Housing Navigator-11-025-SC/Glendale

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 supports individuals experiencing homelessness in securing and sustaining permanent housing through personalized, client-centered services. Working closely with case managers and community partners, the Navigator helps clients address barriers to housing, access financial and supportive resources, and navigate the housing system. Key responsibilities include conducting assessments, developing individualized housing plans, assisting with housing searches, and ensuring a seamless handoff to permanent housing case managers. The role also requires ongoing coordination with landlords, housing agencies, and service providers to facilitate placements and uphold program standards. A trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and housing-first approach is essential for success in this role.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Housing Planning and Navigation

• Develop and implement individualized housing plans in collaboration with participants.
• Complete CES assessments and HMIS entries within required timeframes.
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation (e.g., ID, Social Security cards, disability verification) and upload into HMIS.
• Conduct housing searches; accompany clients to view units; assist with rental applications and ensure submission before voucher deadlines.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, housing authorities, and agencies to expand housing options.
• Provide education on lease requirements and tenancy expectations; assist with lease signings and move-in logistics.
• Support clients in accessing security deposits, furniture, and household essentials.

Client Support and Case Management

• Maintain a caseload of approximately 15–20 clients, adjusted for acuity.
• Conduct psychosocial and mental health assessments; develop service plans 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.
• Deliver mobile, field-based case management and housing support.

Resource Coordination and Advocacy

• Connect participants to bridge housing, mainstream benefits, and community services (e.g., VASH, SSFV, CBEST, legal aid, mental health, employment programs).
• Identify and help resolve housing barriers such as criminal records, poor credit, or prior evictions.
• Provide crisis response and access to alternative housing through personal or community networks.\
• Advocate for participants facing housing discrimination, including support with appeals or corrective actions.

Documentation And Compliance

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in HMIS and participant files (digital and paper).
• Complete and submit reports, incident documentation, and program records in a timely manner.
• Ensure compliance with program contracts, confidentiality standards, and funder requirements.
• Participate in file audits, internal monitoring, and external audit preparations.

Collaboration And Communication

• Coordinate with case managers, clinicians, and internal staff to align housing and service goals.
• Notify mental health providers when clients are matched with housing resources.
• Participate in case conferences, staff meetings, and required trainings.

Reporting And Administration

• Track participant progress toward housing goals; submit monthly statistics to Social Services Manager.
• Maintain detailed logs of services provided, expenditures, referrals, and housing outcomes.
• Update participant data and reports within 72 hours of interaction.

Additional Responsibilities

• Conduct community outreach to develop new housing partnerships.
• Support the House Monitor team as needed.
• Provide services during evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Respond professionally to frequent interruptions from clients, staff, and visitors.

PAY RATE: $22.00-$24.00/ht.

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 field-based work, with office duties such as filing, copying, and attending staff meetings.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in social work or a related field preferred, with at least 1 year of experience working with special needs, low-income, and/or homeless populations;
• OR high school diploma/GED with 2–3 years of direct experience providing mental health or intensive case management services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Current knowledge of and demonstrated interest in homeless populations and available supportive resources.
• Commitment to trauma-informed, housing-first, and client-centered practices.
• Understanding of and support for the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Valid driver’s license with an acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.
• CPR and First Aid certification required prior to employment and annually thereafter.
• TB clearance required prior to hire and annually thereafter.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Knowledge of HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) preferred.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications; ability to type at least 45 wpm; basic math skills.
• Strong active listening skills with a genuine interest in helping individuals experiencing homelessness overcome barriers to independence.
• Effective time management and organizational skills; ability to meet deadlines with attention to detail.
• Strong communication skills, both verbal and written; professional telephone etiquette.
• Ability to build and maintain respectful, professional relationships with participants, staff, and community partners.
• Ability to read, write, speak, and understand English; bilingual English/Spanish preferred.