Position Title: Housing Navigator & Landlord Engagement Specialist

Organization: Jewish Family Service of San Diego

Department: Nutrition and Aging

Position Type: Full-Time (37.5+ hours/week), Non-Exempt

Work Setting: Remote

Reports To: Program Manager

Pay Range: $24-$27/hour

Total Compensation:

In addition to standard pay, compensation for this position includes:

• Comprehensive, low-cost healthcare coverage for employees
• Generous employer 401(k) contributions
• Employer-covered life insurance

Time Away from Work:

Being able to take time away from work is critical in bringing your best self to work. Time off benefits for this position include:

• Paid vacation time and sick leave
• 15 paid holidays, including Federal and Jewish holidays (as long as the holiday lands on a normal scheduled work day), and floating holidays
• 2 Wellness Days to be taken any time during the year to support employees’ mental wellness

Position 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, or, at the JFS offices, coordinating appropriate services and providing ongoing support for each client to attain and maintain connection to social support, improve health care outcomes, and quality of life. The Housing Navigator will provide ongoing care that is client-centered and outcome oriented.

Responsibilities:

Housing Navigation

• 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 client’s multiple times each month via phone, telehealth, and/or, in the community in a low barrier location for clients throughout San Diego County
• Develop comprehensive housing plans for individuals/families to become self-sufficient
• Provide general information about housing, screening of 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 JFS; 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 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, often in some level of urgency
• Ability to show an unconditional positive regard for clients who turn to JFS for 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

Skills/Abilities We’d Like You to Have:

• Bilingual (Spanish) preferred
• Previous training in Motivational Interviewing and Trauma Informed Care preferred
• Knowledge of homeless services and resources in San Diego County preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to: Sit, talk and listen
• 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
• Concentration and good hearing are required

Important Notice:

Incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please, no phone calls. Please, principals only. Please, local candidates only (relocation is not provided).

About Jewish Family Service of San Diego
Jewish Family Service of San Diego is a client-centered, impact-driven organization working to build a stronger, more resilient community. For over 100 years, Jewish Family Service has been a trusted resource for the entire community, offering an array of services that are always life-changing, and often life-saving. At Jewish Family Service, we believe our employees are the backbone of our Agency. We strive to ensure that each employee is treated with dignity and respect. Our goal is your success. Come work at JFS and be our partner in Moving Forward Together. To learn more about JFS, please visit jfssd.org.

*Jewish Family Service is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.