Job Details

About Us:

Encompass Community Services has been serving Santa Cruz County since 1973, providing a broad spectrum of social services that heal, connect and nurture the mental, educational and social well-being of 8000 children, individuals and families annually. As the largest community-based, nonprofit human services provider in Santa Cruz County ($25M annual budget), we deliver quality, culturally competent, cost-effective services through our three service delivery areas: Child Development, Integrated Behavioral Health and Community Based Support.

The Housing for Health programs work with chronically homeless individuals to obtain and retain permanent housing in Santa Cruz County. The program engages clients in accessing resources necessary to address barriers to housing and end homelessness.

Job Summary:

We currently have a full-time position open for a Housing Navigator/Case Manager under our Health and Housing division, located in Santa Cruz. The Housing Navigator/Case Manager will be responsible for activities such as: linking clients to community resources; developing relationships with landlord/property managers; assisting clients in searching for and securing housing placements; and maintaining stable housing, in Santa Cruz County. The Housing Navigator/Case Manager position requires working collaboratively with multiple partnering agencies, and with other Encompass housing navigation programs. Successful applicants will be understanding of and sensitive to issues and dynamics surrounding both youth and adult homelessness.

Duties & Responsibilities:          

• Landlord/property management outreach and relationship building.
• Collaborate closely with the Housing Authority to secure Disabled and Medically Vulnerable (DMV) vouchers for clients.
• Daily housing search and outreach to available units.
• Regular collaboration with the Program Manager and other Housing Case Managers.
• Develop rapport and communication with both property managers and program clients. 
• Conduct assessments and client-driven housing searches in neighborhoods that are a good fit.
• Act as client advocate in securing appropriate housing.
• Facilitate rental agreements with landlords and ensure client’s understanding of rental agreements, housing policies and procedures.
• Home visits with clients.
• Provide Case Management Services for clients to maintain stable housing.
• Connect clients with resources and referrals to address their needs.
• Consistently complete all documentation thoroughly and within timelines as required by supervisor.
• Participation in 180/2020/Smart Path Coordinated Entry bi-monthly meetings.
• Attend trainings related to position.
• Maintaining confidentiality and HIPPA standards.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications: 

• BA in Psychology, Social Work or related field required. Professional experience may qualify.
• At least 1 year experience working with people who have experienced homelessness, mental health and/or substance use issues
• Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
• Knowledge and practice of motivational interviewing and trauma-informed services highly valued.
• Knowledge and understanding of homelessness and related challenges issues in the community.
• Must be able to multitask and work well in a fast-paced environment.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and complete tasks.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Must have a vehicle, valid CA driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and good driving record to be covered by agency insurance.
• Must be able to pass a criminal record clearance

We are an equal opportunity employer. At Encompass we value the diversity of individuals, ideas, perspectives, insights and values, and what they bring to the workplace.

If you require assistance applying on-line, we have computer terminals available at our 380 Encinal office in Santa Cruz, Tel: 831-469-1700, and at our 225 Westridge Drive location in Watsonville, Tel: 831-724-3885. Please call ahead to schedule an appointment.

If we find that your qualifications are a good fit with our current needs, you will be contacted with further instructions. Thank you for your interest in Encompass!

Please apply at https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=47bfbe97-224c-4f13-a495-e943969553a0&jobId=271897&lang=en_US&source=CC3&ccId=19000101_000001