Housing Navigator

About the United Way of Stanislaus County: Envisioning the transformation of communities to empower human capital achievement, we serve as a catalyst for enhancing collective impact in health, education, and financial stability. Our core values include compassion, transparency, integrity, collaboration, innovation, and activation. Unapologetically committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, we work urgently to drive impact in health, education, and financial stability. As a results-driven organization dedicated to excellence, we appreciate employees who can clearly articulate their progress toward deliverables and identify areas where they require support. We aspire to be an organization that accelerates professional development while pioneering innovative solutions to longstanding community challenges. We seek collaborators who embrace a growth mindset, lead with curiosity and transparency, and demonstrate a strong work ethic.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion are fundamental to achieving our impact:

United Way of Stanislaus County envisions a region where equity, opportunity, and prosperity abound. We acknowledge the specific role discrimination and systemic barriers based on race, ethnicity, and other varied identities and differences have played in limiting opportunities for too many. A commitment to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion is at the core of who we are, the decisions we make, and the actions we take in our work to strengthen the communities we serve and advance our strategic focus to close the racial and ethnic wealth gap.

Position Summary:

The Housing Navigator supports United Way of Stanislaus County’s (UWSC) CalAIM Hub, which includes UWSC and its subcontracted partners delivering Community Supports (CS) under California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM). This position blends community outreach with housing navigation, ensuring a seamless connection between health-related supports and housing stability services.

The Housing Navigator works directly with Medi-Cal members experiencing or at risk of homelessness to access Housing Transition and Navigation Services, Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services, and Housing Deposits. This role provides person-centered support to improve overall health, well-being, and long-term housing stability.

This position requires a high level of engagement in both field-based and office settings and may include occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays based on client and program needs.

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Community Outreach and Engagement:
  • Conduct outreach and engagement to connect Medi-Cal members with available Community Supports housing services.
  • Provide resources and referrals to callers using the 2-1-1 community resource database for direct service connections.
  • Provide education on available services and assist members in navigating complex health and housing systems.

  • Build trusting relationships with members and serve as a bridge to care, housing, and supportive services.

• Housing Navigation and Transition Supports:
  • Conduct intake assessments and evaluate housing needs.
  • Assist members with housing applications and required documentation (e.g., identification, Social Security, benefits paperwork).
  • Identify available housing opportunities and support members in preparing for housing placement.

  • Coordinate transportation for housing-related activities, including move-in.

• Housing Tenancy and Sustaining Services:
  • Educate members on tenant rights and lease responsibilities.
  • Facilitate communication between members, landlords, and neighbors, and assist in resolving disputes.
  • Provide coaching on independent living skills, including budgeting, financial literacy, and household management.
  • Develop and implement housing stability plans focused on eviction prevention and crisis intervention.

  • Connect members to health, behavioral health, and social services to support long-term housing success.

• Housing Deposits and Financial Supports:
  • Assist in coordinating and securing one-time financial supports to establish housing (excluding room and board).
  • Support access to funds for security deposits, utilities, and move-in costs.
  • Connect members to community resources and subsidies to reduce financial barriers to housing.

  • Ensure members have essential household items needed for successful housing transitions.

• Ongoing Support and Advocacy:
  • Advocate on behalf of members with landlords, property managers, and service providers.
  • Provide referrals to emergency shelter, transitional housing, and permanent housing resources.
  • Offer ongoing guidance to help members maintain housing stability and navigate challenges.

  • Collaborate with Enhanced Care Management (ECM) providers, healthcare teams, and community partners for coordinated care.

• Documentation, Reporting, and Compliance:
  • Maintain accurate and timely records in client databases (e.g., HMIS, Pear Suite).
  • Collect and report program data required by funders and partners.
  • Participate in supervision, team meetings, and required training.

Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills and Abilities:

• High school diploma or GED and at least 3 years of relevant experience in housing navigation, case management, community health work, or a related field; OR associate’s degree with 2 years of experience; OR bachelor’s degree in social services, public health, or related field.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and demonstrate cultural humility.
• Strong advocacy, problem-solving, and conflict resolution skills.
• Knowledge of California tenant protection laws, fair housing regulations, and eviction prevention programs.
• Ability to manage multiple clients and priorities in a fast-paced, field-based environment.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Workspace, and client data systems (e.g., HMIS).
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.
• Flexibility to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or health disparities are strongly preferred.
• Lived experience with housing instability, behavioral health, or recovery is highly valued.
• Bilingual or multilingual proficiency (Spanish preferred) that supports effective service delivery to diverse populations.
• Current California Class C driver’s license and verifiable automobile insurance.

Environmental Conditions:

• Combination of office-based work and field-based service delivery.
• Frequent travel to community locations, housing sites, and partner agencies.
• Exposure to outdoor environments, including heat, cold, and varying weather conditions.
• Frequent computer use and documentation requirements.
• Work may involve high-paced environments with interruptions and crisis response situations.

Physical Demands:

• Attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to walk, sit, stand, bend, and climb stairs.
• Ability to travel regularly within the community.
• Ability to lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to drive a vehicle.

Benefits and Compensation:

• Pay is competitive and based on experience. [$23 - $27/hour]
• Health benefits are available the first of the month following thirty (30) days of continuous employment.
• 401K available.

Changes: This job description will be updated if duties and responsibilities change significantly.

Job functions are subject to modification based on business necessity. This job description lists typical examples of work and is not an exhaustive list of every daily duty required to meet core job requirements. An employee may be required to perform other duties not listed.

ADA/FEHA: United Way of Stanislaus County will make reasonable accommodations in compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990 and California’s Fair Employment and Housing Act.

Equal Opportunity Employer: United Way Stanislaus County is an equal employment opportunity employer.

To Apply: Only applications received on this platform will be accepted for consideration. Please do not call the main office; all communication will be handled through this platform.