Housing Navigator/Case Manager (Merced)
Housing Navigator/Case Manager
at Zócalo Health
HHybrid (Full Time) California, located within commuting distance of Merced County
Compensation: $29.70 - $31.00 per hour
About Us
Zócalo Health is the first tech-driven provider built specifically for Latinos, by Latinos. We are developing a new approach to care that is designed around our very own shared and lived experiences and brings care to our gente. Founded in 2021 on the idea that our communities deserve more than just safety nets, we are backed by leading healthcare and social impact investors in the country to bring our vision to life.
Our mission is to improve the lives of our communities—communities that have dealt with generations of poor experiences. These experiences include waiting hours in waiting rooms, spending mere minutes with doctors who don’t speak their language, and depending on their youngest kids to help them navigate our complex healthcare system. At Zócalo Health, we meet our members where they are, bringing care into their homes and neighborhoods through our team of community-based care providers and virtual care offerings.
We partner with community-based organizations, local healthcare providers, and health plans that recognize the value of culturally aligned care, which are not limited to brief interactions in an exam room. Together, we are building a new experience that revolves around the use of modern technology, culturally competent primary care, behavioral health, and social services to provide a radically better experience of care for every member, their family, and the communities we serve.
We are committed to expanding our reach to serve more members and their communities. We are looking for passionate individuals who share our belief that healthcare should be accessible, personalized, and rooted in the community. Join us in our mission to ensure that no one has to navigate the complexities of the healthcare system alone and that everyone receives the local, culturally competent care they deserve.
Role Description
We are seeking a compassionate and organized Housing Navigator to help our members find and maintain stable housing. The ideal candidate will work directly with members, landlords, and community partners to create pathways to housing security for vulnerable populations.
As a vital member of our Community Supports team, you'll manage an active caseload while providing both crisis intervention and long-term stability planning. Success in this role requires strong organizational skills, cultural competency, and the ability to combine housing market expertise with effective case management.
Key Responsibilities
- Conduct housing assessment to identify preferences and barriers related to successful tenancy
- Work with members to develop individualized housing support plans based on housing assessments
- Search for and present housing options to members
- Build relationships with local landlords and property managers
- Assist in securing housing through application completion and documentation gathering
- Provide guidance, resources, and referrals as needed
- Educate members on Landlord/Tenants rights
- Assist with benefits advocacy, including assistance with obtaining identification and documentation for SSI eligibility, and support with SSI application process
- Identify and secure rent subsidy resources (Section 8, state and local assistance programs)
- Source funding for one-time expenses (security deposits, moving costs, adaptive aids)
- Communicate and advocate with landlords on behalf of members
- Assist with arranging for and supporting the details of the move
- Establish housing retention procedures and develop housing support crisis plans
- Conduct health & safety home visits, including unit habitability inspections
- Early intervention services that identify potential behaviors that may jeopardize a member’s housing, such as: late rental payments, hoarding, substance use, and other lease violations
- Collaborate and provide linkage to community resources to prevent eviction when member’s housing is potentially jeopardized
- Monitor and track member progress through the housing process
- Maintain detailed documentation of all member interactions and outcomes
Minimum Qualifications
- Bilingual English/Spanish required
- 2+ years experience in housing navigation or case management
- Knowledge of local housing markets and housing assistance programs
- Familiarity with housing regulations and tenant rights
- Strong interpersonal and advocacy skills
- Experience working with vulnerable populations
Preferred Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Health Services, or related field preferred
- Experience with housing management information systems (HMIS)
- Knowledge of trauma-informed care practices
- Previous experience in healthcare or managed care settings
Benefits & Perks
- Ground floor opportunity; shape the direction of a fast-growing, high impact healthcare company
- Comprehensive benefits (medical/dental/vision)
- Generous home office stipend
- Competitive compensation
- Generous PTO policy including 6 paid holidays
You must be authorized to work in the United States. We are open to remote work anywhere in the locations outlined in this job description.
At Zócalo Health Inc., we see diversity and inclusion as a source of strength in transforming healthcare. We believe building trust and innovation are best achieved through diverse perspectives. To us, acceptance and respect are rooted in an understanding that people do not experience things in the same way, including our healthcare system. Individuals seeking employment at Zócalo Health are considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
Those seeking employment at Zócalo Health are considered without regard to race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status or disability status.