Housing Navigator - STOP (100% Onsite - Los Angeles

Amity Foundation
, an internationally acclaimed Teaching and Therapeutic Community is seeking compassionate and enthusiastic individuals with a desire to teach, learn and join our community as a Housing Navigator
. This groundbreaking opportunity will allow you to work with our prison and re-entry programs helping the community and will also enhance your training and experience in the field.

Amity Foundation is a safe place where people can change in an environment that fosters trust; where new values can be formed; responsibility developed, and lasting relationships built. Amity is dedicated to the inclusion and habilitation of people marginalized by addiction, homelessness, trauma, criminality, incarceration, poverty, racism, sexism, and violence. Amity is committed to research, development, implementation, and dissemination of information regarding community building.

Remembrance, Resolution, Reconciliation, Restoration, Renewal

The Housing Navigator facilitates successful reentry into the community by ensuring participants have access to safe, affordable housing after incarceration. This position may be inadvertently updated based on changing State contractual requirements.

• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.
• Provide individualized client support by assessing housing needs, helping to develop discharge plans that address their barriers and connecting participants to permanent housing options.
• Conduct outreach in the community routinely including daily, weekly, monthly; and participate in community events throughout the program area to establish access to housing options.
• Work to recruit landlords and establish working relationships for the benefit of clientele.
• Work with individuals who are chronically homeless and/or those at risk of becoming homeless.
• Utilize knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidy (i.e., Housing Choice Vouchers, Shelter Plus Care, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing (VASH), permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities).
• Assess housing and personal history information (housing history, evictions, income, credit history, debts, etc.).
• Assist clients with completing applications, or other documentation support.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to landlords or potential landlords.
• Align housing resources and client needs.
• Develop relationships with landlords; identify affordable and supporting housing owners.
• Navigate subsidized housing programs, appeal process, and resources.
• Accompany clients when they are conducting housing searches.
• Assist clients in acquisition of furniture and/or appliances.
• Identify affordable grocers, food banks, transportation, social service agencies and other resources in housing areas.
• Assist in conflict resolution with landlords, employer, neighbors, and associates.
• Crisis planning due to relapse or financial problems.
• Performs other related duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

• Associate of Arts (AA) or Associate of Science (AS) degree from a granting institution accredited by the Western Association of Schools (WASC), or equivalent and a minimum of one (1) year of experience in a similar position; OR
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience in a similar position.

Preferred:

• Experience working with individuals who are chronically homeless and/or those at risk of becoming homeless.
• Bilingual, fluent Spanish/English oral and written skills are highly desirable.
• As a TACPA Worksite, priority consideration is given to qualified individuals as specified in GC 4530.
• Priority consideration is given to recipients of aid under Welfare and Institutions Code Section 11200.

Certifications or Licenses:

• Required:
  
  Valid Driver’s License and Auto Insurance.
• Preferred:
  None.

Knowledge:

• Understanding of causes, symptoms, and effects of substance abuse.
• Knowledge of Public Housing Authority and Housing subsidy (Housing Choice Vouchers, Shelter Plus Care, Veterans Affairs Supportive Housing…