HOUSING NAVIGATOR

Time Commitment: Full-time (40 hours/week) Standard business hours though some evening and weekend availability may be required.

Compensation: $18.00 – $22.00 (based on qualifications and experience)

USA is searching for an experienced Housing Navigator to provide housing support and ancillary peer mentoring to serve 25 TAY in the Organizations HOY program. The ideal candidate will serve as a member of a multidisciplinary team orienting all eligible participants to the program and providing housing search and supportive services to promote participants’ self-sufficiency, integration into the community, and permanency in housing. The Housing Navigator is responsible for engaging, relating to, and addressing the needs and concerns of the program participants. Position requires demonstrated ability to relate to the needs and concerns of TAY with SMI. Housing Navigator will provide messages of hope and recovery; and document all TAY interactions correctly on forms and/or into computer tracking systems, according to procedure. Position requires ability to use training and remain calm during any potential emergencies or crises. Responsibilities may include assisting program participants, such as driving to housing referral appointments, assisting with housing applications, assisting with access to social service needs, and linking participants to a variety of community resources, assisting in the development of social support networks and recreational activities. Lastly, the Housing Navigator researches sources for needed resources and establishes a rapport with shelters and other programs in the area serving the TAY homeless.

Program-specific responsibilities:

• Assess housing barriers of individuals experiencing homelessness to determine housing and service needs;
• Develop a strength-based/solution-focused individualized housing procurement, financial, and self-sufficiency case management plan with clients and case management team that promotes permanent housing and self-sufficiency. This shall include intake interview to determine client’s needs, goals, barriers and eligibility;
• Conduct outreach and attend referrals meetings related to housing needs to identify potential program participants as well as additional housing resources to increase inventory of accessible housing options and develop a network of landlords for housing placements;
• Maintain relationships with appropriate social service agencies, community programs, external landlords, and housing authorities in developing inventory of housing options in coordinating and handling permanent placements;
• Assist in development of and encourage adherence to a personal budget through pro-active housing and budget counseling sessions; provide budget counseling and education to assist clients in establishing payments plans for bills and past debts and to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining their housing;
• Transport clients as deemed necessary. Transportation requirements should be limited to housing and job searches and occasional visit to relevant social service agencies;
• Provide pro-active follow-up home visits to ensure stability and further progress towards self-sufficiency; this includes support, advocacy, reducing isolation, listening, problem solving, and identification of resources to assist with reintegration of participants in the community;
• Complete HQS inspections of rental units to meet habitability standards;
• Apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate clients of their rights and responsibilities;
• Provide mediation and advocacy with landlords on the client’s behalf to develop a workable plan to obtain and or maintain housing;
• Create and maintain consistent communication channels, both verbal and written, between several parties (i.e. tenant, landlord, referral source, collaborating agencies, debtors and creditors);
• Maintain accurate daily logs records, monthly outcome reports, case documentation and files using internal, HMIS, ETO, and other approved documentation standards in accordance with agency and best standard practices and as otherwise required by the housing agencies, contracted partners, and applicable law;
• Maintains professional and technical knowledge by attending educational workshops; reviewing professional publications; establishing personal networks; benchmarking state-of-the-art practices; participating in professional societies;
• Serves as a mentor to program participants, and families and promotes empowerment and hope; and
• Successfully functions as a team member, while remaining organized, multi-tasking and handle competing demands from a program of 25 TAY.

Job requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in human services preferred or a minimum of a two years in human related services and two years related experience working in a social service setting, serving individuals with severe mental illness;
• Requires knowledge and belief in “Housing First” philosophy and strategies.
• Excellent communication skills, particularly listening, mediation, and writing skills.
• Possess strong organizational skills with ability to meet a demanding workload.
• Detail oriented to complete requirements of files and contract compliance.
• Creative thinker/adaptive personality.
• Knowledge or understanding of tenant’s rights and responsibilities as well as “strengths based” case management.
• Concentrated record keeping, budgeting, and mathematical skills; ability to produce required reports to federal, state. and local government agencies and funding sources.
• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, social service agencies, and landlords.
• Fluency in the English language is required. Spanish speaking ability is an added asset, but is not required
• Must submit to a background check via Live Scan (with ongoing alerts), as required by specific programs, funding requirements and licensing regulations.
• Must have a valid driver’s license and a satisfactory driving record.
• Experience working in residential setting.
• Experience working with homeless and/or mental illness.

General Requirements, including linguistic and cultural skills, education, experience, licenses and certifications:

Experience as a youth or TAY who has experienced homelessness a strong plus. A strong positive viewpoint towards mental health is essential. Maintain a warm, welcoming, and positive environment that promotes youth well-being who may have histories of homelessness and mental health challenges, including possible substance use disorders and adverse childhood experiences, who may be culturally diverse and gender fluid. Excellent organizational skills and monitoring details focus; demonstrated ability to work with diverse populations; ability and desire to work as part of a team; ability to keep confidential information confidential and be discreet; and willingness to support USA’s mission and values. Position requires ability to use technology such as tablets and databases to document input; ability to communicate effectively in writing and verbally; and knowledge of computer, database, e-mail and web navigation systems. Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Physical Demands and Work Environment:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Spends approximately 40-60% of work time sitting and meeting with others or working at a desk and/or computer. Spends approximately 40-60% of work time standing or walking within the work area or outside the office at appointments with youth, meetings and events, also bends, twists, stoops and reaches. Ability to communicate in writing and verbally. Regularly required to sit and talk or hear. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision. Frequently is required to use hands to touch, handle or feel and reach with hands and arms. Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 15 pounds and occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 40 pounds. The noise level is usually moderate.

USA reserves the right to revise job descriptions as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

It is the policy of Urban Street Angels, Inc. to ensure equal employment, contractor and volunteer opportunity without discrimination on the basis of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, ancestry, sex, gender, age, physical or mental disability, veteran or military status, genetic information, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, marital status, or any other legally recognized protected basis under federal, state, or local law.