This is a temporary position expected to end October 8th, 2024 (subject to change).
Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday…
Tuesday: 10:30am-7:00pm
Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00am-4:30pm
Introduction:
The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for ongoing needs assessments, individualized housing plans, support, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House Shelters. This position requires successful working relationships with residents that support their ability to increase their self-reliance. Keeping clear and accurate files and records is essential to this position.
Qualifications:
Bachelors Degree; Human Services or related field; one year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health. Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and recovery are welcome to apply.
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs. Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
This position requires a valid drivers license and reliable personal vehicle, as well as proof of auto insurance. Navigators are expected to adjust their schedules to accommodate Navigation/Shelter needs on evenings and weekends, as needed or per the Supervisor/Program Managers request.
Duties and Responsibilities:
I. 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.
Provides information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants
Conducting 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
Participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services 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 to keep them in housing
Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client’s ability to independently
Problem solves, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self -coordinate own care
Practice Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clients
Provide strengths-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 hand off 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), attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, Landlords, Social Workers, Leasing Team, attend match meetings, connect client in Coordinated Entry
Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence)
Assisting with searching for housing; completing housing applications, request 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
II. 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
Attending regular internal and external agency meetings
Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
Work in a team environment, fast passed environment, be flexible, be able to adapt to sudden changes, be trustworthy, be reliable, be empathetic
Communicate effectively with diverse populations
III. Administrative:
Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case file, 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 (eg. Microsoft: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/ or specific systems applicable to position
Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner
Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
Physical requirements: Occasional lifting of items up to 25 lbs. (i.e., accepting donated items)
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Other duties or projects as assigned
IV. Knowledge Of:
Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
Effective documentation and guidelines
Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)
E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)
Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $22.00 per hour
Expected hours: 40 per week
Benefits:
403(b)
403(b) matching
Dental insurance
Employee assistance program
Flexible spending account
Health insurance
Mileage reimbursement
Paid time off
Referral program
Vision insurance
Schedule:
8 hour shift
Day shift
Evening shift
Monday to Friday
Night shift
Weekends as needed
Application Question(s):
Are you related to or know any current/former employees of Mercy House?
Are you also willing to accept a permanent position?
Experience:
Mental Health Counseling: 1 year (Preferred)
Housing: 1 year (Preferred)
Case Management: 1 year (Preferred)
Work Location: In person