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POSITION TITLE:               ECM Housing Navigator

BENEFITS:                         Medical, dental, vision, life/AD&D, Aflac Supplemental, Flexible Spending Account, CalSavers Retirement Savings Program. Paid time off, sick days, and paid holidays. Mileage Reimbursement.

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SALARY RANGE:               $45,000-$47,000, Non-exempt, Full Time

REPORTS TO:                     ECM Lead Manager

Work Schedule: MHASD operates on a 40-hour work week; typical schedule is 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Monday through Friday. However, flexibility is required due to the nature of business. Schedule may be changed as needed to include evenings, weekends and holidays.

Program Overview: The Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports Programs provide care coordination services for Medi-Cal members who are diagnosed with certain chronic health conditions, have a high level of health care needs and/or are experiencing homelessness. Working with the entire Enhanced Care Management and Community Supports team, the Housing Navigator will provide services to families and individuals in need of housing and other services to support clients in their transition out of homelessness. These services may include providing general information about various housing programs, crisis intervention services, developing action plans, providing an appropriate level of guidance and support, facilitating referrals, and, serving as an advocate on behalf of participants to assist them in securing services and reaching their housing goals, coordinating care for individuals, assist clients in navigating health care and social service resource systems, and, breaking down services to manageable goals to establish patterns of success. The Housing Navigator will meet with clients via phone/telehealth, at a neutral location in the field, coordinate appropriate services and provide ongoing support for each client to attain and maintain connection to housing and social support. The Housing Navigator will provide ongoing care that is client-centered and outcome oriented. 

Housing Navigator - Responsibilities:

• Provide initial and ongoing assessment, development, implementation, and evaluation of short term and long-term housing plans for clients experiencing homelessness in San Diego County. 

• Coordinate and monitor supportive services in accordance with the client's needs. 

• Meet with clients multiple times each month via phone, telehealth, and/or, in the community.

• Develop comprehensive housing plans for individuals/families to become self-sufficient 

• Provide general information about housing, screening applicants for referral to various housing programs, and support in getting connected to appropriate housing. 

• Maintain up-to-date, detailed client records via internal and external databases.

• Enter client data into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and stay current on regional homeless services and resources available through the San Diego Continuum of Care (COC) and other collaboratives. 

Landlord Engagement:

• Actively recruiting landlords willing to work in conjunction with the client and locating affordable housing opportunities to meet the needs of the client population. 

• Develop and maintain a database of vacancies, landlords, and landlord rental criteria.

• Serve as the primary point of contact for property managers/owners’ concerns and complaints.

• Perform landlord outreach efforts including meeting with various interested parties to discuss the advantages of participating with program; on-site visits at apartment complexes or realtors’ offices; and attending meetings where interested parties may be present

Skills/Experience/Abilities That Are a Must-Have: 

• High School Diploma required; bachelor’s degree (in a human services field) preferred or other related field or equivalent work experience. 

• Minimum of one year of experience and knowledge working with a population experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health issues. 

• Must have a valid CA driver's license, proof of insurance, a reliable personal vehicle, and a willingness to travel off-site.

• Comfort conducting outreach to clients in the community. 

• Comfort working in an environment where multiple languages are spoken. 

• Sensitivity to cultural differences present in the organizations/programs service population. 

• Demonstrated persistence in finding resources that address the multi-factored impacts of poverty. 

• Experience setting limits when working with stressed clients, urgency and need.  

• Ability to show unconditional positive regard for clients who seek support. 

• Demonstrated communication skills and sensitivity to various cultures and socio-economic groups. 

• Working knowledge of computer skills, including proficiency with Microsoft PowerPoint, Word and Excel. 

• Ability to work flexible hours, including some evenings. 

• Previous training in Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care preferred. 

• Knowledge of homeless services and resources in San Diego County preferred. 

Physical Requirements:

• Stand, walk and use hands and arms to use a keyboard, handle papers, and reach for the phone.

• Occasionally climb or balance, stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.

• Occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds.

• AA Degree preferred in related field.

• Pass background clearance.

 Mental Health America of San Diego County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment with MHASDC is on an “At Will” basis. MHASDC Complies with all Federal, State, and Local Law.