Housing Navigator

Description

Job Summary: The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals in the shelter system through ongoing needs assessments, housing plans, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House shelters to help them achieve housing stability. The role requires creating individualized service plans, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. This position involves managing a caseload, keeping clear and accurate files, and providing crisis intervention and housing support services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client/Service Delivery

• Maintain a caseload of 22-30 individuals
• Meet with the participants as needed or instructed by your supervisor
• Conduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelter
• Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Central Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing provider
• Assist client obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., valid identification card, birth certificate, income verification, assistance with Social Security Benefits, etc.)
• Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants
• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short-term and long-term goals
• Participate in all stages of client service: assessment, service planning, engagement, and delivery
• Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their individual housing goals
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered services
• Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client's ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care
• Practice Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clients
• Provide strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management team
• Provide warm handoff to selected housing provider ensuring a smooth transition from the shelter into housing
• Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Landlords, Social Workers, and Leasing Team
• Attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, attend match meetings, and connect clients in Coordinated Entry System (CES)
• Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence)
• Assist with searching for housing; completing housing applications, requests for reasonable accommodation, if needed; assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-in
• Input accurate and complete data into HMIS and update snapshots to reflect client progress

Team/Staff Relations

• Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
• Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
• Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations

Administration

• Keep accurate, up-to-date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
• Assist with all data collection systems
• Assure deadlines are met
• Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
• Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to position
• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner
• Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
• Effective documentation and guidelines

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster Eng_Es.pdf)

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.

Qualifications

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field
• At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health
• Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low-income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and recovery are welcome to apply
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs

General

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Salary : $22