Housing Navigator - Global Communities

Global Communities works at the intersection of humanitarian assistance, sustainable development and financial inclusion to save lives, advance equity and secure strong futures. We support communities at the forefront of their own development in more than 35 countries, partnering with local leaders, governments, civil society and the private sector to achieve a shared vision of a more just, prosperous and equitable global community. 

The Housing Navigator will provide assistance to Medi-cal recipients who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. The Housing Navigator will conduct tele-health and in-person visits to clients throughout San Diego County, assess housing needs, make appropriate referrals, and provide information regarding related programs and services. The Housing Navigator assess opportunities for housing assistance and rental subsidy programs, and related activities required to secure temporary and/or permanent housing placement. The Housing Navigator will work under direction of the CHW Program Director. This project is embedded in a suite of programs designed to address disparities for Black, American Indian and Alaska Native, Pacific Islander and refugee/asylum seeking communities. As such, candidates that share socio-cultural backgrounds with these communities are highly encouraged to apply.

PRIMARY JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

Responsibility Area: Outreach, Networking, and Visibility

• Conduct in-person and virtual outreach and education to families and landlords, increasing their awareness and knowledge of the Medicaid Cal-Aim housing benefit and tenant rights through collaborative meetings, health fairs, etc.
• Participate in collaborative meetings with community partners, acting as a positive representative for the program and agency.
• Interact with, support, and share information and resources with GC’s other local program to achieve health equity within San Diego County.
• Increase visibility of GCs local initiatives through participation in community events, storytelling, photography, social media, and other communications related activities.

Responsibility Area: Housing Navigation

• Confirm eligibility for housing services under the Medicaid Cal-Aim program, through insurance verification and documentation of housing status.
• Conduct tenant screening and housing assessments that identifies the client’s preferences and barriers related to successful tenancy.
• Using a standard template, complete an individualized housing support plan based upon the housing assessment that addresses identified barriers, includes short- and long-term measurable goals for each issue, and tracks progress toward meeting the goal.
• Ensure review of each care management plan by a supervisor
• Assist in securing housing, including the support for completion of housing applications and securing required documentation.
• Support enrolled clients to conduct housing searches, and support moving arrangements through verbal encouragement and connection to transportation benefits.
• Assist with benefits advocacy, including using checklists to assist the client compile identification and documentation for rental assistance, housing deposits, Supplemental Security Income (SSI), transportation assistance, etc.
• Assist with identifying, coordinating, securing, or funding services and modifications necessary to enable a person to establish a basic household, such as security deposits and utilities discount programs.
• Maintain a positive, empathetic, and professional attitude toward clients at all times.

Responsibility Area: Housing settlement and sustainability

• Using a standard template, help clients document plans and key contacts to keep housing, including identifying family and shelters to contact if housing falls through
  
  • Share information packets with the client on how to build good relationships with landlords and property managers to make sure clients have a successful living situation, and a checklist of issues that may jeopardize housing.
  • Work with the supervisor for in-person support for conversations with landlords about any issues that might affect housing stability, working as a team to solve problems, such as supporting the client to plan to pay back rent or repairing damages to housing units.
  • Link clients with community resources to prevent eviction when housing is or may potentially become jeopardized.
  • Assist with housing recertification paperwork.

 Responsibility Area: Data Collection and Entry

• Collect and maintain project data to document each client strengths, needs, and outcomes.
• Enter data into a case management database on a timely basis, including the 211 Community Information Exchange (CIE)
• Data cleaning (fixing or removing incorrect, corrupted, incorrectly formatted, duplicate, or incomplete data) in collaboration with the Project Director to ensure accurate reporting.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance for all project related data.
• Evaluate the progress of participants and progress towards achievement of project objectives.

Other:

• Participate in agency, project, and partner activities and
• Maintain continuing education as appropriate.
• Perform all other duties as deemed necessary by the Project Director
  

POSITION SPECIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Must be available to work occasional evenings and one Saturday each month.
• Must have reliable transportation for regular travel around San Diego County.
• Promote a culture of excellence, inclusion, learning, support, diversity, and innovation.

• Familiarity with rules and regulations related to housing, health and social services for people who are homeless or at-risk of homelessness.
• Experience in crisis management, social work, or property management is highly desirable.
• Knowledge of Section 8 and other housing assistance programs is a plus.
• Training in trauma informed care
• Experience with case management, patient navigation, or as a Community Health Worker
• Familiarity with public benefits including Medi-Cal, WIC, and Cal-Fresh.
• Comfort using video conferencing technology including Zoom and MS Teams
• Able to work independently and as a team-player.
• Communicate effectively with people of various educational, socio-economic, and cultural backgrounds and function calmly in situations which require a high degree of sensitivity, tack, and diplomacy.

• Undergraduate degree in a related field or a minimum of four years of related work experience.
• Preferably a professional experience in health, psychology, child development, or social work field
• Must have socio-cultural experiences comparable to the populations served, along with knowledge of and respect for the values and beliefs of Black women and communities.
• Experience working in San Diego County and community settings (community outreach, family/public support services, Advocacy and/or related services)
• Access to a quiet and private workspace when working remotely.
• Fluent in English (read, write, speak) is required, second languages are a plus.
• Proficiency in computers and use of MS Word and Excel required.
• A passion for the mission and values of Global Communitie

Application Instructions 

To be considered for this position, please apply (including your resume and cover letter) by 2/27/24. Applications received after this date may be reviewed on a rolling basis until the job has been filled. 

Location and Work Schedule 

This selected candidate can be based in San Diego, CA. Candidates must be authorized to work in the United States without any restriction.

This role is on a hybrid/telework schedule. The selected candidate is expected to work at least twice as week (Tuesday, Wednesday, or Thursday) from either our San Diego or Silver Spring office and the remainder of the week from an approved remote location.

Salary and Compensation

The estimated salary for this position is between $50,002 - $62,500. Final salary will be based on several factors including qualifications, geographic location, experience, and internal equity. Global Communities provides a comprehensive benefits package; please note that this position is not eligible for allowances. 

COVID-19 Policy

As an organization working to advance public health, Global Communities has an obligation to model best practices and to do all we can to protect each other, our partners, and the communities where we work.  To ensure the continuity and effectiveness of our business operations, Global Communities is adopting a policy to safeguard the health of our visitors, employees, families, and the larger global community from COVID-19.  Effective January 3, 2022, all U.S.-based Global Communities employees are required to provide proof of having received full dosage of COVID-19 vaccine that is FDA approved, approved for emergency use authorization, or have an approved medical or religious exemption on file with Global Communities, as a condition of employment.

Safeguarding Policy

Global Communities holds strict safeguarding principles and has a zero-tolerance policy for conduct of sexual exploitation, abuse, and harassment. In the process of recruitment, selection, and appointment, Global Communities will conduct robust reference and background screening checks, including international vetting as a signature of the Global Misconduct Disclosure Scheme to ensure children and vulnerable adults are safeguarded, and abuse is prevented.  The incumbent is required to carry out their duties in accordance with Global Communities Safeguarding policy and the Standards of Conduct.

EEO/ADA

Global Communities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

Global Communities complies with all applicable provisions of the ADA and makes reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities unless it provides undue hardship to the organization. If reasonable accommodation is necessary to participate in the recruitment process, please contact recruitment@globalcommunities.org.