POSITION TITLE: Housing Navigator/Case Manager

DEPARTMENT: RRH PROGRAM

REPORTS TO: Program Director/Program Manager

FLSA: Full-time, Non-Exempt

BENEFITS: Alpha Project offers a generous benefits package, including 14 paid holidays, paid vacation, sick leave, and 100% employer-paid medical, dental, vision premium, and group life insurance.

PAY RANGE: $18-$23 an hour, commensurate with experience

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Housing Navigator, under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, will be responsible for case management, housing assistance, and all services related to retaining permanent housing of clients according to program policies and procedures. The Housing Navigator will possess a strong ability to communicate orally and in writing and can identify potential opportunities and enhancements to the services provided by the program.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Case Management

• Screen program matches through CES; Conduct program orientations and complete intake assessments;
• Build a network of community resources and provide/refer clients to appropriate supports and interventions;
• Work with households to identify and overcome barriers to securing housing and increasing income and/or accessing benefits;
• Assesses the client's needs and arranges, coordinates, monitors, evaluates, and advocates for a variety of services to meet those complex needs, including transportation, medical, substance abuse, and therapeutic services, employment, social security/disability, and other benefits;
• Assesses and addresses housing barriers, including but not limited to: credit, eviction, reference, rental history, criminal history, income, etc.;
• Ensure weekly meetings for housing search clients to present housing leads, complete rental applications, schedule viewings, file appeals, etc. Assist households with understanding lease terms/rental agreements;
• Meets with housed clients at least monthly to review, evaluate and support individualized housing, financial, and self-sufficiency goal planning;
• Provide tenant/landlord mediation and addresses unanticipated client/household needs/issues as they arise;
• Participates as a multi-disciplinary team member that reviews client cases and develops action plans that meet each client's individual needs;
• Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by adhering to organization standards and all applicable Federal, State, and local laws and regulations;
• Work collaboratively with all team members;
• Must have reliable transportation; position travels throughout San Diego County;
• Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.

Data Management

• Maintains prompt documentation using HMIS, following agency and best standard practices;
• Complete accurate, thorough, and typed progress notes promptly;
• Use case management software, HMIS, and Clarity, to document and keep all client activities up to date.

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.

WORK ENVIRONMENT AND PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands/conditions described below represent those that must be met/tolerated by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these essential functions.

• Sitting at a desk for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Answering or making calls on the telephone for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Using a keyboard to perform research and to communicate through written means for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Looking at a computer monitor for sometimes long and continuous periods of time;
• Frequent standing, walking, reaching, lifting, and stooping;

QUALIFICATIONS

Team Members must demonstrate the ability to follow policies and procedures established in the Company's Employee Handbook. Team Members will also contribute to a positive work environment by behaving and communicating in a manner such that they get along with all constituent groups, co-workers, and management.

In addition, the education, experience, and other skills listed below represent the required knowledge, skills, and/or abilities.

EDUCATION

• Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four-year college or university with major coursework in healthcare, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration, or a related field, AND one (2) year of applicable job experience, OR
• Associates Degree with a focus on healthcare, psychology, sociology, social work, public administration, or a related field AND two (2) years of applicable job experience, OR
• High school diploma or GED and a minimum of a combined two (2) years of lived experience, AND at least two (2) years of practical job experience.

KEY SKILLS SET

• Ability to communicate in person and over the phone, required;
• Strong written and verbal communication skills are required;
• Bilingual skills of any language preferred;
• The ability to adhere to policies and procedures is required.
• Understanding confidentiality protocols and protecting personal information is required.
• Ability to organize and prioritize projects and multiple tasks effectively and timely required.
• Effectively problem-solve and maintain composure in high-pressure situations required.
• Act as a liaison with partner agencies.
• Ability to work independently with minimal daily supervision required.
• Ability to analyze, interpret, summarize, and present administrative, technical, and analytical data in an effective manner;
• Ability to maintain the confidentiality of sensitive personal information of applicants, current and former clients, landlords, and other matters affecting tenant relations;
• Knowledge of utilized practices and principles, including Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, Conflict Resolution, Motivational Interviewing, Low Barrier Operations, and Prevention and Diversion, preferred;
• Experience with principles and practices of data collection and report preparation, HMIS experience preferred;
• The employee may lift and move up to 25 pounds, and standing and walking are routine elements of the position.

EQUIPMENT AND APPLICATIONS

• High proficiency in MS Office, including Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Clarity;
• Working knowledge of all standard office equipment;