Housing Location Navigator

Description

The Housing Location Navigator works closely with prospective property owners and managers to promote permanent housing opportunities for homeless individuals and families using Ascencia services. Conducts outreach and provides educational information regarding subsidies, security deposit assistance, support from a single point of contact, cost savings via low tenant turnover, and a 90% or above housing retention rate. Additionally, the Navigator collaborates with assigned Case Managers and unhoused clients to identify housing barriers, preferences, needs, and goals; reviews VI-SPDAT scores to match clients to appropriate housing types; and assists in developing and implementing individualized housing plans. The role also involves ongoing case management support, including maintaining regular communication with clients, monitoring progress toward goals, and ensuring that all necessary documentation and referrals are completed to facilitate successful housing placements.

Who We Are

Ascencia is a nonprofit homeless services agency based in Glendale, California, committed to helping individuals and families across Los Angeles County transition from homelessness to stable, permanent housing. Our comprehensive programs include outreach, emergency shelter, case management, and housing services. We work with compassion and respect, fostering hope and long-term success for those we serve.

Benefits

• 401(k) plan with employer matching

• Health, dental, and vision insurance

• Life insurance

• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

• Paid time off and holidays

• Retirement planning support

• Mileage reimbursement for job-related travel

Duties and Responsibilities

• In consultation with the assigned Case Manager and the unhoused client, determine housing barriers, preferences, needs and goals.

• Reviews VI-SPDAT scores and matches clients to housing type via Coordinated Entry System protocols.

• Networks and collaborates with area Housing Resources and maintains a presence at all meetings.

• Maintains a relationship with existing property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those willing to house Ascencia clients.

• Establishes, updates, maintains and communicates a list of available housing opportunities at least twice per week.

• Consistently meets all agency assigned outcome goals with respect to number of rental property contacts and number of people served and exited to permanent housing.

• Prepares materials for making presentations to realtors, property managers and property owners or groups thereof.

• Field inquiries from prospective property owners to provide information on Ascencia's no-cost services, listen to their needs and ensure submission of completed housing applications where appropriate.

• Assist clients in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.

Case Conferencing

• Ensures effective service delivery by notifying Case Managers of all housing opportunities and coordinating individualized housing plans with clients and their assigned Case Managers.

• Mediate with property managers, obtaining utilities and making moving arrangements when indicated.

Maintain Client Records

• Maintains accurate documentation of service objectives and outcomes as well as other services in accordance with Federal, State, County and Ascencia guidelines.

• Maintains client-related data systems, including case notes and HMIS entries.

• Maintains a Property Manager/Owner Contact Log to meet set expectations.

• Prepares related reports including but not limited to outcomes and successes.
• Familiarity with current housing market information, housing trends and available resources.

• Knowledge of effective business/professional contact techniques.

• Other duties and projects as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements

• 3 years of non-profit or related experience strongly preferred.

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Human Services or comparable combination of education/work related experience required.

• Experience in a social services setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques.

• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for unhoused persons.

• Experience working with homeless individuals strongly preferred.

• Must be proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook.

• Must have own transportation to conduct job-related travel and must be able to drive agency vehicles.

• Must meet insurance carrier requirements for approval to drive.

• Must possess a valid driver license.

• Employees must carry active and adequate auto insurance corresponding to regulatory requirements if driving any vehicle not owned or leased by Ascencia.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to travel to field locations as needed

• Frequent sitting, standing, walking, bending, and stretching

• Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds

Other Conditions

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities required of the employee. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement

Ascencia is an equal employment opportunity employer. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, disability status, age, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.