Housing Resource Navigator

JOB DESCRIPTION

Housing Resource Navigator

Part-Time

Union Mission provides resources for safe, affordable, and sustained housing. Our vision is to be the leading agency ending homelessness in Westmoreland County.

We are seeking a Part-Time Housing Resource Navigator.

The position guides participants through housing instability and homelessness in seeking resources and funding solutions to overcome housing related barriers. The Resource Navigator will advocate for and represent the organization's mission and promote its vision and direction by providing housing, direct resource connection, and completing financial assistance applications (when appropriate) to participants seeking urgent housing assistance.

This position includes conducting assessments, providing advocacy, service coordination, community resource linkage, and compassionate engagement through housing first-focused philosophy, trauma-informed care, and person-centered services for a diverse population.

DUTIES:

• Assisting household callers and walk-in with acute emergency housing assistance navigation.

• Assisting households in developing an individualized Resiliency Plans toward permanent or more stabilized housing.

• Must quickly identify household needs and goals, connecting program participants with community supports to acquire needed services and resources for self-sufficiency.

• Meet with each hotel program participant on caseload at least once every week (minimum) to encourage and coach along their identified service plan: reviewing goals, exploring options, and assessing progress.

• Complete appropriate referrals for all qualifying services and resources available and needed for guests' ongoing success in transition to permanent housing.

• Communicate program guidelines, rules, and expectations, gather personal details, and input data into electronic record software (including, but not limited to, PACompass, ClientTrack, HMIS, eSystems, Homebase, and others).

• Correspond in written communication (letters, emails, etc) on behalf of shelter participants to coordinate care and service delivery with other providers, utility companies, landlords, or other vendors as necessary.

• Provide calm and emotionally intelligent crisis intervention, de-escalation, and debriefing in conflict, stress, and traumatic situations.

• Collaborate with internal and external programming to provide participants with quality care and seamless coordination of support.

• Collaborate with agency leadership to communicate program participant successes.

• Represent the agency and its values and mission at community events as assigned.

• Maintain current and complete case notes and records for each assigned program participant. Input data promptly, professionally, concisely, factually, and consistently into the designated electronic records system.

• Collaborate with behavioral health, substance use, entitlement agencies, and the court system, assisting our program participants as necessary.

• Participate in multi-agency team meetings regarding program participant progress and challenges, including weekly housing problem-solving meetings.

• Consult with partner agencies as needed or required.

• Other duties as assigned by the Program Manager, Assistant Director, Executive Director, or Board of Directors.

SKILLS/QUALIFICATIONS:

• Possesses strong leadership qualities, organizational and communication skills (interpersonal, written, and verbal), and experience and pays attention to details.

• Exhibits ability to mentor, disciple, and advise individuals with complex needs and social barriers.

• Demonstrates excellent time-management and organizational skills.

• Able to assist program participants in setting SMART goals.

• Skilled in motivational interviewing

• Able to build collaborative working relationships.

• Agrees with and supports the Union Mission's purpose, philosophy, vision statement, policies, and procedures.

• Demonstrates a strong work ethic and willingness to lead and participate in necessary activities.

• Is flexible, has good conflict resolution skills, and can be a constructive member of the Union Mission team.

• Can demonstrate mature emotional intelligence, exhibiting sound judgment, good decision-making abilities, and the ability to stay calm and think clearly in emergencies.

• Possesses strong computer and office skills to complete required administrative tasks.

• Able and willing to de-escalate people or situations, both verbally and physically.

• Current certification or willingness to obtain in CPR, First Aid, Bloodborne Pathogens Management, and AED use.

• Willingness to complete all Housing and Urban Development (HUD) training, Continuum of Care, and additional required training within the first 90 days of hire.

• Transports program participants according to agency policy and procedures as needed.

Minimum Requirements:

• A bachelor’s degree in social work or a social service-related field is preferred. An equivalent combination of experience and skills will be considered.

• Must possess a valid Driver’s license, acceptable driving record, and deemed insurable

• Ability to maintain accurate records and file timely participant progress notes in an electronic data system

• Ability to maintain a high level of ethical conduct regarding confidentiality, dual relationships, and professional stature while ensuring a safe, professional, and supportive environment

• Must be available to attend trainings, meetings, and community events as required.

• Demonstrated knowledge of community resources, governmental program regulations and policies, and other social service providers available to eligible clients.

• Demonstrated ability to obtain vital information during a personal interview to make proper recommendations.

• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with service recipients, internal staff, providers, and other social service agencies.

Schedule:

• 5 hour shifts

• Monday-Friday Schedule

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: Emergency shelter with required Field Work

Hourly Rate: $15.00

Part-Time Benefits:

• Dental Insurance

• Health Insurance

• Paid time off

• Vision insurance

• Mileage Reimbursement

• Paid holidays' for all agency-recognized holidays: New Year's Day, Easter Monday, Memorial Day, July 4th, Labor Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day.

Experience:

• Case management: 1 year (Preferred)

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $14.50 - $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 25 – 32 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Ability to Relocate:

• Latrobe, PA 15650: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $15