Housing Navigator - California, United States - Cayenne Wellness Center & Children´s Foundation

Description

Housing Navigator

Job Description

​​Location: Hybrid

Employment Type: Part-Time Hours/Per Week: 30 hours

ABOUT US:

Cayenne Wellness Center and Children's Foundation (CWC) is a 501(c)3 organization dedicated to improving health outcomes and decreasing mortality related to Sickle Cell Disease (SCD). Our mission is to increase the quality of life for individuals diagnosed with SCD in California by ensuring expert, unbiased, and comprehensive care. This mission is part of a broader vision of (1) a medical system that effectively addresses the unique needs of the 7,000 residents living with SCD in California and (2) empowered patients who are equipped to advocate for themselves. Are you ready to help every Sickle Cell Warrior live the healthiest and most fulfilling life possible? Are you ready to engage with a mission-driven organization that is life-changing to many, and touches the hearts of all?

The Part-Time Housing Navigator at Cayenne Wellness Center plays a crucial role in supporting individuals and families affected by sickle cell disease in accessing safe and stable housing options. The Housing Navigator will work closely with clients, community partners, and housing agencies to assess housing needs, provide guidance and support in navigating housing resources, and advocate for clients' housing rights.

POSITION SUMMARY:

Under the direction of the Nursing Navigator, CHW Lead, and Executive Director of Cayenne Wellness Center, the Housing Navigator will:

1. Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' housing needs and preferences
2. Develop individualized housing plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on stability and affordability
3. Assist clients in navigating housing resources, including rental assistance programs, housing vouchers, and affordable housing listings
4. Provide guidance and support to clients in completing housing applications and required documentation
5. Advocate for clients' housing rights and address housing-related barriers and challenges
6. Maintain accurate and up-to-date records of client interactions, progress, and outcomes
7. Collaborate with internal teams, community partners, and housing agencies to coordinate services and resources for clients.
8. Stay informed about housing policies, programs, and resources to effectively support clients.
9. Participate in team meetings, trainings, and professional development activities as required.
10. Uphold the values and mission of Cayenne Wellness Center in all interactions and activities

CORE DUTIES:

• Based on referrals from Cayenne Wellness Center's Community Health Workers, assist Sickle Cell Warriors and their families find stable housing
• Become familiar with regional housing authorities throughout the state to be able to navigate and advocate for the sickle cell community
• Develop a housing plan for each referral
• Build partnerships with various entities in designated regions (i.e, LAHSA)
• Regularly meet with Assemblypersons in the state
• Ultimately, develop a Housing Navigation Handbook

RESPONSIBILITIES, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:

General:

• Knowledge of basic medical and sickle cell terminology, communities being served and available resources, confidentiality standards, and HIPAA compliance standards
• Skilled in written, verbal, and interpersonal communication, time management, multi-tasking, managing multiple projects, and Excel and shared computer applications
• Able to work within a team and with peers with minimal supervision and independently
• Able to navigate the computer, create spreadsheets, and shared computer applications
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines

Specific:

• Conduct comprehensive assessments of clients' housing needs and preferences.
• Develop individualized housing plans in collaboration with clients, focusing on stability and affordability.
• Assist clients in navigating housing resources, including rental assistance programs, housing vouchers, and affordable housing listings.
• Responsible for providing support to homeless individuals in the following areas: housing-focused case management, housing readiness, accessing housing assistance programs, completing housing applications, advocacy, housing search, and placement, etc.
• Conduct CES assessment to determine appropriate permanent housing intervention and service needs
• Navigate persons to permanent housing placement or programs that will assist with safe and stable housing - Rapid Rehousing, DHS- Housing for Health, Homeless Section 8, Tenant-Based Supportive Housing, Housing Choice Voucher Program, HOPWA, VASH, Project Based Housing, SRO, Shared Housing, Low Income Housing, etc.
• Responsible for developing a Housing & Services Plan (HSP) to streamline participants toward permanent housing and specific goals
• Connect program participants to community resources that will support the goal of permanent housing acquisition (credit repair, legal aid, housing rights, etc.)
• Coordinate transportation for participants to housing appointments (Unit viewings, Housing Authority Interviews, etc.)
• Assist clients in obtaining move-in assistance resources as available (deposit assistance, furniture, etc.)
• Responsible for working in collaboration with internal staff and outside agencies (i.e. shelter support staff)
• Follow up with each participant and their CHW on a regular basis to ensure they are making progress toward their goals
• Responsible to complete and maintain current documents required for the client files, including assessments, individualized housing plans, case notes, housing applications, housing vouchers, lease agreements, exit reports, etc.

Other duties include:

• Develop and maintain professional working relationships with landlords, and other housing providers to establish a "database" of available housing units
• Attend and participate in Team Meetings, Trainings, Case Conferencing, CES Meetings, Coalition Meetings, Homeless Services Meetings, etc.
• Responsible for maintaining thorough and accurate records in both written form (hard copies) and through the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) is required
• Responsible for meeting specific performance outcomes for applicable LAHSA contracts
• Submitting reports, documentation and connecting with outside agencies
• Uphold all HOTV and LAHSA Rules, Regulations, and Policies
• Use de-escalation and mediation techniques to help clients work through conflict
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Minimum Qualifications (REQUIRED):

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or a related field (preferred) or three (3) years of experience working with the homeless or similar
• Proof of CA ID (valid driver's license required; Proof of auto insurance required)
• Knowledge of housing programs, resources, and policies
• Strong communication, advocacy, and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
• Proficiency in maintaining accurate documentation and records
• Commitment to cultural competence, diversity, and inclusion
• Reliable transportation and willingness to travel within the service area
• Must possess solid proficiency of Google Suite
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Must possess basic grammar and spelling skills
• Possess the necessary initiative, adaptability, and responsibility to work with minimum supervision
• Excellent time management skills. Must possess the ability to meet deadlines and work with attention to detail
• Must possess excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to interact with others professionally
• Knowledge of Housing First, Harm Reduction, and Trauma-Informed principles
• Knowledge of HUD guidelines on Subsidized Housing Programs
• Experience working with a diverse population, with sensitivity to differences in culture, religion, sexual orientation, race, age, and physical and mental illness

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's degree in Public Health, Social Work, and Psychology
• Bilingual Spanish-English preferred
• Previous experience in housing navigation, case management, or social services