Landlord Engagement Navigator

Description

Scope:

The Housing Navigator will play a crucial role in assisting individuals and families in securing stable and affordable housing. This position involves working closely with clients, landlords, and community resources to navigate the housing market and address barriers to housing stability. 

Essential Functions

• Conduct thorough assessments of clients' housing needs, considering factors such as income, family size, and specific requirements.

• Collaborate with clients to develop personalized housing plans, setting realistic goals and timelines for achieving stable housing.

• Research and maintain up-to-date knowledge of local housing resources, including affordable housing units, rental assistance programs, and housing support services.

• Establish and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, and housing agencies to facilitate housing placements and negotiate rental agreements.

• Assist clients in completing rental applications, understanding lease agreements, and accessing available financial assistance programs.

• Provide ongoing support to clients during the housing search process, addressing any challenges or barriers that may arise.

• Collaborate with internal teams and external partners to coordinate additional support services, such as financial counseling, employment assistance, and legal aid.

• Stay informed about changes in housing policies, regulations, and community resources to better serve clients.

• Conduct initial housing screenings using the identified SPDAT; also providing the most appropriate level of service by assessing acuity and prioritizing need.

• Attend all required training including those required by Substance Abuse & Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), Michigan Department of Health & Human Services (MDHHS) and Wayne Metro. 

• Maintain accurate data and program records which are compatible with those maintained by WMCAA and the City of Detroit for the purpose of deriving statistics, meeting federal and state requirements, and compiling program reports as may be requested by program management.

• Maintain a positive attitude toward assigned work, clients, staff, and a willingness to work with others. 

• Work collaboratively with the Manager to identify weekly schedules, ensuring schedules align with Street Outreach  program goals and identified areas. Monitor and enhance effective utilization of time.

• Actively participate in all staff meetings by being prepared utilizing problem-solving skills and providing appropriate feedback to team members.

• Assist the Supportive Housing and Homeless Services (SHHS) department in other areas of our mission as needed and as directed by management staff.

• Support Wayne Metro’s mission of empowering individuals and communities to be strong, healthy and thriving.

• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro’s policies and procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Physical Requirements and Work Environment

The physical requirements described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties.  The ability to safely operate a motor vehicle to transport oneself and program supplies as necessary. The physical ability to travel to assigned locations, stand, stoop, bend, reach, pull, push, lift, grasp, climb, talk, see, hear and perform basic and light home maintenance activities, and operate office equipment. The physical ability to move and lift light objects up to 30 pounds such as mail, supplies, files, and equipment. The ability to operate office equipment requiring continuous or repetitive hand/arm movements.  The ability to remain in a sitting position for extended periods of time. 

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services preferred or a combination of education and experience.

• Minimum of two years’ experience conducting street outreach to hard sleepers and those experiencing a severe and persistent mental illness or substance use disorder.

• Knowledge of Wayne County demographics, the needs of the homeless and those at-risk of homelessness in Wayne County and services available to meet those needs.

• Possess strong organizational, collaborative, and interpersonal skills to ensure that supportive services are delivered to eligible clients through engagement, education, and systems development. 

• Experience with the Michigan Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) preferred but not required. 

Minimum Competencies:

• Compassionate and empathetic approach towards individuals facing homelessness.

• Strong communication and active listening skills.

• Knowledge of local resources and services for individuals experiencing homelessness.

• Cultural sensitivity and awareness of the diverse backgrounds within the community.

• Previous experience in outreach, social work, or a related field is a plus

• Maintain the 10 Core Competencies identified by Wayne Metro’s Street Outreach program; Safety Strategies, Cultural Competency, Motivational Interviewing, Assertive engagement, Mental Health first aid, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Person-Centered Care, Overdose first aid, and Documentation requirements. 

• Working knowledge of basic internet applications and programs including Google technology and Microsoft Office Word and Excel. The ability to learn and utilize the necessary programs for this position.

• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

• Good interpersonal and professional skills including but not limited to professional appearance, tact, punctuality, and dependability. 

• Ability to provide services for those persons facing economic, social, physical and behavioral health, age, and educational barriers.

• Ability to work independently or in a team environment (as deemed necessary).

• Perform work in a manner that upholds Wayne Metro policies and procedures.

Licensing and Other Requirements:

• Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation. 

Travel Requirements: 

• Available for local travel 85%-95% of the time.  

Work Hours:  Work schedule to be determined by program need. Outreach shifts will include teams of at least two (2) Outreach Specialists at all times.  Outreach shifts may include daytime or nighttime shifts, and weekends.    

Other Duties

Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

 Wayne Metropolitan Community Action Agency is an Equal Opportunity Employer

EOE/M/F/D/V