Housing navigator, Social Work

The Housing Navigator supports Veterans experiencing homelessness by providing comprehensive housing location, navigation, and stabilization services. The Housing Navigator assesses each Veteran’s needs and connects them to appropriate housing options, including Permanent Supportive Housing, shared housing, general affordable housing, and private market units. The role includes working directly with landlords, accompanying Veterans to housing appointments, and supporting them through the entire housing search, application, leasing, and move-in process.

During intake, the Navigator assists Veterans in creating an Individual Action Plan (IAP) focused on achieving housing stability. After moving in, the Navigator continues to support veterans for up to 120 days, ensuring ongoing housing stabilization and connection to community resources.

Minimum 1 year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or providing services to Veterans or individuals within mental/behavioral health systems.

Bachelor’s degree in Public Administration, Social Services, Human Services, or a related field preferred.

Experience working with Veterans is strongly preferred.

Knowledge of community resources, supportive services, and homeless services systems.

Ability to work independently, manage high caseloads, and adapt to fast-paced environments.

Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.

Proficiency in HMIS or willingness to be trained.

Ability to engage clients using Trauma-Informed Care principles and client-centered service delivery.

Reliable transportation is required to travel between work sites, attend meetings, conduct outreach, and support participants throughout LA County.

May be required to work some evenings and an occasional weekend day.

This position is 100% in person (NOT REMOTE or HYBRID) and requires regular presence at JVS SoCal offices, partner sites, and community locationsKEY RESPONSIBILITIES Housing Navigation & Client Services Complete participant intakes, needs assessments, and housing preference forms.

Assist participants in identifying personal goals and developing Individual Action Plans (IAPs) to support long-term housing stability.

Accompany Veterans to housing appointments, interviews, and unit viewings.

Provide housing stabilization services including life skills coaching, budgeting, transportation planning, lease education, and self-advocacy.

Ensure weekly contact with assigned Veterans to maintain trust, engagement, and progress.

Maintain detailed case notes for each client’s engagement, entered into the designated system within 24 hours of service delivery.

Resource Coordination & Supportive Services Connect Veterans to resources aligned with their IAPs, including health care, mental health services, legal support, benefits, employment services, education, and vocational training.

Provide ongoing stabilization and problem-solving support during the housing search and post-move-in phases.

Conduct warm hand-offs to long-term service providers when necessary.

Landlord & Housing Partner Engagement Build and maintain positive relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers.

Establish a portfolio of diverse housing options for Veterans.

Support Veterans with rental applications, housing documentation, and unit searches.

Collaborate with partners to resolve conflicts, remove barriers, and support successful tenancy.

Data Management & Compliance Enroll, update, and exit participants in HMIS, ensuring timely, accurate entry of all Universal Data Elements and Program-Specific Data Elements, including HUD-VASH requirements when applicable.

Complete accurate case files with all required eligibility and documentation.

Ensure HMIS…