Housing Navigator (Hourly/Non-Exempt)

Job Title: Housing Navigator (Hourly/Non-Exempt)
Program: CES Program
Salary: $24-$26 per hour (DOE)
Classification: Full-Time FLSA: Non-Exempt
Reports to: Director of Case Management

POSITION DESCRIPTION

Under the direction of the Director of Case Management, the Housing Navigator will be responsible for overall intake and service navigation coordination for individuals matched to the CES Housing Navigation Program.  The Housing Navigator provides services including but not limited to, outreach and engagement, case management assessment and service planning, assistance with mainstream entitlement applications and connection to employment services as necessary, housing location, addressing of all service needs to stabilize clients in housing and promoting recovery and community integration.  The position requires a considerable degree of initiative and mature judgment. The ideal candidate must possess an acceptable level of experience necessary to interact with management, staff and program participants.

EDUCATION/TRAINING/SKILLS

Specific Skills Required/Desired

1. Specific Skills Required/Desired
   1. Required:  Strong written and verbal communication skills. Strong documentation and organizational skills including electronic and hard copy documentation.  Knowledge of services provided by First Day and other social service organizations in Whittier and the surrounding area that assist individuals experiencing homelessness. Ability to work independently and as part of a team.  Ability to exercise mature and sound judgment as well as good problem-solving and conflict resolution skills. Ability to work with diverse populations and to provide services in a non-judgmental and non-discriminatory manner. Ability to maintain and execute confidential information, to project a professional demeanor at all times and to maintain regular attendance.  Ability to time manage effectively and coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment. Ability to manage crisis situations with minimum supervision and to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries.
   2. Required: Successful completion of background screening (including drug and alcohol screening) and an updated Tuberculosis Test (within the last 6 months);
   3. Preferred: Written and oral proficiency in Spanish.
   4. Required: ability to work a flexible schedule including some evenings and/or weekends as needed.

Education/Experience/Training

1. Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Human Services, Public Administration or related field, and two years of experience in social services or hospitality, including experience dealing with substance use in clients and crisis intervention.
2. Required: proficiency in Microsoft Office and Web-based programs, HMIS and any other database software(s) used to track work outputs.
3. Required: CPR/First Aid Training Certification within 6 months of hire; HMIS Training Certification within 3 months of hire; and Naloxone Training within 6 months of hire;
4. Required: Valid CA Driver’s License, auto insurance and reliable transportation.  Must be able to meet and sustain eligibility for insurance coverage through First Day’s automobile insurance policy as a condition of employment;
5. Preferred: Minimum two years of non-profit experience with the homeless population and/or case management.

Responsibilities

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the task that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential job functions.

NOTE: First Day considers this position to be a mandated reporter of elder and child abuse.

Program Responsibilities

• Provide field based/mobile case management services in the areas of, but not limited to: Independent Living skills, housing stabilization, money management, community integration, employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance use services, primary and mental health care and all other services needed to assist clients in achieving their goals;
• Provide strengths-based case management and service coordination services designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable employment and housing;
• Develop individualized treatment plan in collaboration with client addressing short-term and long-term goals;
• Provide on-going case management support to assess progress and ensure treatment plan outcomes are met or changed as needed;
• Provide services focused on enhancing the clients’ ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills and to manage and to self-coordinate own care;
• Utilize evidence-based practices in service delivery such as intensive case management, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Critical Time Intervention and Housing First practices;
• Perform housing location and retention services by conducting neighborhood canvassing, landlord outreach, unit inspections and providing support to resolve tenant & landlord disputes;
• Work closely with employment specialists at partner agencies to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining employment;
• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by the program contract and First Day policies, including maintaining compliance with HIPAA policies and practices;
• Complete progress notes on every face to face and/or telephone contact with client or collateral contact within 72 hours;
• Complete intake, assessments and service plans in coordination with client and within the documentation standards set forth by the program contract and First Day;
• Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients, such as subsidized housing, Section 8, Shelter Plus Care, VASH, Rapid Re-housing, shared housing as well as other non-traditional housing opportunities;
• Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing options and advocate for clients with prospective landlords;
• Assist participants with the actual move-in process, both physically and emotionally;
• Maintain complete client records in client charts as well as in appropriate internal and external data management information systems (e.g. HMIS), and other reports as directed;
• Establish and maintain position, productive working relationships with mental health programs, shelter programs, medical care programs, landlords, law enforcement, local officials, and providers of services and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness;
• Attend team meetings, case conference, training workshops and community meetings as needed;
• Facilitate and engage in local landlord outreach activities involving partners within the SPA 7 community;
• Maintain commitment to program-specific requirements identified in Whittier First Day Policies and Procedures as well as the most updated “Housing Navigation Scope of Required Services,” provided by LAHSA;
• Assist with outreach to develop new resources and to schedule presentations or tabling of resources requested by program participants;
• Promptly and accurately report any issues and concerns regarding participants to Director of Case Management;
• Assist with conflict resolution by modeling and encouraging positive methods of problem-solving, respectful communication and self-restraint; and,
• Attend staff trainings and department meetings as needed, and other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities Common to all First Day Employees

• Employ a strength based and “whatever it takes” approach to assist participants in their transition from homelessness;
• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times;
• Be proactive, creative and flexible in determining, evaluation, researching and resolving issues;
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines;
• Maintain professional demeanor that reflects positively on First Day;
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy towards others;
• Respond in timely manner in all aspects of communication;
• Work with minimum supervision; and,
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Physical Demands & Work Environment

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.  Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

In the course of performing this job, this position typically spends long periods of time sitting, standing, climbing stairs, walking and carrying and lifting 20 (lbs.).  It requires coordination of multiple tasks, performing repetitive motion activities (typing), and firm/strong grasping.  Operation office equipment such as phone, fax, copier, and computer.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol or drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices.  The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated the client’s use of alcohol or drugs and lack of personal hygiene.  The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations.  The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting.  Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure.

NOTICE:  This job description is provided as a general summary of common job duties performed by individuals assigned this job title.  It is not all-inclusive, nor is it intended to create a contract, written or implied, between employees and First Day.  It does not alter the employment-at-will relationship that exists between employees and First Day.  As a condition of employment, all First Day employees are expected to perform job duties assigned by management even when such duties are not described in their job description.

First Day is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.

Essential Functions of the Job: Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
O=Occasionally (up to 25% time on job); F=Frequently (25-75% time on job); C=Constantly (more than 75% time on job)

1. Physical Demands

1. Working Conditions

1. Protective Equipment Required

EEO

Whittier Area First Day Coalition (First Day) is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.  We provide equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics.  In addition to federal law requirements, First Day complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which we operate.  This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.