Description

ABOUT US

The pretrial stage is a critical juncture in the larger criminal justice process; whether or not someone gets out of custody after arrest is a major determinant of the ultimate outcome of the case, as those who remain in jail are more likely to face a conviction than those who are released. In addition, the presumption of innocence and constitutional protections against excessive bail are two of our most foundational legal principles. Despite these facts, and against the backdrop of mass incarceration nationwide, jail populations in San Francisco and across the country are disproportionately composed of pretrial individuals.

The San Francisco Pretrial Diversion Project (SFPDP) works to address this critical issue by providing alternatives to pretrial incarceration. By doing so, the SFPDP does its part to prevent unjust harm and unnecessary incarceration. Rather than languishing behind bars, newly arrested people can be released to our services to receive care, support, case management, and referrals to outside treatment providers. Our services are diverse and wide-ranging in recognition of the many needs that justice-involved people may have. Further, San Francisco has been the seat of new bail reform initiatives in California, which has afforded us the opportunity to continue to grow and build on our 45 years of experience overseeing pretrial services in the City and County. Resource

JOB SUMMARY

The Housing Navigator (Bruno) will provide Assessment, Problem Solving, Matching and Referral services through various Access Points and temporary satellite locations in order to meet Single Adults’ housing needs. The successful candidate will work to provide a variety of housing navigation services at coordinated Entry hubs or other convenient locations for the client. The Housing Navigator (Bruno) will work with a variety of city resources to coordinate these housing navigation services, addressing specific tenant issues with coordinated partners and services.

RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Client Interaction:
   • • Outreach to pre-identified homeless persons and provide professional and culturally relevant support, advocacy, information and referrals in order to assess eligibility. o Screen and assess single adults using standardized tools for housing prioritization.
     • Develop and manage referral systems for clients, regularly communicating status updates to them.
     • Upon assessment, make prioritized referrals into openings in navigation centers, transitional housing, rapid rehousing, and other housing and services programs, including to Housing Navigation & Tenancy Stabilization services for placement in PSH.
     • Work with clients to prepare a housing plan that includes becoming “document ready.” This includes the preparation of a successful housing application through the acquisition of identification, income, homelessness verifications, and other required documents needed by a specific site.
     • Keep detailed and specific notes on a client’s status through the start and end of the housing placement process.
     • Work with clients to ensure they have the necessary tools to integrate into their communities. Focus on the core values of health, home, purpose, and community inclusion.
     • Maintain, at minimum, weekly contact with the client for the first month of their transition into a housing site.
     • Maintain, at minimum, monthly contact (after the first month) with the client during their stay in a housing site.
     • Provide on-going resource, case management and crisis intervention support to clients using a housing first and trauma informed/harm reduction model.
     • Educate clients on housing tenancy and retention requirements.
     • Assist clients in developing and learning appropriate methods of advocating for themselves.
     • Maintain client privacy and confidentiality regarding patient health information and comply with all laws of confidentiality and HIPAA requirements.
2. Assessment:
   • Conduct low level eligibility assessments at various Access Points, satellite offices or roving locations.
   • Conduct priority level eligibility assessments at various Access Points, satellite offices or roving locations.
3. Process Management:
   • Using a collaborative process involving a range of services, techniques and resources , manage a safe permanent or temporary accommodation of clients in order to avoid them entering a shelter or experience of street homelessness.
   • Upon completion of priority level eligibility assessments, make referrals into PSH, matching the client with the appropriate PSH type.
   • Access and complete housing applications and interviews.
   • Manage a caseload of approximately 25 clients at a time. Depending on resources and need, this amount may increase.
   • Support the completion of all required items for a housing provider’s certification/recertification.
   • Coordinate and manage tenant and property management services with third party providers. This may include but not limited to: incident report collection, review and response; issues impacting housing retention (e.g., late rent payment, habitability issues, refusing pest control); and participation in case conferences and/or housing retention meetings.
4. Resource Management:
   • Locate and obtain other support and service resources necessary to successfully fulfill a client’s housing plan.
   • Locate and obtain other support and service resources necessary to successfully assist a client to move into their housing site.
   • Achieve a broad understanding of the housing-related resources and services available in the community for clients, particularly those with acute medical and behavioral health needs. This may include information such as rental assistance programs, IHSS services, food programs, and health and behavioral health services.
   • Develop and maintain relationships with Property Managers, Leasing Agents, and/or support services staff at the sites where clients are referred for housing. o        Arrange necessary services/resources for clients. This includes but not limited to:

In-Home Support Services, prescribing primary care provider and/or psychiatrist. o      Manage/organize clinical consultation of clients as needed.

1. • In collaboration with clinical consultation, develop strategies to address client’s negative behavior that may impact their housing retention.
   • Participation in site-based coordination meetings. o          Attend monthly Operations meetings.
   • Participate in ongoing training provided by Episcopal Community Services (ECS), HSH and others as appropriate.
2. Other:
   • • Follow policies, procedures and protocols established by ECS and HSH.
     • Follow policies, procedures and protocols established by other third party providers.
     • Maintain a cooperative and collaborative working relationship with the employees, volunteers and clients of ECS, other host shelters and third party providers. o   Perform other duties as assigned.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

1. Stand and walk or sit alternatively depending on specific needs of the day. Estimates of 20% time are spent on feet and 80% sitting at a desk.
2. Occasional need to perform the following physical activities: bending/stooping/squatting, climbing stairs, pushing, pulling, twisting, lifting and reaching above shoulders.
3. Constant need to perform the following physical activities: writing/typing, grasping/turning, finger dexterity.
4. Lifting/carrying up to 5 lbs. frequently and 25 lbs. occasionally.
5. Vision requirements: constant need to complete forms, read reports, view computer screens. Frequent need to see small details. Frequent need to see things clearly beyond arm's reach.
6. Hearing requirements: constant need to communicate over telephone and in person.

EQUIPMENT/MACHINERY

1.    Operate equipment such as, but not limited to, personal computer, calculator, fax machine, copier, phone, security system, and door locks.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

1. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
2. Flexibility in working remotely at various sites as needed.

REQUIRED

1. Background Check: The successful candidate will be required to complete a Criminal Background check that will be conducted by the San Francisco Sheriff’s Department. The cost of the check is covered by SFPDP.
2. Licensing: None required for this position.
3. Reference checks: SFPDP will require the candidate to provide at least three references, with two individuals who have previously supervised or managed the candidate.
4. Vaccination Requirement:
   1. SFPDP requires all employees to be fully vaccinated, with booster shot, and in continuous CDC compliance against COVID-19. Applicants are required to submit proof of vaccination prior to beginning employment, and ongoing as requested. In accordance with the law, SFPDP will accommodate employees who cannot be administered the COVID-19 vaccine for medical or religious reasons, and applicants should contact our HR department if they have questions about this requirement or wish to request an accommodation.
   2. Proof of semi-annual TB screening.

EMPLOYEE ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

I have read, understand, and voluntarily commit myself to the general guidelines contained in this document. I also understand that this is only a basic description of my job, and it does not, nor is it intended to, outline all of the specifics of the responsibilities that I will be expected to perform. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Should I need to request reasonable accommodations at any time during my tenure, I understand that it is my responsibility to communicate this to my supervisor and Human Resources.

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

1. Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Social Work or related field work at an accredited higher education institution.
2. 3-5 years full-time experience closely related to job description.
3. At least 2 years of experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations.
4. At least 2 years of experience managing a client caseload.
5. Proficiency using Microsoft Office suite.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS

1. Confidentiality:
   1. Ability to handle confidential information and use of tact, respect, discretion and good judgment in a variety of situations.
2. Diverse Work Experience:
   1. Demonstrated respect for, experience with and willingness to work with a diverse client population.
3. Knowledge:
   1. Knowledge of issues confronted by and sensitivity to adults with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring-diagnoses.
   2. Knowledge, understanding and/or experience with resources available to homeless and low-income residents of San Francisco.
   3. Knowledge, skills and attitude to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
   4. Experience working in integrated service teams using participant-centered, trauma-informed, harm reduction approaches.
   5. Knowledge of current permanent supportive housing eligibility requirements, including HUD homeless regulations.
4. Language Skills:
   1. Read, write, and verbally communicate effectively and professionally with other employees, clients, and outside agencies.
5. Professionalism:
   1. Ability to diplomatically deal with difficult situations and people, while exhibiting a consistent level of professionalism.
   2. Professional and discreet demeanor with good interpersonal skills.
6. Technical Skills:
   1. Strong computer skills.
   2. Proficient in Microsoft Office suite products.
   3. Proficient in Google applications.
   4. Knowledge of the ONE System.
7. Work Style:
   1. Collaborative work style with the ability to develop and manage excellent relationships.
   2. Ability to work independently and effectively as an individual and part of a team.
   3. Commitment to the organization and third party mission and values.
   4. Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes.
   5. Ability to think independently, to exercise independent discretion, and to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of factual situations where no specific guidelines exist.
   6. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, report or schedule form and to exercise good judgment in applying that information.
   7. Able to work with little or no supervision under pressure.
   8. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
   9. Strong administrative skills.

Salary : $67,900 - $71,350