What are the responsibilities and job description for the Youth and Family Housing Navigator position at Horizon Goodwill Industries?
Job Summary
This position provides a holistic approach to case management services and providing housing navigation to program participants who experiencing homelessness or at risk of becoming homeless. The Youth and Family Housing Navigator will be responsible to the identification of and application to housing resources in Washington County, MD. They will assist families meeting the McKinney-Vento homeless definition to secure permanent housing. The position reports directly to the Associate Director of Housing Services but will require effective interaction with participants, community resources, staff members, volunteers, and other agency representatives including the Washington County Public Schools Homeless Education Coordinator to identify and assist in the housing needs of families in Washington County. The position also includes coordination appropriate community services to facilitate client success
Essential Functions
Examples of work include, but are not limited to the following:
- Conduct screenings and intakes.
- Perform screening, intake and orientation functions with applicants in the region to ensure compliance with Housing and Urban Development, Homeless Management Information Systems, and Coordinated Entry requirements. And to facilitate client/exit entrance into appropriate programs and services.
- Engage in regular case management appointments.
- Analyze needs and resources.
- Complete needs assessments.
- Develop action plans for housing placement.
- Provide case management services including advocacy, referrals, and retention.
- Monthly housing retention appointments with participants.
- Develop relationships with landlords in the community.
- Maintain accurate and timely case records, reports, and statistical data.
- Manage housing program budget including Homeless Solutions Program funded programs
- Provide case management to young adults experiencing homelessness.
- Interact with low-income populations.
- Maintain confidentiality within and outside of the agency.
- Ability to provide crisis management and handle stressful situations
- Work independently using initiative, creativity and flexibility in meeting participant needs while preserving their dignity.
- All other duties as assigned.
Competencies
- Oral/Written Communication
Articulate thoughts and ideas clearly and effectively in written and oral forms.
- Critical Thinking/Problem Solving
Obtain, interpret, and use knowledge, facts, and data to make decisions and overcome problems.
- Teamwork/Collaboration
Work within a team structure and can negotiate and manage conflict. Exhibit a positive workplace attitude that encourages advancement towards common goals.
- Digital Technology
Use existing digital technologies ethically and efficiently to solve problems, complete tasks, and accomplish goals. Demonstrate adaptability to new and emerging technologies.
- Leadership
Assess and manage emotions and those of others; use empathetic skills to guide and motivate; and organize, prioritize, and delegate work. Use interpersonal skills to coach and develop others.
- Professionalism/Work Ethic
Demonstrate personal accountability, effective work habits, and understand the impact of non-verbal communication on professional work image. Demonstrates integrity and ethical behavior, acts responsibly, and able to learn from mistakes.
- Career Management
Identify and articulate skills, strengths, knowledge, and experiences relevant to position desired and career goals as well as identify areas necessary for professional growth.
- Global/Intercultural Fluency
Value, respect, and learn from diverse cultures, races, ages, gender, sexual orientations, and religions. Demonstrate openness, inclusiveness, sensitivity, and the ability to interact respectfully with all individuals.
Education and Experience
- Bachelor’s Degree in human services and 2-4 years experience working with individuals/families experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
- Additional experience may be used as a substitute for educational requirements, a driver’s license, and continual access to a vehicle.
- Experience working with families with housing insecurity
- Experience providing holistic case management services.
- Experience interacting with volunteers.
- Knowledge of Washington County Social Services networks.
Potential Career Paths
- Associate Director of Workforce Development
