CalAIM Housing Navigator - Vietnamese or Spanish Bilingual

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.

Position Responsibilities

Housing Navigator

• 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.

CalAIM Community Supports

• 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.

Requirements

We're looking for candidates who

• 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.

Preferred Qualifications

• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience in housing navigation, case management, or a similar role within the homelessness services sector, preferably in Orange County.
• Have experience assisting clients with applying for benefits (such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and CalWORKs) and/or navigating the healthcare system and health insurance.
• Training in Motivational Interviewing, Trauma-Informed Care, Harm Reduction, Crisis Intervention, De-Escalation, Domestic Violence, Substance Use, Suicide Prevention, or other related training.
• Experience and expertise in community outreach and engagement
• 1+ years of experience with case management, or an equivalent role, and using data management systems
• Computer proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, and PowerPoint)—knowledge of and experience with Efforts to Outcomes software a bonus.
• Intermediate to advanced level of proficiency in Microsoft Excel
• Capacity to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Some knowledge of available programs and services in Orange County.
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Minimum Qualifications

• A bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, public administration, or a related field is preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience in housing navigation, case management, or a similar role within the homelessness services sector.
• 1 year of experience in case management working with vulnerable populations, particularly those with health, mental health, and substance use issues, or 1 year of experience in healthcare, case management, and/or homeless services.
• Demonstrated proficiency with computers and technology used for work outputs, particularly with Microsoft Office Suite and data management systems
• Vietnamese or Spanish bilingual (Vietnamese / Spanish & English).
• Availability to work on occasional Saturdays.

Mandatory requirements

Regardless of qualifications, candidates must

• Have employment eligibility verification
• Have or be able and willing to obtain CPR/First Aid training
• Successfully complete the following as a condition of hire: 1. Tuberculosis Test 2. Background Screening 3. Drug Test

• DRIVING Driving is an essential function of this position. To meet the employment requirements for this role, all candidates must:
• Have reliable transportation
• A valid driver's license
• Proof of insurance and ownership for personal vehicles used during work duties
• The ability to qualify for Abrazar’s insurance coverage

Physical, mental and environmental demands and conditions

• Must possess body mobility to stand and/or sit frequently or for an extended period of time at meetings, trainings, conferences or community events in office or offsite community locations
• Must be able to function effectively in a standard office environment and have the ability to move about to perform daily office tasks such as access files cabinets and office machinery
• Must be able to communicate information accurately, clearly and concisely in normal vocal tone
• Must be able to transport laptop, files and/or other materials to and from meetings
• Must be able to drive to meet with members at various locations
• Must possess manual dexterity sufficient to use hands, arms and shoulders to operate a keyboard, take notes, utilize office equipment, complete and file reports, and file and copy documents
• Must possess sufficient vision to read standard text
• Must possess the ability to independently reason logically to analyze data, reach conclusions and make recommendations as required in the accomplishment of job duties
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to stand
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to walk
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to sit
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to climb, balance, bend, stoop, kneel or crawl
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to outside weather conditions
• Occasionally/Frequently/Continually exposure to extreme heat or cold (non-weather)
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 50 pounds

• 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.