Housing Navigator

FAMILY PROMISE OF WASHINGTON COUNTY

JOB DESCRIPTION – HOUSING NAVIGATOR

FULL-TIME

JOB TITLE: Housing Navigator

PROGRAM / DEPARTMENT: Homeless Program

REPORTS TO: Executive Director

PAY STATUS: Salary

Note: This position is mostly funded through a grant from the State of Wisconsin, and loss of grant funding could affect wage rate or continued employment.

JOB SUMMARY:

The Housing Navigator is responsible for assessing someone’s needs to make appropriate referrals to services/programing. This person would ensure that program participants are enrolled with Medicaid, CHIP, or other credible health care insurance programs. A HN will manage referrals to the Housing Support Service Program, develop housing support plan and deliver the transition support services. This would require the HN to assist with and provide education on housing search, identifying availability of local public transportation, addressing credit issues, completing housing assistant applications, reviewing and signing a lease or rental consistent with the housing support plan. HN will inspect the housing unit to ensure that the housing is safe and ready for move in. Housing obtained should meet Housing Quality Standards. HN will assist the program participant with moving into stable housing which would include arranging the move and helping them obtain furniture, commodities, or set up utilities. Program participants would be connected to community-based resources that assist with the cost of rental application fees and documents needed for housing. This position will require the HN to transition program participants to work with the Housing Case Manager for sustaining support services and relocation supports.

PURPOSE:

The purpose of the HN is to assist Family Promise of Washington County in connecting with pregnant individuals and/or families (with minor children) to the Wisconsin Housing Support Services Program, which focuses on improving health of those experiencing homelessness or at risk of being homeless. This initiative will operated under an evidence-based homeless assistance approach called “Housing First”.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

This job description should not be interpreted as all inclusive. It is intended to identify the essential functions and requirements of the position. Other job-related responsibilities and tasks may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

The Housing Navigator will serve as representative of Family Promise of Washington County to spread community awareness and outreach services to homeless individuals and families based on their homelessness situation.

Duties include but are not limited to:

· Assist in daily operations of the shelter; including answering the Housing Hotline.

· Assessing needs of people experiencing homelessness

· Develop a person-centered housing support plan on assessment.

· Providing case management services to build ongoing rapport

· Providing housing/counseling services to facilitate access to a safe, stable permanent home as quickly as possible.

· Provide outreach services to go beyond those that present for assistance but target those least likely to ask for help.

· Data entry in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS);

· Compliance with all Homeless Management Information Systems policies and procedures

· Report monthly program data

HOUSING FUNCTIONS:

· Work closely with the case management team and housing hotline staff to assist families and individuals participating in our organization’s services in identifying appropriate housing opportunities.

· Provide housing counseling and budget training for clients to help prepare them for housing.

· Assist families as needed during their move into permanent housing. Such assistance may include accessing rental assistance, money, donated furnishings, coordinating with volunteer movers, and coordinating transportation.

· Maintain a Housing Directory that should at minimum include documentation of all contacts with housing providers including a corporation name if applicable name of contact, address, phone, date of contact and results of contact.

· Research housing topics, collect and organize housing information for clients and organizational staff.

· Function as a contributing member of a multidisciplinary team with the organization’s employees, deployed staff, volunteers and community agencies.

· Works directly with landlords to establish rapport and build connections with rental assistance.

· Participate in the Washington County Continuum of Care meetings.

· Work with the agency staff to assist clients on the RRH waitlist to explore alternative housing options and overcome barriers to housing.

· Participate in staff meetings and trainings as directed by supervisor.

· Other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:

The requirements listed below are representative of the minimal education, experience, skills, and/or abilities required for this position.

· Bachelor’s degree from a credible college or university in a related field (preferred)

· Minimum of one year of relevant experience

· Ability to develop a professional rapport with clients with diverse backgrounds

· Work cooperatively with community agencies

· Excellent, verbal and written communication skills

· Excellent organizational skills

· Discretion in handling confidential records and reports

· Proficient technical skills to successfully generate database reports

· Effective and efficient problem solving and time management skills

· Ability to work professionally as part of a team as well as working independently

· Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications

· Ability to interpret and effectively implement the policies and procedures of the organization and those of the Wisconsin Balance of State Continuum of Care

TRAVEL:

· When deemed necessary for training, outreach or home inspections.

· Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and obey all traffic laws. Must have reliable transportation daily, a valid driver’s license and required automobile insurance.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

· Work is performed in a typical office environment.

· Occasional evening and weekend hours required based on the needs of the program.

· Maintain a caseload as assigned.

· Requires bending, squatting and walking and may stand for extended periods of time. Ability to sit, stand and drive throughout the day.

· Ability to lift, pull and push materials weighing up to 50 pounds.

· The physical requirements include good speaking, hearing and vision ability, and excellent manual dexterity.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $42,500.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• On call
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $42,500 - $50,000