Housing Navigator

POSITION TITLE: Housing Navigator 

PROGRAM/LOCATION: Behavioral Health Bridge Housing Program (BHBH) – San Luis Obispo 

POSITION SUMMARY:

Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) is a California-based initiative that provides temporary housing and supportive services to people experiencing homelessness who have serious behavioral health conditions. Under the general direction of the Program Manager, the BHBH Housing Navigator assists and advocates on behalf of TMHA BHBH residents in the BHBH Rental Assistance Program and in TMHA's Adult Transition Program II (ATP) programs to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing using a trauma informed approach.  The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during and /or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their shills in utilizing these various resources.  This position also serves as a general housing resource of households served in other TMHA programs.   

HOURS/ SALARY:

Full-time, non-exempt position. 40 hours per week. Anticipated hiring range is $25.50-$26.50. Includes a generous individual benefits package that includes health, dental, vision, life, 403b retirement (with up to a 5% employer match) paid vacation/holiday time, paid sick time and a variety of helpful employee perks as well. (*Full Salary Schedule $25.50-$33.00 per hour). 

Employee Perks/ Work Culture:

A few of our helpful employee benefits include membership discounts to various local fitness centers, as well as a voucher to Sycamore Mineral Springs for discounts. We offer years of service gift cards to businesses of your choice. We offer gift cards for walking, biking, or carpooling to work as well as 20% discount for shopping at our Growing Grounds Downtown Store/Nursey/ Farm. We host two employee appreciation events for employees and their families yearly. We practice Trauma Informed Care Principles, Guidelines for Collaborative Conversations, and encourage the use of pronouns. We mindfully promote equality, respect and diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin, and all the fascinating characteristics that make us different TMHA is also a pet friendly workplace (upon approval)

Mission Statement:

Transitions Mental Health Association is a nonprofit organization dedicated to eliminating stigma and promoting recovery and wellness for people with mental illness through work, housing, community and family support services.

Organization Description

Transitions – Mental Health Association is a leading non-profit agency committed to providing comprehensive mental health services and support to individuals and families by inspiring hope, growth, recovery and wellness in our communities. TMHA has decades of experience with teams of compassionate staff. TMHA is a driving force in improving mental health and wellness in our communities and a supportive and inclusive work environment that values diversity and individual contributions. 

Responsibilities and Duties:

1. Identifies and places program participants into appropriate housing.

2. Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio.  Provides participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their needs and geographic preferences. 

3. Helps participants to mitigate issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact housing eligibility.

4. Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to community housing programs, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.

5. Assists participants with housing applications including preparing/obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status

6. Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing

7. Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions.

8. Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval.

9. Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with the incoming participant.

10. Works with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustments.

11. Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, internet search, and networking events.  Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies.

12. Assists participants with moving (help locating affordable moving companies, locating storage units, acquiring furniture and other move-in essentials).

13. Conducts regular in-person post-placement visits, mitigates risks, and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention.

14. Attends collaborative meetings and networks with other agencies and coalitions.

15. Actively participates in staff meetings and trainings.

16. Maintains and reports completed and accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with federal, state, county, and TMHA guidelines.  Utilizes the HMIS system for maintaining and reporting client data within 3 business days of client contact, as well as the utilization of the Electronic Health Care system.

17. Medi-Cal billing provides a critical portion of funding for this program. You are expected to reach documentation and billing goals as set by Program Manager and Director.

18. All direct service staff are expected to spend at least 50% of their work time in direct service and support of clients, unless otherwise assigned by your supervisor.

19. Achieves monthly program outcomes as required by the County contract.

20. Promote, encourage and maintain trauma-informed practices in all services and activities. Practice and promote, both individually and in team meetings, TMHA's Collaborative Communication Guidelines in order to facilitate clear, empathetic and person-centered communication. 

21. Ensure a clean, safe, and healthy environment in which residents may develop social, vocational, independent living, and effective life management skills. 

22. Assume other duties and responsibilities required and as assigned by the Division Director and Program Manager.

Job Environment:

1. Moderate, physical activity and frequent driving; may include moving or lifting up to 50 lbs.

2. Supports the team approach to meeting program objectives.

3. Reliable vehicle necessary.

4. Involves moderate risks that require safety precautions and the risk of exposure to potentially intense situations.  

Requirements

Minimum Requirements:

1. BA/BS AND 6 months of full-time equivalent experience with chronically disabled homeless population and/or low income individuals and families including but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations, or BA/BS AND two years' experience working in residential property management; OR AA/AS or CADAC/CPRP certification AND 2 years of full-time equivalent experience with chronically disabled homeless population and/or low income individuals and families including but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations or AA/AS or CADAC/CPRP certification AND two years' experience working in residential property management; OR 4 years of full-time equivalent experience with chronically disabled homeless population and/or low income individuals and families including but not limited to individuals experiencing homelessness and/or with mobility limitations or four years' experience working in residential property management.

2. Working knowledge of current housing practices for people experiencing homelessness.

3. Knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (Section 8, rapid Rehousing, VASH, Permanent Supportive Housing).

4. Effective written and oral communication skills.

5. Proficient in the use of computers, including Microsoft Office software and familiarity with database platforms to efficiently track service delivery.

6. Ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders. 

7. Strong interpersonal skills, collaborative work style and strong oral/written and communication skills.  

8. Well defined organizational and time management skills. 

9. Ability to work independently and flexibly.

10. Ability to handle intense situations, display good judgment and decision-making skills, and remain calm and clearheaded under pressure. 

11. Able to work effectively with a variety of people and personality types regardless of age, ethnicity, race, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression or socio-economic level.

12. Ability to possess and maintain good physical and mental health.  

13. Ability to work well within a team and maintain a professional, respectful attitude in the workplace.

14. Ability to be willing to work with supervisor oversight and direction. 

15. Attendance is an essential function of this job that requires face-to-face interaction with clients and/or other employees.

16. Ability to mindfully promote equality and respect diversity of race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, ethnicity, national origin and all of the other fascinating characteristics that make us different.

17. Demonstrate the ability to successfully deliver culturally responsive services.

18. Knowledge of the various dimensions of diversity, including mental health, gender, race and ethnicity. 

19. Must use reasonable precautions in the performance of one's duties and adhere to all applicable safety rules and practices while acting in such a manner as to assure at all times, maximum safety to one's self, fellow employees, clients, and other persons contacted through TMHA business. 

20. Conditions of employment include: 

a. Must be at least 18 years of age; possess a valid CA Driver's License, at least 2 years driving experience, reliable transportation, proof of auto insurance, and DMV driving record that meets TMHA's current vehicle insurance requirements.  May be required to utilize personal vehicle and auto insurance.  

b. Must comply with a TB assessment (possibly a TB test if needed to confirm a negative tuberculosis result) and receipt of a criminal record clearance through fingerprinting. 

c. Must be able to successfully complete First Aid and CPR training.

Physical Demands:

1. Seeing

2. Hearing

3. Speaking

4. Stooping/Bending

5. Moving around office

6. Moving between offices/clients

7. Driving

8. Climbing

9. Lifting/carrying heavy items

10. Computer use

11. Pushing/pulling/dragging items

12. Standing for long periods

13. Working outside

14. Using hands/fingers