Housing and Resource Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY STATEMENT:

The Housing and Resource Navigator will work closely with United Way’s partners: The University of Maryland, Baltimore Community Engagement Center. The Housing and Resource Specialist will serve various communities in Baltimore providing resources, referrals, light touch case management, and aiding households who are experiencing housing instability. The Housing and Resource Specialist will interface with community partners, civic organizations, non-profit and governmental agencies. They will process, collect, and review documentation for eligibility and triage referrals to internal programs. The Housing and Resource Specialist will empower residents in becoming self-sufficient through support and resource connection. 50% of role dedicated to supporting UWCM’s Housing Stability Programs by conducting assessments and screenings, tenant education, resource coordination and referrals. Conduct follow-up with participants and agencies as appropriate to monitor progress, document service utilization, and success of referrals. Meet with participants as needed. At least 80% of the participant meetings should be held in-person. Ensure all documentation submitted on behalf of a participant is valid.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include, but are not limited to:

• Assess individual situations and aid in problem solving through primary, secondary, and tertiary resources.
• Provide direct assistance and/or light touch case management such as applying for benefits, completing applications, and offering advocacy as necessary based on individual need.
• Triage appropriately to the UWCM Housing Stability Coach and Case Manager as needed.
• Attend outreach and community events to educate and foster trust within the community.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records and program documentation.
• Ensure compliance with all programmatic guidelines, regulations, and protocols.
• Participate in meetings with stakeholders and partners, attend relevant internal and external meetings, events, and information sessions, and serve as a liaison within the community.
• Compile and provide requested data internally and externally to our partners at UMB.
• Other duties as assigned.

INTERACTION & ABILITY:

• Establishes and maintains supportive, professional relationships with UWCM staff and volunteers; effectively represents UWCM in the community; develops contacts in the community with civic organizations, non-profit and governmental agencies.
• Maintains connections and network within the community to form and maintain effective partnerships in the community
• Experience in identifying, developing, and cultivating resources for programs.
• Maintains excellent interpersonal and communication skills, including the ability to work as part of a team
• Presents a professional and positive image as a representative of UWCM at external events
• Experience working on a diverse team, and with diverse constituencies.
• Displays cultural competence and has knowledge of needs in Baltimore City.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced and complex work environment.

QUALIFICATIONS AND REQUIREMENTS:

• BA in social work, counseling, or other human services field with 2 years’ experience. Could be substituted with AA and 4 years’ experience.
• Strong case management skills.
• Crisis intervention skills.
• Flexible and ability to work remotely and in-person with minimum supervision.
• Must have access to reliable transportation.
• Computer literacy including demonstrated competency with Excel, image manipulation, and remote/virtual systems.
• Experience in professional relationship management across organizations is required.
• Must be able to project the best professional image when dealing with customers by phone, in person or interacting with colleagues.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Regular walking or standing is required. The hands are extensively used to write, type, key and handle or feel small controls and objects. The employee must frequently talk and hear. Weights of up to 25 pounds are occasionally lifted. There is extensive use of a computer. Employee is primarily seated while performing the duties of the position.