Housing Navigator

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

The position will include responsibilities such as providing case management, housing navigation, and housing retention services to clients who are eligible for housing support. The case management services provided by this position include but are not limited to, outreach and engagement, assessment and service planning, assistance with mainstream entitlement applications and/or connections to employment services, housing location, addressing all service needs to stabilize clients in housing, and promoting recovery and community integration. The candidate will primarily be working in the field, providing services to clients in their homes, shelters, on the streets or wherever they may be residing throughout Santa Barbara County.

• Provides field based/mobile case management services in the areas of, but not limited to: Independent living skills, housing stabilization, money management, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their goals.
• Engage and educate landlords
• Outreach to business owners, realtors, landlords, property management companies and other community members to identify housing opportunities for clients
• Maintain accurate client data in the agency database, ETO and county database HMIS
• Provide strengths-based case management and service coordination services designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable employment and housing.
• Develop individualized service plans in collaboration with clients addressing short-term and long-term goals.
• Provide on-going case management support to assess progress and ensure treatment plan outcomes are met or changed as needed.
• Provide services focused on enhancing the clients' ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate their own care.
• Requires promptly meeting crucial Cencal billing requirements and documentation.
• Identify additional supportive services that veterans may require to maintain stable housing, such as financial counseling, mental health resources, or employment assistance, and provide appropriate referrals.
• Transports clients in the agency-provided vehicle for appointments as required.
• Meeting with clients face-to-face in their homes, shelters, or other environments.
• May be required to assist with outreach from time to time.
• Maintain high ethical standards in all aspects of the role. Adhere to professional codes of conduct, respect client confidentiality, and prioritize the well-being and rights of clients at all times.
• Be prepared to respond to crisis situations promptly and effectively, providing immediate assistance and access to appropriate resources when needed.
• Responsible for promptly notifying the manager of any work orders that need to be submitted or supplies that need to be ordered.
• Responsible for attending staff meetings, ensuring timely completion of training, and accurately completing timecards.
• Perform related duties as assigned by the supervisor.
• Maintain compliance with all company policies and procedures.

Education and/or Work Experience Requirements:

This section outlines the essential knowledge, skills and abilities are required to perform the daily tasks and job duties bulleted above.

• High School Diploma or equivalent: A minimum educational requirement to demonstrate basic literacy and communication skills.
• Associate degree required.
• Relevant experience in housing navigation, property management, or social services, with a focus on assisting veterans, is preferred
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to establish rapport with veterans, property managers, and community partners.
• Crisis intervention skills: Capacity to handle crisis situations and de-escalate conflicts.
• Empathy and compassion: Demonstrating genuine care and understanding for individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Ability to work in a team: Collaboration and cooperation with other staff, volunteers, and external agencies.
• Excellent computer proficiency (MS Office – Word, Excel and Google)

Required Qualifications:

Employment Eligibility Verification:

• Must provide documentation to establish identity and employment eligibility in compliance with legal requirements. This may include a U.S. passport, Permanent Resident Card, or other acceptable forms of identification.

Negative Tuberculosis Test:

• Must provide documentation of a recent negative tuberculosis (TB) test result to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.

Background Screening:

• Successful completion of a comprehensive background screening, which may include criminal record checks, employment history verification, and reference checks.

Pre-Employment Drug Screening:

• Must pass a pre-employment drug screening to ensure a drug-free workplace. A negative drug test result is required.

Driving Skills:

• Possess strong driving skills and have a valid driver's license.
• Driving is an essential function of the position, and a clean driving record may be required.
• Must possess a valid California driver's license or obtain one before the start of employment.

Insurance Coverage:

• Must be able to qualify for Good Samaritan Shelter insurance coverage, which may include meeting specific criteria related to driving record, insurance claims history, and other factors.

Personal Insurance Coverage:

• Must have personal insurance coverage that meets the requirements set by the employer.
• This may include liability insurance, automobile insurance, or any other type of insurance deemed necessary for the position.
• The coverage must be valid and maintained throughout the employment period.

Benefits:

Full-Time Benefits:

• Health Insurance
• Dental, Vision, and Life Insurance
• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Paid Holidays and Floater Day
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Working Advantage

Part-Time Benefits:

• 401k Matching
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Gym Membership Discount
• Working Advantage

Please note that these benefits are subject to specific eligibility criteria and may be subject to change based on company policies and guidelines.

Work Environment:

The work environment for homeless services with clients experiencing substance abuse or mental illness is characterized by a commitment to creating a safe, supportive, and non-judgmental atmosphere. It is crucial to establish a secure environment that prioritizes the well-being of both staff and clients. The work is often carried out through a multidisciplinary team approach, involving professionals from various fields who collaborate to provide comprehensive support. Crisis management protocols and resources should be readily available to address emergencies related to substance abuse or mental health. Ongoing training and professional development opportunities equip staff with the necessary skills to effectively engage with clients and address their complex needs. Additionally, the work environment should prioritize staff self-care and support, recognizing the potential challenges and providing resources for their well-being. Confidentiality and privacy of client information are paramount, ensuring trust and maintaining ethical standards. By fostering an inclusive and empathetic work environment, homeless services can effectively support clients on their path to recovery and stability.

Physical Requirements:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Ability to safely and successfully perform the essential job functions consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards, including meeting qualitative and/or quantitative productivity standards.
• Ability to maintain regular, punctual attendance consistent with the ADA, FMLA and other federal, state and local standards
• Must be able to lift and carry up to 40 lbs.
• The role may involve both indoor and outdoor activities, and staff may need to spend considerable time under the sun while engaging with clients and providing support.
• Capability to navigate stairs multiple times during a shift is required.
• Proficiency in using hands and fingers to perform tasks such as typing, writing, handling paperwork, operating equipment, and assisting residents with daily needs.
• Sufficient vision and hearing capabilities to observe and respond to the environment, communicate with residents and colleagues, and maintain a safe working environment.

Mental Requirements:

The mental demands outlined above are illustrative of the requirements necessary for an employee to effectively fulfill the fundamental duties of this position. Reasonable accommodations can be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill these essential functions.

• Emotional resilience to cope with challenging situations and provide support to individuals facing difficult circumstances.
• The nature of working with individuals experiencing homelessness can be emotionally draining. Staff must be aware of the signs of compassion fatigue and have strategies in place to manage their own self-care and prevent burnout.
• Establishing and maintaining appropriate boundaries is crucial when working with vulnerable populations. Staff should be able to prioritize self-care, set limits on their emotional involvement, and practice self-reflection to prevent personal emotional strain.
• Serving a diverse population with various cultural backgrounds and identities. Staff should have a strong commitment to cultural sensitivity, respect for diversity, and the ability to communicate effectively with individuals from different backgrounds.

The Good Samaritan Shelter is a non-profit, community-based organization that relies on all members of staff to work together to serve the community and clients. At times, you may be asked to take on additional tasks outside of your usual responsibilities as needed.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Requirements listed above are representative of the knowledge, skills, and ability required.

EEO: Good Samaritan Shelter is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any othercharacteristic protected by law.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $26.00 - $28.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to Relocate:

• Goleta, CA: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person