; participate in staff meetings, planning meetings, and other meetings as needed;

13. Develop creative ways to facilitate psycho-educational and support group activities with young people on a regular basis;

14. Host workshops for individuals and groups focused on essential life skills and community building amongst residents on a weekly basis. This will include creating and supporting opportunities to build community through onsite and off-site special events.

JOB REQUIREMENTS:

EDUCATION: Bachelor’s degree preferred, high school diploma or equivalent required.

EXPERIENCE: Two years of experience working with people experiencing homelessness OR housing instability, advocacy, or direct care services. Experience with real estate, property management, rental properties, and or sales is a bonus.

SKILLS: Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work with other staff. Leadership skills and program development experience are preferred. Knowledge of adolescent development, community resources, and case management skills. Sensitive to the needs of young people experiencing homelessness and human trafficking who represent all domains of diversity. Must have good organizational skills and the ability to communicate with members, clients, vendors, and the public. Knowledge of HUD guidelines and experience working with subsidized housing programs such as Section 8 or Rapid Rehousing. Communication with and about young people must reflect a “strength-based” and “trauma-informed” approach. Bilingual in Spanish is preferred but not required.

TRANSPORTATION: Preferably has a valid CA Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and a good driving record, or the ability to navigate public transportation efficiently. Able to drive CHC vehicles, preferably.

WORKING CONDITIONS: Meal periods (non-paid) and breaks are required to be taken each shift. Any overtime must be pre-approved.

General business/office environment. Must be able to lift up to 40 lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend/holiday work may be required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: N/A

EQUIPMENT USED: Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee may work occasionally in outside weather conditions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud.

Covenant House California does not and shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion (creed), gender, gender expression, age, national origin (ancestry), disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status, in any of its activities or operations. These activities include, but are not limited to, hiring and firing of staff, selection of volunteers and vendors, and provision of services. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our staff, clients, volunteers, subcontractors, vendors, and clients.

Covenant House California is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.