Housing Navigator-LifeSpring

General Responsibilities

LifeSpring is a growing program that assists youth and young adults who are exiting the foster care system as well as youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness. Under the supervision of the LifeSpring Program Manager, the Peer Advocate provides supportive services to youth and youth adults (YYA) who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness. Assures that the Drop in Center is functioning from a housing first model. The Housing Navigator makes sure that the YYA’s needs and wants are being heard and addressed, that YYA are getting assistance in obtaining safe, stable, inclusive housing that supports independence and permanent connection. The Housing Navigator assures that all services provided to YYA’s are being implemented through a youth driven, wellness and recovery model that is strength based, culturally relevant, trauma informed and outcome based that supports self-sufficiency. The Housing Navigator will assist YYA’s in in exploring housing options and connecting YYA to resources. YYA Housing Navigators will create a warm and welcoming environment so YYA’s will feel safe and accepted. The Housing Navigator will possess knowledge and expertise in relationship to transitional age youth, specifically former foster youth, CSEC/HT and/or homeless youth, and the specific issues surrounding this population and demonstrate excellent engagement skills

Specific Activities

 Create a safe, welcoming and supportive environment to engage YYA’s.

 Provide basic needs assistance (food, water, new clothing, hygiene products, access to shower and do laundry, etc.)

 Engage and promote YYA’s social & emotional well-being.

 Participate in HOY Case Conferencing with partners.

 Empower YYA’s to make their own personal decisions by providing all their options and allowing them to explore what they feel is best for them.

 Develop and maintain positive and professional relationships with community partners.

 Initiate and organize outreach efforts

 Participate in weekly supervision with Program Manager.

 Maintain confidentiality except in mandated reporting situations and where valid, legal releases have been obtained or the release is otherwise permitted by law.

 Remains culturally sensitive and respectful in all YYA and staff interactions.

 Maintains documentation utilizing agency forms and formats.

Conduct screening and assessments with participants experiencing housing crisis

Administer the Transitional Age Youth Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (TAY-VI-SPDAT) to participants, if needed

Assist participants that meet requirements for program assistance and determine appropriate referrals or temporary emergency shelter placement vouchers

Provide quality trauma informed and positive youth development principles to participant.

Provide developmentally appropriate assessments and case management services

Build relationships with and recruit local hotels/motels/landlords to partner with HOY

Assist with paperwork related to housing including applications, security deposits and/or lease signings

Assist participants with interpreting their lease, paying bills and budgeting

Refer and link participants to appropriate community resources and provide “wraparound” support services as needed

Submit required narrative for collaborative reporting to funding sources

Track goals, compile data and complete reports for funding sources

Transport participants to and from activities and appointments as needed

Perform other administrative tasks as assigned and assist with maintaining proper document storage and auditing

 Participate in trainings to promote development and growth.

 Participates in staff meetings, supervision, training programs, and other meetings in accordance with Lifeline.

 Other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Applicant must have experience working with transitional age youth who are experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness and have knowledge on how to navigate systems. BA preferred. Belief in the purpose of North County Lifeline and our mission, vision, core values, and philosophy. Provide services within the boundaries of their professional training. Possess a good understanding of the homeless issue here in San Diego, human development, mental health, and substance use and how that impacts daily functioning. Strong skills in rapport building, assessments, goal setting, and motivating YYA’s. Ability to work independently as well as cooperatively with other program and agency staff. Ability to focus on multiple priorities and meet deadlines. Must have reliable transportation and be willing to work evenings as necessary to meet YYA’s needs. Successful completion of multi-state criminal background check.

Bilingual (English/Spanish) preferred.

Compensation and Benefits

Your well-being matters at North County Lifeline!

Paid vacation

Paid sick time

Paid holidays (13 days)

Exceptional medical, dental, vision, chiropractic and acupuncture coverage

Free health and wellness programs

Free Life Insurance

Employee Assistance program

Great employee incentive award programs

Training and education assistance

Matched 403b retirement plan

Flexible Spending Account

Menu of optional benefits, including short term disability, critical illness, accident, hospitalization and cancer policy

Physical Demands/Work Environment

The physical demands described here 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 to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools or controls; reach with hands and arms; climb stairs; balance; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl; talk or hear; taste or smell. The employee may occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by the job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. The employee may be exposed in an extremely stressful environment where there are considerable mental and emotional demands. Travel is required to the schools /client homes. Employee may be exposed to weather conditions prevalent at the time. The employee will be required to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer.

Pay Range Salary will commensurate with experience and education. Differential pay offered for bilingual skills.