Housing Navigator

Housing Navigator

About the organization: The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County (LAFSBC) is a non-profit law firm. Our mission is to provide high-quality civil legal services to low-income and other vulnerable residents in order to ensure equal access to justice. We change lives through direct representation, legal advice and information, and community education. The LAFSBC offices are located in Santa Maria, Lompoc, and Santa Barbara. We also staff the Santa Barbara Superior Court civil self-help centers, known as the Legal Resource Centers.

Job Summary: LAFSBC has an immediate opening for a new Housing Navigator position in its Lompoc office. The position is funded through the Shriver Civil Counsel Act, which funds attorneys to provide legal representation in civil matters that affect basic human needs, such as housing.

Location/Schedule: North County (Lompoc/Santa Maria). This position may be based in Lompoc or Santa Maria and will involve travel in and around northern Santa Barbara County. This is an in-person position Monday through Thursday. Fridays may be in office or work-from-home. Non-exempt, 37.5 hours per week, 9am-5pm, Monday-Friday. Occasional evening or weekend hours for legal outreach and special events.

This position includes, but is not limited to, the following responsibilities:

Works with clients at risk of eviction to determine housing barriers, needs and goals.

Assists and advises clients in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases, moving preparations, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities in consultation with the Managing Attorney.

Monitors current housing market information, housing trends and available resources.

Communicates professionally and works cooperatively with clients, attorneys, housing providers, and other community stakeholders.

Assists with general case management: communicates with clients, collects documents, sends close letters and surveys, attends mediation with attorneys, and other case support.

Enters client information into online case management systems timely and accurately, and properly documents all client interactions.

Assist with various grant-required activities and grant reporting requirements.

May periodically serve as back-up to the Intake Coordinator when the Intake Coordinator is out of the office.

Periodic evening or weekend community outreach, training, or organization events.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Skills/Educational Requirements:

Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent combination of education and work experience.

Computer software proficiency (Microsoft Office –Word/Excel/Outlook, Adobe).

Trauma informed - ability to work with clients who are facing a stressful life circumstance.

Experience in a social services setting with working knowledge of case management systems and planning techniques.

Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and services for low-income people and families.

Licensed to drive in California or otherwise have a reliable means of transportation to travel to court, meetings, LAF offices, and outreach events as necessary.

Must successfully complete a background check.

Desired Qualifications:

Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred but not required.

A minimum of 2 years of non-profit or related experience preferred.

Experience working with low-income individuals and families is preferred.

Compensation/Benefits: Hourly wage range $28 to $38 per hour, with the anticipated placement expected to be $28 to $30 depending on experience. Non-exempt. Generous personal leave and benefits package, including paid vacation, sick leave, and all court holidays. Health/dental/vision insurance (100% of premiums covered for employee) starting the first of the month after successful hire, life insurance with Employee Assistance Program, and option to participate in 403(b) retirement plan with employer contribution to a SEP-IRA after one year.

To Apply: Email a resume and two professional references to personnel@lafsbc.org. Please include the job title in the subject line of the email. Applications accepted on a rolling basis.

The Legal Aid Foundation of Santa Barbara County provides equal employment opportunities to all applicants without regard to race, color, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, sex, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, transgender status, age, religion, genetic information, physical or mental disability, medical condition, military or veteran status, pregnancy, childbirth or related medical condition, marital or registered domestic partner status, or any other legally protected status. We strongly encourage candidates from traditionally underrepresented communities to apply.