Outreach Navigator

JOB DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Outreach Navigator

SUPERVISOR: Coordinated Entry Manager

JOB TYPE: Full-time

STATUS: Exempt

SALARY: $50,000.00

The Beth-El Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy to those experiencing homelessness and hunger within the Greater Milford community. Through our 34-bed homeless shelter, food service programs, diversion services and outreach and engagement efforts, we offer individuals, families and veteran’s long-term solutions to help them reclaim their lives.

SUMMARY: To identify and build rapport with homeless individuals and families living on the street or in vehicles (unsheltered). Navigators will assist clients in breaking the cycle of homelessness by moving from the street to housing, accessing necessary support services, and rapidly obtaining permanent housing. Navigators will provide individualized client support throughout this entire journey by helping each client develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. As part of the plan, the Navigator will identify each area in which clients will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e. scheduling appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying subsidized housing, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

· Demonstrate maturity, good judgment, and ability to respond quickly & calmly in crises and to follow directions

· Ability to interact with clients and build relationships with them while ensuring their needs are being met

· Excellent communication, organization, and prioritization skills and attention to detail are required

· Excellent writing skill and ability to write clear and concise case notes

· Able to work independently, as a team member, and work effectively with other community agencies in the best interest of the client, agency, and organization.

· Highly motivated self-starter and ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

· Perform outreach services, contacting homeless people in all places where they congregate in the geographic areas covered under our contracts. Heavy emphasis on engaging with people living in encampments, parks, beaches, abandoned buildings and other locations unfit for human habitation. Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention

· Complete homelessness verifications.

· Coordinate a warm handoff to long term case manager.

· Provide supportive services in a non-judgmental manner.

· Distribute engagement items like bus passes, hygiene products, gloves, coats, hats, etc. to provide relief to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.

· Document progress toward desired outcomes – housing, health and income stability. Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete HMIS entries.

· Prepare case-related reports including outcomes, successes and challenges.

· Provide information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy to assist clients in accessing services and resources.

· Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification cards, birth certificates, social security income, disability income.

· Identify appropriate options for clients such as supportive housing (RRH, PSH), HCV, etc. Assist with housing applications/eligibility paperwork.

· Attending weekly/monthly meetings with community partners and agency meetings is required.

· Working nontraditional hours is required and crucial that excellent communication be maintained with weekday staff and networking partners.

· Network with other agencies, coalitions, business, faith-based groups, and local community.

· Exercise high degree of safety cautiousness and application of community outreach safety guidance.

· Adhere to the standards of care to ensure that the identified quality measures are obtained.

· Supply data in a timely fashion to fulfill reporting requirements.

· Maintain documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.

· Attends training sessions, workshops, and seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development. HMIS training required; must learn the applicable and required software reporting systems.

· May be required to use own vehicle on company business.

· Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position

· Perform other assignments and duties as assigned.

· While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform the following essential job functions:

Light lifting (<20 lbs.) Standing Sitting Seeing

Moderate lifting (20 – 50 lbs.) Reaching Walking Hearing

Heavy lifting (>50 lbs.) Bending Climbing Talking

Driving Repetitive Motion Push/Pulling

Other, specify:

The work environment is primarily representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.

Potential exposure to waste and bodily fluids

Potential allergenic and/or irritant conditions

Frequent exposure to weather and outdoor conditions.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

· Bachelor's degree in human services; MA preferred

· Experience working with persons with MH and/or SUD

· Experience working with homeless or other disadvantaged population

· Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and related software.

· Experience working with the homeless population

· Must be proficient with PCs and Microsoft Office Word & Outlook

· Understanding of Housing First philosophy

· Training in harm reduction, motivation interviewing, de-escalation techniques

Beth-El Center, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.47 per hour

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $50,000