Housing Navigator Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH)

Company Description

Background

Since 1976, St. Joseph Center has been meeting the needs of low-income and homeless individuals and families in Venice, Santa Monica, Mar Vista, and surrounding communities.  The Center is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit community organization that assists people without regard for religious affiliation or lack thereof through comprehensive case management and integrated social service programs.  The Center enjoys broad-based community support as well as a sponsored relationship with its founders, the Sisters of St. Joseph of Carondelet.  St. Joseph Center serves approximately 6,000 individuals annually.

Brief Description of Principal Activities

Multifaceted intervention, prevention, and education services are carried out at four sites on the Westside of Los Angeles.  St. Joseph Center’s integrated programs provide clients with concentrated and coordinated access to services according to the nature of their needs.

Job Description

Job Summary

In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.

Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Housing Navigator works as part of a multidisciplinary team to support individuals experiencing homelessness in identifying, securing, and maintaining stable housing. This role focuses on removing barriers to housing by providing individualized support, advocacy, and coordination with landlords, housing programs, and service providers. The Housing Navigator uses a Housing First, trauma-informed, and harm reduction approach to promote long-term housing stability for clients with behavioral health needs.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

Key Areas of Responsibility:

Client Engagement and Assessment

• Provide housing navigation and supportive services to individuals residing in BHBH interim housing.
• Build trust and rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness using trauma-informed and client-centered approaches.
• Conduct housing assessments and use tools such as the Vulnerability Index-Service Prioritization Decision Assistance Tool (VI-SPDAT) or LA-HAT.
• Develop and maintain an individualized housing plan in collaboration with each client, outlining steps toward housing stability and long-term retention.
• Maintain a caseload of 1:25; 1:1 meetings with clients should take place at least once per week to monitor progress, adjust treatment goals, and maintain engagement in services.
• Provide individualized support to address each client’s unique needs, including housing, health, benefits, and other services.
• Provide housing-focused support, including budgeting, tenancy education, and conflict resolution.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents (e.g., ID, Social Security card, income verification) for housing eligibility.
• Assist with completion of Universal Housing Application and other pertinent documentation when required.

Housing Search and Navigation

• Assist clients in locating, applying for, and securing safe and appropriate housing based on their eligibility and preferences.
• Support clients through the lease-up process including gathering identification and eligibility documents, attending unit viewings, and moving in.
• Provide transportation assistance and accompaniment to housing appointments when necessary.

Landlord and Community Engagement

• Establish and maintain strong relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing providers across Los Angeles; help resolve issues during and after tenancy.
• Advocate for clients with housing barriers and mediate tenant-landlord concerns.
• Educate housing providers about rental subsidy programs, supportive housing models, and fair housing protections.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with community-based organizations, law enforcement, and CES lead agencies.

Linkage to Services and Benefits

• Connect clients with physical health, mental health, and substance use services, including outpatient and specialty care.
• Assist clients with enrolling in mainstream benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, SSI, and General Relief.
• Help clients obtain essen