Job Abstract

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Navigator works as part of a multi-disciplinary team. The Housing Navigator will assist program participants in locating and securing permanent housing as quickly as possible through outreach to landlords, property managers and housing authorities.

Essential Functions

• Conduct research, outreach, education and public relations to build relationships with landlords and property management companies willing to rent to program participants.
• Help program participants identify potential neighborhoods where they wish to live, conduct housing searches in said areas and negotiate with potential landlords on behalf of the participants.
• Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property management companies.
• Mediate landlord-tenant issues to ensure successful tenancies.
• Assist in the processing and submission of applications for housing (subsidized and unsubsidized).
• Conduct inspections of potential permanent housing units where program participants will reside.
• Work collaboratively with Case Managers to assist participants during their move into permanent housing. Such assistance may include accessing rental assistance monies, moving costs, donated furnishings and other basic household items for the family.
• Housing Navigators may disburse client checks to Property Management, landlords, DWP, SCE, etc.
• Provide tenant education including: tenant rights and responsibilities, housing discrimination and communication with landlords.
• Maintain a regular and open line of communication with landlords to assess the landlord’s satisfaction with the programs and address any questions or concerns that landlords may have.
• Document and maintain up-to-date information on services provided to participants in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS), Housing Stability Plan, Habitability Checklist, check request, and Rent Reasonable.
• Participate in staff meetings and attend trainings as assigned.
• Respond to complaints related to housing conditions and provide mediation as needed.
• Rotates with the multi-disciplinary team for on-call duties.
• Adopts a “whatever-it-takes” approach in assisting clients to retain housing and independent living.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Working Conditions

Must have the ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis, the ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead; ability to operate computer, fax and telephone; and the ability to lift up to 25 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Social work or a related field.
• At least 1 year experience working with affordable housing services.
• At least 1 year experience working with homeless people who have mental illness and/or substance use issues.
• Excellent communication skills.
• A valid California Class C Driver License or the ability to utilize an alternative method of transportation when needed to carry out job-related essential functions.
• Good driving record.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Commitment to the holistic mission of The Salvation Army.
• Able to represent the Salvation Army to community organizations.
• If in recovery, at least 5 years of being clean and sober to the present, with evidence of working a program of personal recovery.
• Ability to work well with others and committed to the vision that the housing program be a program of excellence.