Gr City Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Description
The Lead Integrated Community Supports (ICS) Housing Navigator provides housing-focused case management services through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program and utilizes California Advancing and Innovating Medi-Cal (CalAIM) service activities where eligible. This position serves BHSA-eligible clients placed in interim housing with the goal of securing and transitioning clients into permanent, stable housing. The Housing Navigator collaborates with behavioral health staff, county partners, and community providers to address housing barriers and deliver comprehensive, recovery-oriented support.
Essential Job Duties:
Housing Navigation & Placement
• Conduct outreach and engage clients in interim housing to assess housing needs and establish service relationships.
• Complete housing assessments and develop individualized Housing Action Plans in collaboration with the client and BHBH team.
• Identify and secure permanent housing opportunities, including navigating waiting lists, completing applications, and coordinating move-in logistics.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, property managers, and housing authorities to overcome barriers related to rental history, credit, or prior evictions.
• Connect clients to rental assistance, subsidies, and benefits programs (e.g., GR, SSI/SSDI, Medi-Cal) to support housing affordability and sustainability.
Client Support & Case Management
• As eligible, provide ongoing ICS housing support across all elements of available CalAIM community supports, including Navigation, Deposit assistance, Transitional rent and Tenancy Sustaining services.
• Transport clients to housing-related appointments as needed; coordinate with the care team to address barriers to engagement.
• Use a Housing First, Trauma-Informed, and Harm Reduction approach in all client interactions.
• Assist clients in understanding lease obligations, maintaining unit conditions, and building relationships with landlords and neighbors.
• Coach clients on budgeting, household management, and accessing community resources to promote long-term housing stability.
Care Coordination & Collaboration
• Collaborate with BHBH behavioral health staff, county case managers, and community partners to ensure integrated, person-centered service delivery.
• Participate in case conferencing and multidisciplinary team meetings to coordinate care planning and problem-solve housing barriers.
• Coordinate warm handoffs and transitional support as clients move from interim to permanent housing.
• Represent the program at county-wide housing and community meetings as required.
Documentation & Compliance
• Complete accurate and timely documentation in compliance with county requirements, BHSA program standards, and DHCS/CalAIM policy guidelines.
• Enter and maintain data in HMIS, SPRITE, and other required MCP, county and agency databases.
• Record case notes, housing action plans, service contacts, and outcome data in accordance with program policies.
• Support Medi-Cal billing processes by ensuring documentation meets ICS service requirements and timelines.
Supervisor Support/ Team Leadership
• Support Supervisors in ensuring services are delivered in a professional manner in accordance with all departmental and organizational policies and procedures
• Support supervisors with administration and reporting.
• Professionally represent City Net at all collaborative meetings.
• Ensure openings are occupied in a timely manner and oversee unit readiness.
Requirements
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
• One (1) year of experience in case management, housing navigation, or a related human services role.
• Experience working with individuals with serious mental illness, substance use disorders, or other disabling conditions.
• Familiarity with CalAIM, BHSA eligibility, or Medi-Cal-funded services preferred.
• Experience with county documentation systems and/or HMIS preferred.
• Valid California driver's license, personal vehicle with current registration and insurance.
SKILLS, KNOWLEDGE & ABILITIES
• Knowledge of Housing First, Trauma-Informed Care, and Harm Reduction principles.
• Familiarity with Orange County social services systems, including Medi-Cal, CalOptima, GR, Social Security, and community behavioral health providers.
• Understanding of CalAIM Integrated Community Supports (ICS) services and county documentation requirements.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple clients and deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook, Teams) and web-based databases.
• Collaborative team player with strong interpersonal and conflict resolution skills.
• Commitment to ending homelessness and serving individuals with complex needs.
ENVIRONMENTAL & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS
This is a field-based position. Work is performed in community settings including interim housing sites (hotels/motels), client homes, county offices, and in the field. Employees must be able to spend significant time standing, walking, and driving. The ability to lift and/or push up to 25 pounds may be required. Use of a personal vehicle for client transportation and community appointments is required.