Housing Navigator Success Specialist

Location: New Orleans

GENERAL SUMMARYIn keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House New Orleans the Housing Navigator Success Specialist supports CHNOs housing stability and aftercare efforts by providing intensive trauma informed case management and housing navigation services to youth experiencing homelessness

This position is responsible for engaging youth in a supportive youth centered manner to identify barriers develop individualized housing and success plans and connect youth to safe stable and sustainable housing options The Housing Navigator Success Specialist works collaboratively across programs and with community partners to ensure continuity of care and successful transitions into permanent housing

This role includes direct service delivery housing placement support landlord engagement care coordination documentation advocacy and crisis response Due to the nature of housing and case management work the position may require flexibility including some evenings weekends and field based work

This role includes field based engagement care coordination advocacy documentation oversight and partnership development Due to the nature of work the position requires flexibility and may include some evenings weekends and holidays as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities HOUSING NAVIGATION AND CASE MANAGEMENT Manage a caseload of youth providing individualized trauma informed and goal oriented case management services

Conduct comprehensive assessments within program timelines to identify housing needs barriers credit legal income etc and long term success goals

Develop and maintain individualized Housing and Success Plans that incorporate housing stability education employment financial literacy and life skills development

Help participants to mitigate issues with credit reports utility arrears criminal records unfavorable landlord references and other issues which may impact housing eligibility

Apply a two generation approach when applicable by supporting parenting youth family reconnection and intergenerational stability planning

Meet regularly with youth to review goals update plans and track progress toward long term independence

Perform intakes and discharge planning in line with CHNO timeline and program model requirements utilizing a client centered approach that emphasizes youth choice

Have weekly meetings with assigned youth to collaborate on their Success Plans and assist in goal attainment Revise and update the success plan as necessary

Ensure Coordinated Entry Assessment is current updating as necessary

Perform trafficking screenings Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking Assist youth in safety planning around a variety of vulnerabilities coordinate with the criminal justice and youth protection systems as required by law due to youth age under 18 youth vulnerability APS standards or at the request of the youth ages 18 to 24

Complete Social Emotional Wellbeing Resiliency and other identified assessments

Assist participants in their housing search including applying for apartments making referrals to other housing location services and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed

Support youth in building independent living skills including budgeting tenancy employment readiness and community integration

Explain and review the lease agreement with the youth

Collaborate with other CHNO staff and community partners including case managers and programmatic support staff to ensure that youth receive comprehensive and coordinated services

Assist youth with moving plans for example help locating affordable moving companies locating storage units acquiring furniture and other move in essentials etc Conduct regular in person post placement visits mitigates risks and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention

Participate in citywide outreach coordination systems such as UNITY joint operations and youth homelessness coalitionsLANDLORD ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTIONConducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach Internet search and networking events

Maintain a working knowledge of available housing inventory subsidies and affordable housing programs

Act as the primary liaison between youth and landlords through housing placement and lease up processes

Assist youth with housing search applications documentation preparation and apartment viewings

Advocate for youth with landlords and housing providers to reduce barriers and secure housing placements

Support move in coordination including furnishings utilities and logistics

Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions

Conduct follow up visits and ongoing engagement to support housing retention and stability

Address lease issues landlord concerns and housing crises proactively to prevent eviction

Participate in community events and partnerships as scheduledYOUTH ENGAGEMENT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT…