Bilingual Housing Navigator (Imperial County)

Company Description

• NAMI San Diego & Imperial Counties (National Alliance on Mental Illness) is a nonprofit organization that provides free education, support services, and advocacy to improve the quality of life of everyone affected by mental illnesses.
• Primary
• Responsibilities/Function: Our Housing Navigator supports individuals who are Medi-Cal members, served by HealthNet (CHPIV) in Imperial County, and are experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness. Depending on their situation, they may have serious chronic medical conditions, serious mental health conditions, substance use and may be adults, children, youth or transition-age youth. Our Housing Navigator support individuals in identifying and obtaining housing, successfully moving in, and retaining housing. This position is based in Imperial County; our Housing Navigator work in the field in all areas of Imperial County, as well as our offices in El Centro.

Duties and Responsibilities

Build rapport and provide culturally sensitive, gender affirming and trauma informed support to all individuals served. Ongoing meetings with our client(s) to determine needs, preferences and goals. Develop and implement a person-centered housing plan that aligns with the individual's needs, preferences, and goals, and update the plan as needed. Research available housing options, present options to the individual, accompany them to potential housing sites, and support with application process for selected location(s). Support individual with applications for subsidies and obtaining housing-related documentation. Identify needs for rental deposits and one-time services and modifications needed to have safe and stable housing; obtain approvals, coordinate and secure related funding. Support individuals with maintaining a safe and stable tenancy, including support to reduce and resolve landlord-related issues. Conduct outreach with landlords and housing sites to provide information about our program, and facilitate access to housing for our clients. Use evidence-based practices such as motivational interviewing, housing first, and harm reduction, to engage and support the individual in achieving their housing-related goals. Complete timely and accurate documentation of eligibility, consent, assessments, progress towards goals, and all communications with the individual, their family, and landlords. Conduct outreach and engagement with individuals experiencing homelessness, as well as with agencies and providers which support individuals experiencing homelessness, and participate in homeless outreach events, with the goal of maintaining an active caseload of 35 clients. Other duties as assigned.