HDAP
HOUSING NAVIGATOR II

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DEFINITION*
Housing Matters is looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief and non-recurring. Housing Matters is looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief and non-recurring.

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Housing and Disability Advocacy Program (HDAP)* targets individuals who are experiencing homelessness and who are likely eligible for disability benefits. The program provides rapid rehousing rental assistance while participants apply for and wait for disability benefits. The HDAP team provides housing navigation, rental assistance, and case management. Individuals with lived experience of homelessness encouraged to apply.

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DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS*
Housing Navigator II is the advanced class and is capable of independently performing the full range of duties. This class differs from the Housing Navigator I in that incumbents may provide training to lower level Housing Navigators and make presentations to internal and community groups. Incumbents are required to use their skills to perform moderate to complex casework services.

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TYPICAL JOB DUTIES*

• Conduct landlord/property management outreach and relationship building.
• Search daily for housing and reach out to available units.
• Coordinate regularly with Housing Navigators and Case Managers, including attending collaborative working group meetings.
• Develop rapport and communication with both property managers and program clients.
• Conduct, with Case Managers, housing needs assessment and client-driven housing searches in neighborhoods that are a good fit for the individual clients and families.
• Act as client advocate in securing appropriate housing.
• Facilitate rental agreements with landlords in scattered site apartments and ensure clients understanding of rental agreements, housing policies and procedures.
• Conduct home visits with clients.
• Maintain extensive, accurate records, data and documentation of services.
• Participate in Housing Matters and Case Management/Supportive Services staff meetings, case reviews and related functions.
• Maintain effective relationships with community partners and represent Housing Matters professionally in the community.
• Attend training, workshops and conferences related to position.
• Maintain confidential, professional boundaries with all program clients.
• Other duties as assigned.

EMPLOYMENT STANDARDS
Knowledge of:

• Basic principles and trends of affordable housing.
• Federal and State housing regulations, programs and procedures.
• Community resources.
• Public social service and assistance programs.
• Interviewing and record keeping techniques.
• Knowledge of the specialized program area to which assigned.

• County and state affordable housing policies, procedures and programs.

• Knowledge of the specialized program area to which assigned.
• Housing inspections.
• The policies, and administrative procedures of Housing Matters housing support programs.

• Grant compliance reporting may be required for certain positions.
• Some knowledge of the principles and techniques of supervision and training may be required for certain assignments.

ABILITY TO

• Establish ongoing relationships with landlords.
• Assist case managers with developing housing packets and housing plans.
• Network to share housing openings with other staff and programs.
• Communicate and relate effectively with clients, who may be emotionally or mentally disabled, medically disabled, elderly, substance abusers, victims of domestic violence or fiduciary abuse.
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others, including clients, family members and others who may be under distress or duress.
• Locate, develop, and use community and agency resources for the benefit of clients and advocate for services on behalf of clients.
• Facilitate maximum client participation in service plans.
• Manage assigned caseload and establish caseload priorities to meet client needs and agency expectations;
• Prioritize and respond to demands of caseload in a prompt and efficient manner.
• Recognize and analyze problems, gather relevant information, establish facts, draw valid conclusions, respond to case details promptly, and communicate clearly and concisely both orally and in writing.
• Maintain current and accurate records.
• Learn complex regulations, policies and procedures and apply them appropriately in management of assigned caseload.
• Work effectively under pressure and deadlines.
• Deal with hostile, aggressive and abusive persons.
• Work effectively under pressure and deadlines.

Training and Experience: Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain these knowledge and abilities would be:

A minimum of one year of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Housing Navigator I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities,
OR
A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences.

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SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS*

• Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License or must be able to provide suitable transportation which is approved by the organization may be required for certain positions.

HOURS and PAY
$24.91 - $26.16 Hourly

• Payment placement is dependent upon documented experience, training and education. This is a full time, hourly, benefited, non-exempt position. Occasional evenings and weekends required. Health Insurance and PTO benefits begin after a 30-day introductory period.

Housing Matters is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.91 - $26.16 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Santa Cruz, CA 95060

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