Job Type Full-timeDescriptionHousing Navigator, Supportive Services for Veterans and Their Families (SSVF)Official Title: Housing Navigator, SSVFDepartment: Veteran ServicesLocation: BurbankSupervised By: Operations ManagerSupervises: N/AFLSA Status: Non-ExemptSalary: $25 to $27.40 per hourUnion: NoABOUT JVS SOCAL & SSVFFounded in 1931, JVS-SoCal is a nonprofit, non-sectarian social service agency, providing job training, career services, mentoring and placement assistance to diverse and multicultural populations, transforming lives and empowering individuals to achieve dignity and economic independence through sustainable employment. JVS SoCal currently serves 40,000 to 50,000 clients annually at over 20 locations throughout Southern California. Join us in helping change lives together!The Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program is designed to provide supportive services to low-income veteran families at risk or experiencing homelessness. Its primary purpose is to help these families secure stable housing and prevent them from becoming permanently homeless. The program offers various services such as case management, temporary financial assistance, housing counseling, and referrals to community resources for employment/ training services or assistance with benefits.DESCRIPTIONThe Housing Navigator will lead efforts to identify, engage, and gain access to local and regional housing resources for which SSVF participants are eligible. The Navigator will foster working relationships with property management firms, property owners, housing services agencies and housing advocacy organizations.KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Identify and locate housing options suitable for households, as needed
- Develop strategies and systems to meet individual member housing needs
- Facilitate application processes, move-in activities, rental negotiations, and service referrals as required
- Connect with landlords and familiarize them with the SSVF program and community resources to assist in preventing and addressing tenant issues
- Create and maintain a housing database to support linkages to available housing
- Coordinate housing services in collaboration with the team
- Provide follow up services to ensure housing stability
- Collect program data as required to assist with the completion and submission of required reports.
- Other duties are assigned as needed for the efficient operation of the Program.
- Must meet weekly, monthly, quarterly & yearly program goals as set by the Program Manager.
Requirements
- BA or BS degree in social work, career counseling, or other related fields (may be substituted for experience) is preferred-three or more years of experience working with priority populations.
- Must have a passion for working and connecting with Veterans experiencing homelessness and strong knowledge of homeless services and resources, as well as demonstrated knowledge and experience with Housing First.
- Previous experience in landlord engagement, housing location, and knowledge of Public Housing Authority and subsidy programs is preferred.
- Prior Military Experience is highly desirable.
- Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with veterans and families, colleagues, landlords, outside service providers, vendors, and the public and represent the organization positively and professionally in the community.
- Ability to always maintain patient confidentiality.
- Ability to establish priorities and coordinate work activities with others in a productive way that meets the program's performance measures.
- Knowledge of community resources relevant to VA and non-VA healthcare services.
- Strong written and verbal communication skills.
- Strong computer skills, including relevant client tracking/database systems, internet, email, and MS Office suite.
- Must be familiar with VA and other related housing resources and housing authority procedures.
- Veterans are strongly encouraged to apply!
PHYSICAL DEMANDSWhile performing the essential functions of this job, the incumbent must be able to do the following: stand for extended periods; sit for extended periods; bend and reach for filing and other job-related functions; climb up and down stairs; bend, stoop, and lift to move and retrieve materials; pull, push, and lift; reach both above and below shoulder height. Specific visual abilities include close vision, color vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. Must be able to visually inspect work. Manual dexterity to operate computer and other office equipment required. Will work in an office environment and travel to community partners and housing sites. Must lift 15 lbs. with a fair amount of sitting, answering telephone calls, and movement within the office. May be required to work some evenings and an occasional weekend day. Must be able to operate standard office equipment. A valid Driver's License is required.The physical demands described above are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made.Salary Description $25 to $27.40 per hour