SUMMARY

The Housing Navigator plays a vital role in assisting individuals and families to find affordable and sustainable housing options, specifically clients who are eligible for 1115 Waiver health-related needs services. The Housing Navigator will work collaboratively with 1115 Waiver Navigators and Health Home Care Coordinators to engage with clients, assist clients with locating housing, and assist them will applying to housing funds such as 1115 waiver funds and section 8.

RESPONSIBILITIES & DUTIES

A representative summary of tasks to be performed is provided below. The employee may be asked to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically stated in this description. The duties and responsibilities of the position are to be carried out in a manner that is consistent with the mission, values, and operating principles of Jewish Family Services.

• Conduct assessments to understand the housing needs of clients, including their preferences, budget, location preferences, and any special requirements.
• Identify available housing resources such as affordable housing units, rental assistance programs, shelters, supportive housing, and other relevant options within the community.
• Travel into the community to conduct home visits with clients and to visit clients in other parts of the community, including homeless shelters and at provider offices.
• Provide guidance and support to clients throughout the housing search process, including helping them understand rental agreements, tenant rights, and responsibilities, as well as providing information on available community resources and support services.
• Develops individualized housing plans for clients and providing ongoing case management support to ensure successful housing placement and retention, this may include collaborating with the assigned Health Home Care Coordinator on the Health Home Plan of Care.
• Establishes and maintains relationships with landlords, property managers, housing agencies, and community organizations to expand housing options and resources for clients.
• Advocates on behalf of clients to overcome barriers to housing, such as discrimination, lack of income, or past rental history issues.
• Provides crisis intervention and support to clients experiencing housing instability or homelessness, including connecting them with emergency shelter services when necessary.
• Accurately document all interactions with clients and all efforts made towards client engagement. Submit all progress notes within 48 hours of the client encounter.
• Maintains accurate records of client interactions, housing placements, and outcomes, and prepares reports as required by funding sources or regulatory agencies.
• Collaborate and case conference with care coordinators to ensure that clients have their housing need met.
• Effectively utilize electronic systems, including Netsmart, HEALTHeLink, PSYCKES, and ePACES to locate patient information and to document encounters.
• Attends agency and department in-service training and staff meetings as well as any other agency related activities as required.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree in any of the following: child & family studies, community mental health, counseling, education, nursing, occupational therapy, physical therapy, psychology, recreation, recreation therapy, rehabilitation, social work, sociology, or speech and hearing

AND

• Two (2) years of experience providing direct services to people with experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, developmental disabilities, substance use, and/or children with serious emotional disturbance.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities:

• High motivated and able to work independently.
• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written.
• Exhibited ability to effectively work within an inclusive and culturally and linguistically diverse environment.
• Strong internet research and computer skills, especially with Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and web-based health information systems.
• Bilingual skills desirable. English speaking and writing fluency required.
• Demonstrate basic knowledge of chronic conditions, including chronic mental conditions, HIV/AIDS, and serious mental illness.

Competencies:

• Judgment and Decision Making - Considers relative pros and cons of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.
• Time Management – Uses time effectively and efficiently; values time; concentrates efforts on the more important priorities; gets more done efficiently and effectively.
• Communication Intelligence - Listens to others, able to communicate issues clearly and credibly with widely varied audiences and overcome resistance; fosters open communication and manages emotion in positive ways.
• Adaptability & Flexibility - Adapts to changing business needs, conditions, and work responsibilities.
• Client Focus - Understands and meets customer needs, whether internal or external, providing a high level of service and cooperation courteousness & sensitivity)
• Initiative & Adaptability - Deals with situations and issues proactively and persistently, personal willingness and ability to respond to change and ability to meet deadlines.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Will work in the office and in the community; able to travel outside the office to various sites to attend meetings and provide support services.
• Must have access to a reliable vehicle, possess a valid, clean driver’s license and be sufficiently self-insured with liability insurance in the amount of $100/$300k.
• Flexible hours including days and some evenings and/or weekends.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Physical activities and efforts required working in an office environment.
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain system of files and reports containing computer-generated and handwritten documents.
• Auditory acuity sufficient to communicate with staff, clients, and others by phone and in person.
• Mobility sufficient to conduct regular duties within a normal office environment and community.

• Competitive salary of $21.00 to $28.00 per hour, commensurate with experience and qualifications.
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance.
• Accrued Paid Time Off (PTO) of 4 weeks.
• 401k retirement plan with agency contribution of 4%.
• 13 observed holidays annually.
• Reduced full-time work week of 35 hours and early close on Fridays.