INTERIM Housing Navigator

This is a temporary position expected to end December 30th, 2024 ( subject to change ).

Schedule : Tuesday-Saturday

• Tuesday 7 : 00am - 3 : 30pm
• Wednesday 8 : 00am - 4 : 30pm
• Thursday 9 : 00am - 5 : 30pm
• Friday 10 : 30am - 7 : 00pm
• Saturday 7 : 00am - 3 : 30pm

Introduction : The Housing Solutions Navigator plays a key role in conducting ongoing needs assessments, creating tailored housing plans, providing support and referrals, and advocating for individuals at Mercy House Shelters.

Building strong relationships with residents is crucial to help them enhance their self-sufficiency. Maintaining clear and accurate records is a vital aspect of this role.

Qualifications :

Candidates should hold a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a related field, along with at least one year of experience working with homeless individuals and those facing mental health challenges.

Applicants without a degree but possessing a minimum of two years of direct experience with long-term homeless, low-income, and diverse populations, and a solid understanding of mental health and recovery, are also encouraged to apply.

A high level of tolerance and empathy is essential for assisting individuals with urgent and complex case management and health needs.

The ability to effectively communicate verbally and in writing is important, as is maintaining a professional, safe environment while on duty and fostering productive working relationships.

This role requires a valid driver's license, reliable personal transportation, and proof of auto insurance. Navigators should be prepared to adjust their schedules to meet the needs of the Navigation / Shelter, including evenings and weekends as requested by their Supervisor or Program Manager.

Duties and Responsibilities :

I. Service Delivery

• Manage a caseload of 22-30 individuals, meeting with clients as needed or as directed by your supervisor.
• Conduct assessments for clients within seven days of their shelter entry.
• Assess eligibility and enter findings into the Central Entry System (CES) for housing prioritization.
• Assist clients in obtaining necessary documents for housing, such as identification, birth certificates, income verification, and help with Social Security Benefits.
• Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support for permanent housing placements.
• Perform comprehensive screenings to gather functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information to create Individual Service Plans with both short- and long-term goals.
• Engage in all phases of client services : assessment, planning, engagement, and delivery.
• Facilitate connections for employment, benefits, and community services related to substance abuse and mental health care, aiding clients in achieving their housing goals.
• Employ harm reduction techniques to offer client-centered services that promote housing stability.
• Provide crisis intervention aimed at enhancing clients' independence and self-management skills.
• Implement Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing strategies during client interactions.
• Deliver strengths-based case management and coordination to support clients in securing and maintaining stable housing.
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with the supervisor and case management team.
• Ensure a smooth transition from shelter to housing with a warm handoff to the selected housing provider.
• Collaborate with community support services, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities, and others involved in client housing.
• Participate in training sessions to enhance knowledge in areas such as co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence.
• Assist clients in searching for housing, completing applications, and ensuring that living environments are safe and ready for occupancy.
• Enter accurate data into the HMIS and keep client progress updated.

II. Team / Staff Relations

• Collaborate as a member of the Mercy House team with staff and volunteers to uphold the agency's mission and values.
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings.
• Contribute to team efforts in planning and developing resident programs.
• Be adaptable in a fast-paced environment, demonstrating trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy.
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations.

III. Administrative :

• Maintain accurate and current documentation for all clients, including individual housing plans, case notes, and assessments.
• Assist with various data collection systems and ensure deadlines are met.
• Show willingness to learn about Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments.
• Use computers and relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) effectively.
• Respond promptly to calls and emails.
• Manage tasks independently and prioritize workload effectively.
• Physical requirements include occasional lifting of items up to 25 lbs (e.g., accepting donations) and prolonged periods of sitting and working on a computer.
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned.

IV. Knowledge of :

• Confidentiality and the legal and ethical considerations in case management.
• Effective documentation practices 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.