Housing Navigator (HCS)

Program Positions Berkeley, California


Description

Compensation: $28.32/hour 
Benefits:   
  • Free Dental & Vision
  • 19 Paid Holidays- Including 4 Mental Health Days
  • Retirement Plan with a match
  • Paid Training
  • 10-year anniversary sabbatical
  • Flexible Spending Accounts
  • Professional Development Allowance
  • Paid Parental Leave benefit
  • Discounted Pet Insurance
  • Affordable Health Insurance, including a free healthcare option for employees
  • 50% coverage paid by employer for dependents (vision, dental, health)
  • and many more!
Company Overview
For more than 50 years, Insight Housing has provided a comprehensive range of housing, food, and support services to help those in need move from homelessness into a safe and affordable home of their own. We serve in seven counties in the bay area - Alameda, San Francisco, Contra Costa, Solano, Sacramento, San Joaquin, and Amador County. We are proud of our team members who are very dedicated to our mission of ensuring everyone in our community has a home through supportive, equitable, and sustainable housing solutions. 
 
Program Summary
The Housing Community Supports (HCS) program provides services to Alameda County’s most vulnerable homeless and formerly homeless households. Services include housing transition navigation services to assist consumers with obtaining housing; housing deposits to assist with one-time services and modifications necessary to enable a person to establish a basic household; and housing tenancy and sustaining services to assist to maintain safe and stable tenancy once housing is secured.
 
Position Summary
Under supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing Navigator will be responsible to provide housing placement and case management services to homeless individuals to facilitate their progress from homelessness to stability and eventually self-sufficiency.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities
  • Responsible for client intake process, initial assessment, and case plan development.
  • Provide assistance with intensive housing and vocational resources to clients in the program.
  • Develop individual housing case plans and provide ongoing housing search activities.
  • Develop partnerships with property managers and landlords throughout Alameda County and maintain a database of landlords and available properties.
  • Monitor the local housing rental markets by keeping abreast of market rental rates, supply and demands of housing and other related conditions.
  • Develop and maintain relationships with all local Housing Authorities in Alameda County.
  • Provide information about affordable housing options, housing subsidy programs (including the S+C and Section 8 lottery) to participants.
  • Assist participants with financial literatures, eviction prevention, financial assistance applications and lease agreements.
  • Assist participants with review of lease agreements and move-ins.
  • Conduct regular home visits to clients who are housed.
  • Maintain/update data (Client Enrollment Log) on a weekly basis.
  • Create and maintain paper files and electronic (HMIS) case files to record all documentation. 
  • Maintain accurate records and prepare monthly statistical and narrative reports. 
  • Generate, analyze and organize reports to present to funders on a monthly basis.
  • Work closely with other agency case managers and counselors to ensure consistency in philosophical and practice approaches to services. 
  • Provide Medi-Cal outreach. Facilitate Medi-Cal applications.
  • Engage in referrals, coordination and monitoring of Medi-Cal Services.
  • Arrange and /or provide non-emergency, non-medical transportation to Medi-Cal covered services.
  • Participate in program planning and policy development for Medi-Cal and Non Medi-Cal clients.
  • Drive your own or agency vehicle to various sites as required; documenting and reporting mileage according to agency procedures, so that services can be provided in a timely manner; comply with agency driving policy at all times. 
  • Participate in promoting a safe, healthy, and clean working environment consistent with agency’s health and safety practices. 
  • Attend and participate in all meetings and trainings as assigned. 
  • Complete and submit timesheets in a timely and accurate manner.   
  • Work within the framework of Insight Housing’s Code of Conduct. 
  • Perform other tasks as assigned. 
       Qualifications, Skills, and Abilities 
      • High school required. Bachelor’s degree in Social Services or related field a plus.
      • Ability to complete CPR/First Aid Training.
      • 1 year experience providing direct support services to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health, substance abuse or other social issues strongly preferred.
      • 1 year experience in real estate, property management or housing support, required. Relevant internship and volunteer experience will be considered. Prior customer service experience and administrative experience will be considered.
      • Commitment to serving individuals experiencing homelessness, alcohol and drug dependency, and other mental health issues and to trauma-informed approach to care of individuals. 
      • Lived experience strongly preferred. 
      • Proficient in use of computer and Microsoft office suite (Word, Excel, Outlook and TEAMS). Experience with Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) a plus. 
      • Ability to interact in a supportive and professional manner with staff and clients of diverse cultural and economic backgrounds. 
      • Ability to provide good customer service. Communicate effectively and maintain a calm demeanor in stressful situations.
      • Capable of working independently and as part of a team.
      • Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
      • Excellent interpersonal and crisis intervention skills with a can do and flexible attitude. Ability to work well under high pressure. 
      • Ability to work with minimal supervision, multitask, maintain confidentiality and appropriate professional boundaries, and meet deadlines.
      • Ability to maintain professional conduct, attitude, and appearance at all times.

      Special Requirements 

      • This position requires frequent driving.  A valid California driver license, reliable personal vehicle, current personal auto insurance as required by law, and an MVR sufficient to obtain and reasonably maintain insurability under agency auto liability policies.  
      • Must be able to receive and maintain criminal records clearance.
       Physical Requirements  
      • Regularly required to use hands and fingers to handle, feel, or operate objects, tools or controls, and reach with hands and arms.  
      • Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, climb stairs, talk, hear, and see clearly.  
      • May be occasionally required to stoop, kneel, or crouch.  
      • May be required to lift or move up to 50 lbs. 
      We are extremely proud of our diverse team and welcome all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.