Housing Navigator

About First Place for Youth We’re a leading non-profit organization dedicated to supporting foster youth in their transition to adulthood, with a focus on education, employment, and housing. We believe that all young people deserve the opportunity to thrive and lead successful, independent lives. Our comprehensive programs empower foster youth to overcome the unique challenges they face and build the skills, confidence, and connections they need to succeed.

Why Work at First Place For Youth:

• Meaningful Impact:  Help to transform the lives of foster youth on the cusp of adulthood. Your role will support them in their journey to conquer challenges, achieve independence, and fulfill their aspirations.
• Innovative Approach: We thrive on innovation, pushing the boundaries of foster care support. Your voice here matters, and you’ll contribute to programs that redefine the futures of these young lives.
• Collaborative and Supportive Environment: Embrace a dynamic and supportive workplace, where every team member is valued. Together, we're a force dedicated to uplifting youth. Expect professional growth, fueled by teamwork and collaboration.
• Comprehensive Benefits: We value the well-being of our employees and offer a comprehensive benefits package. From health and wellness benefits to retirement plans, we ensure that our team members are taken care of so they can focus on their important work supporting foster youth.
• Culture of Diversity and Inclusion: We celebrate diversity in every form. At First Place for Youth, inclusivity reigns, creating a workplace where all voices are heard, respected, and empowered.

POSITION OVERVIEW: The Housing Navigator will assist up to 5 THP+ youth ages 18-25 who are enrolled in First Place for Youth’s My First Place Program to secure housing with a FUP Voucher before they exit THP+. First Place will identify appropriate youth who will need on-going rental subsidy assistance upon program exit and who will reside within the FUP voucher geographic boundaries. The Housing Navigator will identify units in the community that will be appropriate for a subsidy through FUP including landlord education and interest regarding Housing Authority subsidy programs, assessment of units’ ability to pass HUD Housing Quality Standards, and on-going light touch services for up to 6 months post THP+ exit. The Housing Navigator may assist other Solano County My First-Place youth identify housing as they exit program. This is an onsite position that requires 5 days of field work.

The Housing Navigator shall:

• Develop and maintain inventory of appropriate housing units for My First-Place youth
• Engage landlords and property managers to build and sustain relationships - network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and county wide housing providers.
• Guide and educate TAY on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing with a FUP voucher, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Provide assistance to TAY with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine eligibility for housing.
• May conduct Housing Navigation workshops and presentations to participants, staff, and community partners.

DUTIES + RESPONSIBILITIES: Other duties as assigned

Direct Client Services

• To provide light touch case management services to up to assigned participants in Solano County to achieve goals of housing stability, sustainable wage employment, educational advancement, permanence in connection to safe adults, and healthy, self-sufficient living.
• Provide direct assistance to clients with housing search.
• Develop and maintain inventory of appropriate housing units for clients and their families.
• Guide and educate clients on how to search for, secure and maintain permanent affordable housing, including tenant/landlord rights and responsibilities.
• Provide assistance to clients with completing housing forms, applications and obtaining required verifications to determine eligibility for housing.
• Improve the coordination of services and links to community resources within the child welfare system and the Homeless Continuum of Care. Outreach and Collaboration.
• In partnership with the First Place Solano County Housing Specialist, locate housing within and throughout Solano County, identifying and assisting housing services for this population within Solano County. Help secure and maintain housing.
• Collaborate with Solano County to locate and maximize available THP+ housing.
• In partnership with the First Place Solano County Housing Specialist, engage landlords to build and sustain relationships with First Place for Youth and our clients.
• Network with landlords, renter’s associations, property management businesses, and county wide housing providers.
• Work closely with Solano County to connect eligible clients to the Family Unification Program and other programs with the Office of Supportive Housing.

Administrative Responsibilities

• Document efforts and activities in relevant electronic systems (AppFolio, Apricot, or other systems assigned) promptly.
• Maintain accurate electronic and physical files on all client and property/landlord relationships.

Training and Technical Support

Provide training and technical support to internal staff, Child Welfare Agency Social Workers and Probation Officers to address available housing resources. Training can include but is not limited to:

• Housing Navigation
• Permanent affordable housing
• Transitional Housing Program – Plus
• Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV)

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in education, social work, business, finance, or a related field.
• 2 years’ experience with Real estate or Property Management experience desired.
• Knowledge of housing availability in Solano County required.
• Relationships with landlords & apartments highly desired.
• Previous experience partnering with Housing Authority with section 8 voucher or equivalent experience a plus.
• Driving is a requirement of the job - must have possession of current CA driver’s license, access to a vehicle and personal automobile insurance.
• Proven ability to develop authentic, supportive relationships with youth and young adults.
• Attention to Detail – Ability to work with high level of detail, work has high level of professional polish down to smallest details, documents and products are well thought out and clear, database is organized and up to date.
• Driven by Accomplishment – Clarity on project goals and the personal drive to accomplish goals, finished projects are thorough and delivered on time. High level of personal accountability for the quality and impact of work.
• Computer Skills-- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications including MS Word, Excel, Access, and PowerPoint, Project and Outlook. Experience with database systems.
• Strong Communication Skills– Exceptional oral and written communication skills including the demonstrated ability to research, assimilate, and analyze information, compose engaging messages, and present data in a clear and inspiring manner.
• High Level of Professionalism– A high level of professionalism in work and interpersonal interactions with both internal and external contacts, presents to others as organized, informed, and friendly.
• Decisive Nature - Well-honed ability to independently anticipate and analyze situations, define problems and objectives, recognize viable alternatives, and formulate rapid solutions, with understanding of the inherent risks and the implications of making tough decisions.
• Availability for occasional evening and weekend work and some travel as needed.
• Commitment to cultural competency and diversity – Deep commitment to social justice and systems change that addresses barriers based on race, ethnicity, sexual orientation or gender identity.

BENEFITS:

• Full-time position
• 15 days of vacation time in year one
• 12 days of sick time
• 2 flexible holidays
• 14 paid holidays
• Paid sabbatical
• Paid maternity and paternity leave
• Employee’s choice of Kaiser or UCH HMO/PPO.Up to 90% of premium covered by First Place on certain plans
• Delta Dental Premium PPO
• VSP Vision
• 401k Retirement Savings with Match

*We do not offer relocation. Local candidates preferred

*Pay is determined based on Education and Experience

If you are passionate about making a difference in the lives of transition age foster youth and want to join a dynamic and impactful organization, we invite you to apply. Together, let's empower transition age foster youth to achieve their dreams and build a brighter future. To learn more about First Place For Youth and view our current job openings, please visit our website at www.firstplaceforyouth.org/careers.

We are unable to sponsor work visas now or in the future.

First Place will consider qualified applicants with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act, the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, and applicable law. You do not need to disclose your criminal history or participate in a background check until a conditional job offer is made to you. Find out more about the Fair Chance Act by visiting the California Civil Rights Department Fair Chance Act webpage or reviewing this guidance provide by the City of San Francisco. For additional information regarding your rights, please also review the Summary of Your Rights Under the FCRA.