Housing Navigator

If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! For 40 years, COTS has worked in Chittenden County to find solutions to end homelessness creatively; we aren’t afraid to try new things. We are looking for team members who are passionate about doing good and creative thinking. COTS offers a competitive benefits package, including access to healthcare, retirement savings, robust time off, and benefits focused on supporting human services professionals with mental and emotional wellbeing.

COTS strives to create a supportive, collaborative, and fun work environment. Consider joining us on our mission to end homelessness!

The COTS Housing Navigator, a full-time position, works directly with COTS clients, individuals and families, who are without homes or who are at risk of becoming homeless to assist them in developing a service plan for transition to and/or maintenance of stable housing. They provide direct assistance in obtaining all relevant resources and support clients in completing necessary paperwork in a timely fashion to obtain their sustainable housing goals. This critical role is a primary component of our services and directly impacts our mission to end homelessness.

Essential Functions/Responsibilities:

• Perform service intake along with assessment of housing options and barriers for families/individuals in shelter or experiencing a housing crisis. Complete Coordinated Entry assessment.
• Develop individualized service plan with housing as the primary goal, working with families/individuals to identify key supports (childcare, transportation, increased income, payee, etc.) that will be required to obtain and successfully maintain housing.
• Directly assist with completing Public Housing Authority applications for rental subsidies and all other relevant state/local housing assistance programs.
• Connect families/individuals to any available resources that will expedite their transition from emergency shelter into transitional or permanent housing. These resources might include job training, credit repair services, referrals to medical or mental health services.
• Maintain an active awareness of emerging problems such a behavioral health issues or substance abuse and recommend appropriate interventions when necessary or refer to longer term clinical case management services.
• Directly assist households in navigating one time resources to support moving into transitional or permanent housing such as security deposit, moving costs, setting up utilities, etc. Maintain accurate client records in our Homeless Management Information System, completing required paperwork promptly, and creating a tailored tracking sheet as necessary.

Position Qualifications:

• High school degree or equivalent; Undergraduate degree in Social Work, Criminal Justice, Psychology, or other related field preferred. A Combination of coursework and experience may be considered in lieu of degree.
• Minimum of two years of experience in a customer service or direct service role; prior experience in human services preferred.
• Experience developing household budgets as well as knowledge of financial literacy tools and asset development programs preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to handle conflict and crisis management.
• Prior experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to work autonomously and manage time/schedule without direct oversight.

All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provide emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for individuals and families who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Employee discount
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Holidays
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

We are a team of passionate individuals who believe in the value and dignity of every human life. We are an Equal Opportunity Employer; we do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.

About COMMITTEE ON TEMPORARY SHELTER

For 40 years COTS has been working in Chittenden County to creatively find solutions to end homelessness; we aren’t afraid to try new things. We are looking for team members with a passion for doing good and creative thinking. COTS offers a competitive benefits package including access to healthcare, retirement savings, and robust time off, as well as benefits focused on supporting human services professionals with mental and emotional wellbeing. COTS strives to create a supportive, collaborative and fun work environment...consider joining us on our mission to end homelessness!