Case Manager​/Housing Navigator

About UsSymba Center is a faith based, non-profit organization providing medical, mental health, recuperative care, case management, housing navigation, substance use disorder counseling, and other wraparound services. Our mission is to implement and inspire innovative solutions designed to meet the health and wellness needs of low income, homeless and uninsured individuals in our community. We aim to build partnerships that bridge gaps in health access for this population.

Symba Center is systematically seeking to understand the needs of the community, identifying the best approaches to address the issues, and advancing efforts to promote the broader social good. Help us in making our community a healthier and happier place. Here at Symba Center, we are one community with one mission.

Job Summary Under the supervision of the Wellness Services Manager, the Case Manager/Housing Navigator plays a crucial role in the acquisition and development of housing inventory across the city. Wellness Center Ontario is a transitional housing facility for unhoused individuals in the City of Ontario and operated by Symba Center. The selected candidate will be expected to work with community contacts to locate and obtain supportive housing for homeless shelter clients, recuperative care clients, and potentially, underserved clients of the street medicine team.

The goal is to provide advocacy and assistance in coaching individuals in becoming independent and self-sufficient while accounting for their goals and schedules.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

None.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

Search for and develop housing options for agency programs.

Build relationships with property managers and landlords to support housing inventory.

Conduct housing and utility inspections, including reporting.

Prepare rent reasonableness assessments and confirm client rent payments monthly.

Assist clients with housing applications, searches, and connections.

Uphold core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility.

Act with the highest ethical standards on behalf of Symba Center.

Foster openness and accountability with colleagues, volunteers, and donors.

Take personal responsibility for performance and maintain confidentiality.

Advocate for clients with landlords and support moving logistics.

Establish procedures and contacts for housing retention, including crisis plans and early intervention services.

Identify resources for covering expenses such as security deposits and moving costs.

Assist with housing applications and required documentation (e.g., Social Security cards, birth certificates).Support clients in benefits advocacy, including SSI eligibility and application processes, possibly through subcontracting for specialized skills.

Support clients in applying for health insurance and other benefits.

Identify resources for rent subsidies, such as HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section
8) and local assistance programs.

Provide services following best practices for individuals experiencing homelessness with complex health, disability, or behavioral health conditions.

Perform other duties as assigned.

Education & Experience:

High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
2-3 years relevant experience in Housing Navigation and/or related Case Management services required.

Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.

Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross preferred.

Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.

Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.

Must successfully pass a background check.

Knowledge &

Skills:

Housing Navigation and Resources:
Knowledge of housing search steps, application processes, landlord negotiations, and moving logistics. Familiarity with local programs, shelters, transitional housing, affordable options, and subsidies (e.g., Section
8). Awareness of policies affecting homelessness and affordable housing at various governmental levels.

Tenant Rights:
Understanding of tenant rights, eviction processes, and fair housing laws to empower clients.

Barriers to Housing:
Recognition of common barriers (e.g., poor credit, criminal records) and strategies to overcome them.

Case Management:
Familiarity with needs assessment, goal setting, service coordination, client intake procedures, and individualized housing plans (IHPs). Coordination with multidisciplinary teams (healthcare providers, social workers, etc.).Community Resources:
Knowledge of local organizations that support housing stability, including food banks and employment services.

Financial Assistance:
Awareness of rental and utility assistance programs, budgeting, and financial counseling.

Public Benefits Navigation:
Understanding of processes for applying for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits.

Mental Health and Substance Use:
Insight into how these…