Overview
Case Manager/Housing Navigator Jobs in Fontana, CA at Symba Center
About Us
Symba Center is a faith based, non-profit organization providing medical, mental health, recuperative care, case management, housing navigation, substance use disorder counseling, and other wraparound services. Our mission is to implement and inspire innovative solutions designed to meet the health and wellness needs of low income, homeless and uninsured individuals in our community. We aim to build partnerships that bridge gaps in health access for this population. Symba Center is systematically seeking to understand the needs of the community, identifying the best approaches to address the issues, and advancing efforts to promote the broader social good. Help us in making our community a healthier and happier place. Here at Symba Center, we are one community with one mission.
Job Summary
Under the supervision of the Wellness Services Manager and Case Manager Lead, the Case Manager/Housing Navigator plays a crucial role in the acquisition and development of housing inventory across the city. ‘The Path’ is a transitional housing facility for unhoused individuals in the City of Fontana and operated by Symba Center. The selected candidate will be expected to work with community contacts to locate and obtain supportive housing for homeless shelter clients, recuperative care clients, and potentially, underserved clients of the street medicine team. The goal is to provide advocacy and assistance in coaching individuals in becoming independent and self-sufficient while accounting for their goals and schedules.
Supervisory Responsibilities:
None.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities:
Search for and develop housing options for agency programs.
Build relationships with property managers and landlords to support housing inventory.
Conduct housing and utility inspections, including reporting.
Prepare rent reasonableness assessments and confirm client rent payments monthly.
Assist clients with housing applications, searches, and connections.
Uphold core values of integrity, transparency, accountability, respect, and responsibility.
Act with the highest ethical standards on behalf of Symba Center.
Foster openness and accountability with colleagues, volunteers, and donors.
Take personal responsibility for performance and maintain confidentiality.
Advocate for clients with landlords and support moving logistics.
Establish procedures and contacts for housing retention, including crisis plans and early intervention services.
Identify resources for covering expenses such as security deposits and moving costs.
Assist with housing applications and required documentation (e.g., Social Security cards, birth certificates).
Support clients in benefits advocacy, including SSI eligibility and application processes, possibly through subcontracting for specialized skills.
Support clients in applying for health insurance and other benefits.
Identify resources for rent subsidies, such as HUD’s Housing Choice Voucher Program (Section 8) and local assistance programs.
Provide services following best practices for individuals experiencing homelessness with complex health, disability, or behavioral health conditions.
Education & Experience:
High School Diploma or equivalent qualification required.
2-3 years relevant experience in Housing Navigation and/or related Case Management services required.
Valid, unrestricted CA driver’s license.
Certification in Basic Life Support (BLS) from the American Heart Association (AHA) or the American Red Cross.
Knowledge and proficiency in Google Workspace, including Gmail, Google Docs, Google Sheets, and Google Calendar, is preferred.
Must be comfortable working in a transitional housing environment.
Must successfully pass a background check.
Knowledge & Skills:
Housing Navigation and Resources: Knowledge of housing search steps, application processes, landlord negotiations, and moving logistics. Familiarity with local programs, shelters, transitional housing, affordable options, and subsidies (e.g., Section 8). Awareness of policies affecting homelessness and affordable housing at various governmental levels.
Tenant Rights: Understanding of tenant rights, eviction processes, and fair housing laws to empower clients.
Barriers to Housing: Recognition of common barriers (e.g., poor credit, criminal records) and strategies to overcome them.
Case Management: Familiarity with needs assessment, goal setting, service coordination, client intake procedures, and individualized housing plans (IHPs). Coordination with multidisciplinary teams (healthcare providers, social workers, etc.).
Community Resources: Knowledge of local organizations that support housing stability, including food banks and employment services.
Financial Assistance: Awareness of rental and utility assistance programs, budgeting, and financial counseling.
Public Benefits Navigation: Understanding of processes for applying for SSI, SSDI, Medicaid, SNAP, and other public benefits.
Mental Health and Substance Use: Insight into how these challenges affect housing stability and awareness of available services.
Trauma-Informed Care: Familiarity with trauma-informed approaches and sensitivity to the effects of trauma on individuals.
Crisis Intervention: Knowledge of techniques for managing emergencies and supporting clients in stressful situations.
Peer Support Models: Understanding of strengths-based approaches and recovery processes.
Cultural Competency: Awareness of cultural differences and systemic inequalities that impact access to housing and services.
Advocacy and Policy: Knowledge of federal, state, and local policies on homelessness, advocacy strategies for housing justice, and engagement with policymakers. Understanding tenant rights, eviction processes, and housing-related legal issues.
Communication and Documentation: Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations, document client progress accurately, and maintain confidentiality in line with HIPAA standards. Familiarity with case management software (e.g., HMIS), collecting and reporting client data for evaluations.
Collaboration and Teamwork: Experience working with Case Managers, Housing Navigators, landlords, and other service providers to coordinate care.
Problem-Solving and Conflict Resolution: Creative and resourceful in finding housing solutions, managing conflicts constructively. Maintaining professional boundaries while providing compassionate support. Encouraging clients to take steps toward stable housing and improved health.
Organizational Skills: Strong ability to maintain structured workflows while managing large caseloads.
Professional Requirements:
Uphold all of SYMBA’s core values.
Adhere to dress code standards; maintain a neat and clean appearance with appropriate personal hygiene and grooming.
Ensure confidentiality at all times and comply with HIPAA regulations; never inappropriately access or discuss client information.
Arrive at work on time and as scheduled; complete tasks within designated time frames.
Wear identification while on campus.
Attend all required training sessions and meetings.
Accurately clock in and out for all shifts.
Represent the organization positively and professionally within the community.
Comply with all organizational policies related to ethical business practices.
Customer Service, Attitude, & Language Skills:
Deliver compassionate, respectful, and culturally sensitive care to all clients.
Foster a welcoming and supportive environment through a professional and friendly demeanor.
Communicate clearly and respectfully to ensure client understanding.
Ensure clients fully understand their treatment plans.
Address client concerns with empathy and attentiveness.
Adapt communication styles to accommodate diverse cultural and linguistic needs.
Respect cultural differences during interactions with clients.
Maintain a positive attitude, demonstrating patience and resilience in stressful situations.
Collaborate effectively with clients and peers.
Practice active listening to ensure clients feel heard and their needs addressed.
Use bilingual or multilingual skills to assist non-English-speaking clients as needed.
Safeguard client confidentiality and privacy with professionalism and integrity.
Confidential Information & HIPAA:
As a healthcare organization, Symba Center is bound by stringent confidentiality laws, including HIPAA. All employees are required to adhere to both HIPAA regulations and Symba Center’s specific HIPAA compliance policies.
Environment & Working Conditions:
The characteristics of the work environment outlined here reflect what employees may experience while carrying out the essential functions of this position. The center fosters a dynamic atmosphere that encompasses both an office setting and outreach activities. Employees will have access to comfortable desks and computers for documentation and administrative work, along with private meeting spaces to maintain client confidentiality. Additionally, staff will engage in outreach efforts that involve walking and interacting with current and prospective clients in various community settings. This role demands adaptability to thrive in both organized office environments and active community engagements. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to assist individuals with disabilities in performing essential job functions.
Benefits:
Medical, Dental, and Vision
Life insurance
PTO & Sick time
Bereavement leave
12 Paid Holidays
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $27.00 – $28.00 per hour
Benefits:
Dental insurance
Health insurance
Life insurance
Paid time off
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Monday to Friday
Work Location: In person
Title: Case Manager/Housing Navigator
Company: Symba Center
Location: Fontana, CA
