Housing navigator, Social Work

Mission Statement:  To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services. Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Pay: $22.50-$23.50/hour |

Schedule:

Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday 10:30 am - 7:00 pm

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…