Housing Navigator

Description

The Housing Navigator will lead efforts to identify, engage, and gain access to local and regional housing resources for which SSVF participants are eligible. The Navigator will foster working relationships with property management firms, property owners, housing services agencies and housing advocacy organizations.

Requirements

• BA or BS degree in social work, career counseling, or other related fields (may be substituted for experience) is preferred—
• Three or more years of experience working with priority populations. 
• Must have a passion for working and connecting with Veterans experiencing homelessness and strong knowledge of homeless services and resources, as well as demonstrated knowledge and experience with Housing First. 
• Previous experience in landlord engagement, housing location, and knowledge of Public Housing Authority and subsidy programs is preferred. 
• Prior Military Experience is highly desirable. 
• Previous experience in landlord engagement and housing location is strongly desired. 
• Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and subsidy programs preferred. 
• Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply. 
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with veterans and families, colleagues, landlords, outside service providers, vendors, and the public and represent the organization positively and professionally in the community.
• Ability to always maintain patient confidentiality.
• Ability to establish priorities and coordinate work activities with others in a productive way that meets the program’s performance measures.
• Knowledge of community resources relevant to VA and non-VA healthcare services.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills. 
• Strong computer skills, including relevant client tracking/database systems, internet, email, and MS Office suite.
• Must be familiar with VA and other related housing resources and housing authority procedures.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Identify and locate housing options suitable for households, as needed
• Develop strategies and systems to meet individual member housing needs
• Facilitate application processes, move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as required
• Connect with landlords and familiarize them with the SSVF program and community resources to assist in preventing and addressing tenant issues; create and maintain a housing database to support linkages to available housing
• Coordinate housing services in collaboration with the team; provide follow up services to ensure housing stability
• Collect program data as required to assist with the completion and submission of required reports. 
• Other duties are assigned as needed for the efficient operation of the Program.
• Must meet weekly, monthly, quarterly & yearly program goals as set by the Program Manager.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Will work in an office environment and travel to community partners and housing sites. Must be able to lift 15 lbs. with a fair amount of sitting, answering telephone calls, and movement within the office. May be required to work some evenings and an occasional weekend day. Must be able to operate standard office equipment. A valid Driver’s License is required.

ABOUT JVS SOCAL

Founded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency providing job training, education, career services, mentoring, and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve sustainable employment and financial independence. JVS SoCal currently serves over 30,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. As JVS SoCal continues to grow, we continue to look for qualified, dedicated staff to join us and play a role in transforming lives and bettering our communities throughout SoCal and beyond!