Job Description:

The Lead Housing Navigator role is a dynamic position that encompasses supervisory, administrative, and client-care responsibilities. Individuals in this role will play a crucial role in guiding, supporting, and overseeing the performance, productivity, and conduct of Housing Navigators under their purview. This includes conducting productivity and performance reviews, overseeing off-site activities, participating in training and onboarding processes, and coordinating one-on-one interactions with assigned housing navigators. Additionally, individuals in this role will be responsible for managing a reduced caseload, with the case load ratio determined in collaboration with the housing lead and manager based on task volume. Housing Leads will work closely with housing managers and program coordinators to facilitate and coordinate various program processes while staying well-informed about program developments.

Responsibilities:

Lead Duties:

1. Collaborate with the Manager to identify and implement solutions to barriers in staff and client care during team meetings.
2. Participate in team operations and program update discussions with the Manager.
3. Attend ICT meetings.
4. Train Housing Navigators, fostering teamwork, growth, efficiency, and effectiveness.
5. Assist in training and providing resources to Housing Navigators.
6. Collaborate with the Manager to assess the strengths and weaknesses of CalAIM policies, structures, and programs.
7. Track and oversee Housing Navigator productivity.
8. Coordinate one-on-one check-ins with assigned Housing Navigators.
9. Learn quality assurance aspects such as chart audits.
10. Familiarize oneself with program/contract policies and procedures, particularly regarding contract deliverables and strictures.
11. Participate in onboarding processes, leveraging housing expertise to optimize the hiring process.
12. Oversee Housing Navigator activities both inside and outside the office.
13. Maintain regular communication with Program Coordinators (RA’s) and Housing Managers.

Housing Duties:

1. Develop individualized treatment plans with measurable goals and objectives, assisting participants in achieving desired outcomes.
2. Network and collaborate with housing providers, landlords, and property managers to develop housing stock for the program, including temporary and permanent alternatives.
3. Act as an advocate for clients, ensuring maximum benefits and resources are obtained and maintained to foster self-sufficiency.
4. Develop relationships with representatives within Illumination and other agencies to support individuals in accessing services such as housing, mental health care, medical treatment, financial assistance, legal advocacy, etc.
5. Work with Housing Navigators to develop housing goal plans and make referrals to appropriate resources (BH, SUC, etc.).
6. Conduct housing inspections to meet HUD Housing Habitability standards.
7. Seek out innovative housing solutions for client housing.
8. Attend relevant subcommittee and implementation meetings.
9. Coordinate, prepare, and maintain required charting and documentation in a timely and thorough manner.
10. Complete training and development opportunities as determined appropriate by the supervisor.
11. Maintain client records according to HIPAA and adhere to all client confidentiality requirements and standards.
12. Assist case managers and clients in housing applications, searches, and connections.
13. Act in an ethical manner reflecting core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility.
14. Model openness, honesty, and accountability to colleagues, volunteers, donors, and all others involved with Illumination Foundation.
15. Accept personal responsibility and accountability for performance of duties.
16. Demonstrate leadership by guiding and collaborating with CSS HN.
17. Encourage staff's work growth, efficiency, and effectiveness.
18. Exemplify leadership by displaying IF’s Guiding Principles.
19. Assist in training and provide resources to those requiring it.
20. Assist in determining strengths and weaknesses of the CalAIM policies, structures, and program.

Preferred Experience/Minimum Qualifications:

Required:

1. 2 years of Housing Navigation or Case Management Experience, or similar field.
2. Valid CA Driver’s License and eligibility for company vehicle insurance.
3. High School Diploma or equivalent.
4. Customer and client relations skills.
5. Proficiency in Google Suite (Mail, Docs, Sheets, Calendar) and Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, Excel, Teams).
6. Understanding of and ability to conduct HUD Housing inspections and reports.
7. Understanding of the housing rental market and property management.

Preferred:

1. 3+ years of relevant experience.
2. Bilingual in English and Spanish.
3. Bachelor's Degree or at least one year of case management experience or a similar position.
4. Experience in homeless services, case management, mental health, or permanent supportive housing.