Housing Navigator-11-230-SC/Santa Fe Springs

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in securing and maintaining permanent housing through personalized, client-centered services. Working in close collaboration with case managers and other service providers, the Navigator assists clients in overcoming barriers to housing, accessing financial and supportive services, and navigating the housing system. This includes completing assessments, developing individualized housing plans, conducting housing searches, and ensuring a warm handoff to permanent housing case managers. The role also involves ongoing coordination with landlords, community partners, and housing agencies to facilitate placements and maintain compliance with program standards. A trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and housing-first approach is essential to this role.

Essential Functions

Housing Planning and Navigation

• Develop and implement individualized housing plans in collaboration with each participant.
• Complete CES assessments and HMIS entries within required timeframes.
• Assist participants in obtaining documentation needed for housing and uploading into HMIS.
• Conduct housing searches, accompany clients to view units, complete rental applications, and ensure applications are submitted before voucher deadlines.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, public housing authorities, and housing agencies to expand housing options.
• Provide education on lease requirements, tenancy expectations, and assist with lease signings and move-in logistics.
• Support clients in accessing security deposits, furniture, and household essentials.
• Complete housing applications, including the Universal Housing Application.
• Assist participants in understanding the requirements of the lease, the lease up process, and expectations for tenancy.
• Review and negotiate leases with landlords/property managers, conduct unit site visits and provide support to the participant regarding budgeting for housing expenses.

Client Support and Case Management

• Conduct psychosocial and mental health assessments; develop service plans and action steps with measurable goals.
• Provide ongoing support using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first models.
• Offer guidance in job readiness, budgeting, savings plans, and income development.
• Provide mobile, field-based case management and housing support.
• Ensure warm handoff to permanent housing case managers as appropriate.

Resource Coordination and Advocacy

• Connect participants to bridge housing, mainstream benefits, and community services such as VASH, SSFV, CBEST, legal, mental health, and employment programs.
• Identify and address housing barriers (e.g., criminal records, poor credit, evictions).
• Provide crisis response and alternative housing options through personal or community networks.
• Advocate for participants facing housing discrimination and support appeals or corrective actions as needed.
• Notify the participant's mental health provider when a participant is matched to a permanent housing resource.

Documentation and Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in HMIS and participant files (both digital and paper).
• Complete and submit all required reports, incident documentation, and program records in a timely and accurate manner.
• Ensure compliance with program contracts, policies, confidentiality, and funder requirements.
• Participate in file audits, internal monitoring, and preparations for external audits.
• Serve as the client's Point of Contact for permanent housing resource matching.

Collaboration and Communication

• Coordinate with case managers, clinicians, and other internal staff to ensure alignment in housing and service goals.
• Notify mental health providers when a client is matched with a housing resource.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and trainings as required by the program or funders.

Reporting and Administration

• Track participant progress toward housing goals and report daily and monthly statistics to Program Manager.
• Maintain detailed logs of all services provided, expenditures, referrals, and housing outcomes.
• Support data collection and reporting, ensuring updates within 24 hours of participant interaction.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to develop new housing partnerships.
• Support the Client Ambassador team as needed.
• Provide services during evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Respond professionally to all interactions with participants, staff, and visitors.
• Support team in cris situations.

Working Conditions

This position requires the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or frequent basis. Must be able to grasp, push, and pull objects such as file drawers, and reach overhead. Requires the ability to operate standard office equipment, including a computer, fax machine, and telephone. Must be able to lift and carry items weighing up to 25 pounds. The role involves primarily field-based work, with occasional office duties such as filing, copying, and attending staff meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree preferred in social work or related area of study with 1-year work experience with special needs, low-income and/or homeless populations.
• Current knowledge of and interest in homeless populations and available supportive resources.
• Understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Must have access to reliable transportation to support clients housing navigation.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment and as needed thereafter.
• TB-cleared prior to hire and annually thereafter.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test, clean MVR check (if applies).
• Knowledge of HMIS preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills.
• Ability to actively listen and take genuine interest in helping homeless individuals to address and reduce barriers to independence.
• Good time management and communication skills, both verbal and written. Professional telephone etiquette.
• Meet deadlines, work with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both participants and staff in a professional, respectful manner.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Bachelors (preferred)

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred. (preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills. (preferred)
Knowledge of HMIS preferred. (preferred)
Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment and as needed thereafter. (preferred)
BA/BS degree preferred in social work or related area of study with 1-year work experience with special needs, low-income and/or homeless populations. (preferred)