Housing Navigator - Loft at Housing Matters

Santa Cruz, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

19 Jul, 26

Salary

29.21

Posted On

20 Apr, 26

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Case management, Housing navigation, Social service casework, Relationship building, Client advocacy, Rental agreement facilitation, Data documentation, Community outreach, Crisis intervention, Interviewing techniques, Record keeping, Grant compliance reporting, Conflict resolution, Communication, Interpersonal skills

Industry

Individual and Family Services

Description

Housing Navigator II – Loft Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to joining our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. Our Emergency Shelter, aka the "Loft", is a low-barrier shelter for up to 43 individuals at a time. The Loft is open to adults who are currently experiencing homelessness and who are partnering with us to end that homelessness. The Housing Navigator II is a journey-level class and is expected to work with a minimum amount of supervision to conduct housing navigation, and secure housing placements in coordination with their team, program, and the agency through new training, strategies, partnerships, and other activities. Hours and Benefits The Housing Navigator II is a full-time, hourly non-exempt position eligible for our generous benefits plan: Benefits Summary: * 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage * Dental - 100% employee coverage * Vision - 100% employee coverage * Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage * Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage * 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period * Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance * PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays Regular hours are Monday through Friday – On campus STARTING WAGE (OFFER DEPENDENT ON EXPERIENCE): $27.54 $28.37 $29.21 Preferred Experience and Education Requirements Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be: * A minimum of two years of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I or Housing Navigator I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities * A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences Special Requirements * Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License Thorough knowledge of: * Basic principles and trends of affordable housing * Federal and State housing regulations, programs, and procedures * Community resources * Public social service and assistance programs * Interviewing and record-keeping techniques * Knowledge of the specialized program area to which assigned * County and state affordable housing policies, procedures, and programs * Housing inspections * Grant compliance reporting Typical Job Duties: * Conduct outreach and relationship building * Search daily for housing and reach out to available units * Coordinate regularly with Housing Navigators and Case Managers, including attending collaborative working group meetings * Develop rapport and communication with both property managers and program clients * Conduct, with Case Managers, housing needs assessment and client-driven housing searches in neighborhoods that are a good fit for the individual clients and families. * Act as an advocate in securing appropriate housing * Facilitate rental agreements with landlords in scattered site apartments and ensure participant’s understanding of rental agreements, housing policies, and procedures * Conduct home visits with clients * Maintain extensive, accurate records, data, and documentation of services * Participate in Housing Matters and Case Management/Supportive Services staff meetings, case reviews, and related functions * Maintain effective relationships with community partners and represent Housing Matters professionally in the community * Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements * Maintain confidential, professional boundaries with all program participants Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.

Responsibilities

The Housing Navigator II conducts outreach, builds relationships with property managers, and facilitates housing placements for individuals experiencing homelessness. They also maintain accurate records, conduct home visits, and advocate for clients to secure appropriate housing.