Abrazar Inc·Westminster, California
Assist individuals and families experiencing homelessness in finding and maintaining affordable, permanent housing through the CalAIM initiative. Coordinate with community partners and the Orange County Coordinated Entry System to provide comprehensive housing navigation and support services.
Position Title: CalAIM Housing Navigator
Position Location: 7101 Wyoming St, Westminster, CA 92683
Classification: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Abrazar (to Embrace in Spanish) is a non-profit, direct-service organization providing services to residents in Orange County. Abrazar is dedicated to embracing the diversity of families in our community, educating them on the resources we provide through our community collaborations, and empowering them to improve the quality of their lives through programs addressing health equity. Abrazar has been addressing inequities in the social drivers of health since 1975.
Abrazar serves the community by delivering programs that address the social drivers of health and improve health equity. Our goals are to Embrace, Educate and Empower children, families, and individuals with the necessary tools to achieve better health outcomes. We believe that diversity and the delivery of collaborative services are critical to the success of our programs and measure the impact of our programs by evaluating their ability to enhance our clients' social drivers of health.
California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) is a multi-year initiative by the Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) that aims to revolutionize healthcare for all Californians. You will play a pivotal role in this historic change by helping Medi-Cal members navigate the healthcare system and access comprehensive care. You will be at the forefront of creating a more coordinated, person-centered, and equitable health system that goes beyond traditional clinical settings and addresses all physical and mental health needs.
This position is non-clinical. Interested candidates who meet the qualifications outlined above are encouraged to apply. Please submit a cover letter, resume, and any relevant certifications or documentation that demonstrates your experience and suitability for this role.
We are seeking a dedicated and experienced Housing Navigator to join our team. You will assist individuals, families, and children/youth experiencing homelessness by guiding them toward affordable, permanent housing solutions. You will also play a key role in assisting with the development and implementation of a comprehensive housing program under the Abrazar CalAIM initiative, helping to establish our agency as a housing access point within the Orange County Coordinated Entry System (CES).
Assist in the development and implementation of the housing program under Abrazar CalAIM Community Supports services.
Coordinate with team members and external partners to support efforts to establish Abrazar as a housing access point within the Orange County CES.
Provide direct support to members through housing navigation services, including assisting with housing transitions, sustainability efforts, and housing deposit management.
Conduct thorough assessments to determine member eligibility and identify specific housing needs.
Assist members in searching for suitable properties, negotiating lease terms, and resolving any landlord-related issues.
Participate in outreach activities to promote the housing program and services, helping to increase community awareness and member participation.
Collaborate with government agencies, community organizations, housing authorities, service providers, and property owners to support members' housing needs.
Assist in educating members on their tenant rights and responsibilities, helping them to maintain long-term housing stability.
Connect members with additional resources and services as needed to support their housing journey.
Ensure accurate documentation of all member interactions, referrals, and services provided, which are in line with program standards.
Stay informed about local, state, and federal housing regulations and community resources to provide effective support.
Maintain consistent member engagement through regular in-person and virtual meetings, offering ongoing support and ensuring adherence to program standards.
You will assist Medi-Cal members, particularly individuals, families, and children/youth who are experiencing homelessness and have complex needs in navigating the housing system. This will include resolving access challenges, establishing relationships with service providers, coordinating comprehensive care, and tracking interventions and outcomes.
Provide all necessary and appropriate direct services and referrals as part of the CalAIM team, with a primary focus on supporting individuals and families experiencing homelessness.
Act as a key resource for members, guiding them through the complexities of the housing system and ensuring they receive timely and effective care.
Conduct thorough initial and periodic assessments of members to evaluate their needs across multiple domains, including medical, mental health, substance use, financial stability, housing, and other essential supports.
Ensure all assessments comply with program and funder requirements.
Develop personalized, housing support plan in collaboration with members and Providers, ensuring that plans align with CalAIM standards and address each member's unique needs.
Build and maintain strong relationships with community partners, providers, and other stakeholders involved in member care.
Facilitate clear and effective communication between all parties, enhancing collaboration and ensuring that members receive consistent, coordinated care.
Have proven experience in housing navigation, particularly within Orange County's Housing Coordinated Entry System (CES).
Demonstrate a strong understanding of housing programs, tenancy laws, and effective landlord-tenant mediation strategies.
Are knowledgeable about chronic medical conditions, mental illness, substance use disorders, and homelessness, along with a basic understanding of public benefits and entitlements.
Possess a deep understanding of healthcare systems, chronic illness management, and the social determinants of health.
Have exceptional case management skills, including conducting thorough needs assessments, prioritizing member needs, developing actionable care plans, and monitoring progress.
Can manage and handle confidential information in strict accordance with HIPAA standards.
Are highly motivated and capable of coordinating and completing multiple projects and tasks effectively in a high-pressure environment.
Thrive in dynamic environments and demonstrate the ability to readily adapt to change.
Exhibit excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with a strong focus on providing supportive and effective advocacy for members.
Possess strong organizational skills, with a keen attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities and tasks efficiently.
Are capable of working both independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team environment.
Have a strong commitment to and understanding of Abrazar’s goals and objectives.
Are willing and able to work flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends, as needed.
This description reflects management’s assignment of essential functions.
This job description is subject to change at any time.
This description is intended to indicate the kinds of work duties that will be required in this position.
It is not intended to limit, or in any way modify, the rights of any supervisor to assign, direct, and contract work of staff under his/her supervision.
The use of a particular illustration describing duties shall not be held to exclude other duties, not mentioned, that are of a similar level or difficulty.
Diversity in organizational practices is a core value of ABRAZAR resulting in culturally competent services, materials, resources, and programs.
Our hiring and business practices appreciate the strengths offered through different backgrounds.
About Abrazar (to Embrace)
Abrazar (to Embrace) is a 501 (c) 3 non-profit organization that provides shuttle bus and non-emergency medical transportation to patients. Abrazar is dedicated to promoting the general welfare and prosperity of very poor to medium-income seniors and families in Orange County through programs that improve health, nutrition, socialization, lifelong learning and economic self-sufficiency in culturally sensitive ways
Abrazar is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, age, physical disability, and sexual orientation. Abrazar complies with all EEO and ADA guidelines.
Market context
In California, behavioral-health roles tied to substance use disorder counseling and case management are typically supported by ongoing community and treatment-program demand. These positions are competitive because employers often look for a high school diploma, at least 2 years of SUD counseling or case management experience, and current Registered or Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor status. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to quickly compare fit and note that professional development and paid continuing education are listed as benefits.
