Somali Bantu Association of America Housing Navigator / Community Health Worker San Diego, CA · Full time Company website

Apply for Housing Navigator / Community Health Worker

The mission of SBAOA is to educate, serve, and organize cultural and life-skill training programs to promote self-sufficiency among immigrant and refugee families.

Key Responsibilities

Housing Navigation

• Assist clients in locating and securing safe, affordable housing.
• Support clients with housing applications, lease agreements, and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies.
• Advocate on behalf of clients to prevent eviction and address housing barriers.
• Provide education on housing stability, budgeting, and financial literacy.

Community Health Support

• Connect clients to primary care, mental health services, and preventive health resources.
• Assist with scheduling medical appointments and navigating healthcare systems.
• Provide health education tailored to cultural and linguistic needs.
• Support clients in accessing health insurance programs (e.g., Medicaid, ACA marketplace).

Case Management & Resource Navigation

• Conduct intake assessments to identify client needs and goals.
• Develop individualized service plans and track client progress.
• Refer clients to community resources including employment services, education, food assistance, and legal aid.
• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of client interactions and outcomes.

Community Outreach & Engagement

• Conduct outreach to SBAOA refugee and immigrant communities to increase awareness of available services.
• Facilitate workshops or group sessions on housing, health, and community integration.
• Collaborate with community partners, service providers, and local agencies.
• Participate in community events and advocacy efforts.

Cultural Mediation & Advocacy

• Serve as a cultural liaison between clients and service systems.
• Promote culturally competent service delivery across partner organizations.
• Advocate for equitable access to housing and healthcare services.

Qualifications

Required

• High school diploma or equivalent (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field preferred).
• Experience working with refugee and immigrant populations.
• Knowledge of local housing systems, healthcare services, and community resources.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Cultural competency and commitment to equity and inclusion.

Preferred

• Certification as a Community Health Worker (CHW) or willingness to obtain certification.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities relevant to SBAOA communities.
• Experience in case management, housing navigation, or social services.
• Familiarity with trauma-informed care practices.

Core Competencies

• Empathy and cultural sensitivity
• Problem-solving and advocacy
• Strong documentation and data tracking skills
• Ability to build trust with diverse populations
• Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic environment

Working Conditions

• Combination of office, fieldwork, and community-based settings.
• May require occasional evenings or weekends for outreach and events.
• Travel within the local service area may be required.

Compensation & Benefits

Full time position with PTO and sick leave. Earnings to be determined by experience.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The Somali Bantu Association is an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.