Overview

The Housing Specialist plays a vital role in supporting justice-impacted individuals as they transition back into the community. Rooted in trust, cultural humility, and lived experience, the Housing Specialist provides health navigation, social service referrals, and peer support to address barriers such as housing, employment, medical care, mental health, and legal needs. This position is essential to promoting stability, dignity, and long-term success for formerly incarcerated individuals in Los Angeles County.

Primary Responsibilities Include:

  • Engage and build trusting relationships with individuals recently released from incarceration or involved in the justice system.
  • Provide peer support and mentorship to promote self-sufficiency, healing, and community integration.
  • Conduct needs assessments and help clients develop individualized reentry and wellness plans.
  • Connect participants to resources, including housing, health care, substance use treatment, mental health services, ID restoration, and employment.
  • Assist with applications for benefits such as Medi-Cal, CalFresh, and housing programs.
  • Accompany clients to critical appointments, including probation/parole check-ins, court hearings, or clinic visits.
  • Facilitate or co-facilitate peer support groups and life skills workshops.
  • Collaborate with internal staff, legal advocates, clinicians, and community partners to provide wraparound support.
  • Document all client interactions and track progress toward goals using agency-approved systems.
  • Participate in outreach and education efforts inside jails, courts, and community-based settings.
  • Represent the organization and advocate for reentry-informed practices at community meetings and events.

Qualifications Required:

  • Lived experience with the criminal legal system strongly preferred.
  • High school diploma or GED required; associate’s or bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field preferred.
  • Minimum 1–2 years’ experience working with reentry populations, peer navigation, or case management.
  • Knowledge of Los Angeles County reentry services, public benefits, and social service systems.
  • Ability to engage participants with empathy, accountability, and cultural humility.
  • Strong interpersonal and communication skills; ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
  • Bilingual language skills are a plus (e.g., Spanish).
  • Proficient in basic computer use, data entry, and mobile applications.
  • Must have reliable transportation and the ability to travel throughout Los Angeles County.

Work Conditions:

  • This position may require field-based outreach and community work.
  • Occasional evenings or weekends may be required.
  • Background check required; candidates with justice system involvement are encouraged to apply.
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