Community Navigator

(Hybrid Full-Time Position in Los Angeles, CA)

About the Homecoming Project

Using the sharing economy model, the Homecoming Project (THP) at Impact Justice (IJ) pairs individuals returning home from prison with welcoming community residents (hosts) who have a room in their homes to spare. The Homecoming Project pays each host a daily stipend for housing the participant for up to 6 months. And, THP participants are provided a community navigator that works to connect them to the needed resources, supports, and wraparound services necessary for community re-entry. This innovative reentry housing project began in the Bay Area in 2018 and to date has housed over 140 returning individuals into homes within the community. The Homecoming Project is currently in Alameda, Contra Costa and Los Angeles counties. By providing stable housing for people leaving prison, THP provides a base from which people can begin to build a new life, save money, find employment, and reconnect with family. See more here.

Who You Are

You have an orientation and belief that criminal justice involvement should not be an impediment to employment, career, and personal growth opportunities. You have experience working directly with vulnerable and marginalized populations.

That said, we know there are great candidates who may not think they fit into what we’ve described above or who have important skills we haven’t thought of. If that is you, don’t hesitate to apply and tell us about yourself! And if you’re a formerly incarcerated individual, someone who has a family member who is or has been incarcerated, or otherwise have direct experience with the criminal legal or juvenile legal systems, we will be particularly excited to hear from you.

What You Will Do

The anticipated start date for this position is December 16, 2024. You will report to the Senior Program Manager for The Homecoming Project, Los Angeles. You’ll be the main point of contact for active Homecoming Project participants returning to the community from prison, and your core responsibilities will be:

• Case Management – You will manage a caseload of up to 25 participants. This means tracking, recording, and updating participant notes; providing ongoing support to participants including performing periodic check-ins to monitor home conditions and housing arrangements; maintaining timely, up-to-date progress notes and reports; collaborate with participants to create an individual reentry plan which includes goals, objectives, and needed services/treatment; and utilize care coordination to connect participants to partner agencies through linkage/referrals.
• Interviewing and Matching – You will conduct participant intakes, assessments, and matching. This means conducting interviews via teleconference or in-person; and assisting with compatibility meetings between hosts and participants.
• Participant Accessibility– You will be accessible to participants via phone or text. This means being accessible on a daily basis to participants; and supporting participants and hosts to resolve conflicts, as needed.
• Parole Agent Engagement – You will contact/engage with a participant’s assigned parole agent. This means contacting agents to update on participant housing/reentry changes.
• Partnerships – You will research, network, and engage with potential referral/service provider organizations. This involves contacting and coordinating with other organizations, as needed.

Continuing Care – You will ensure active and graduated participants receive necessary resources. This means working closely with staff in The Center to connect participants to resources during and beyond their participation in THP.

Education / Experience Level

Successful candidates typically have at least 4 years of work experience in direct service with the reentry population or other marginalized communities.

Required Qualifications

1. Case Management Experience: developing, monitoring, and working independent case plans; writing strong case notes; experience working in a case management system; service referrals/linkage; advocating; guiding and supporting participants as they navigate their reentry journey, while also holding them accountable for completing tasks; maintaining confidentiality.
2. Communication Skills: excellent verbal and written communication; highly developed interpersonal skills with good rapport-building techniques; motivational interviewing; ability to network, maintain, and establish relationships; de-escalation and conflict resolution experience.
3. Time Management: proven ability to organize time and meet deadlines.
4. Computer Literate: ability to use Google Suite and learn other information database systems quickly.
5. Problem-solving: High level of critical/analytical/interpretive thinking and problem-solving skills.
6. Values-driven: direct experience of being impacted by the criminal justice system (either through a personal or family history of incarceration) and/or a demonstrated commitment to serving and working with the reentry or other vulnerable populations.
7. License and Vehicle: a valid driver’s license with a clean and reliable vehicle, current registration, and proof of insurance.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Certifications: in Harm Reduction, Case Management, and/or Counseling
2. Professional Experience: experience in human services, social work, psychology, or related field; or working in or with the criminal legal system.

Reentry Experience: comprehensive understanding of the reentry transitional process, including obstacles and barriers that formerly incarcerated people must go through when first released; experience in rental housing programs for formerly incarcerated populations.