Community Homeless Navigator I or II

Douglas County, CO•Castle Rock, CO

5d•Hybrid

About The Position

Led by the Douglas County Homeless Initiative and supported by the Board of County Commissioners, the Department of Community Development and the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office, the Navigator will be asked support and implement the mission of the Homeless Engagement, Assistance and Resource Team (HEART). The HEART is a co-responder team that pairs a civilian Navigator with a Sheriff’s Deputy to respond to community calls regarding homelessness. The incumbent will provide collaborative support to individuals and families experiencing homelessness through case management by connecting clients to stabilization services and providing information on community-based resources. As a part of this co-response team, the Navigator will be responsible to conduct field-based assessments, have a thorough understanding of the homeless system of care, match appropriate services to identified needs, and help those being served obtain shelter and housing solutions of their choosing. Classification (level) and compensation is based on qualifications and experience as it relates to the position. Navigator I: Generally, the hiring range is $55,364 to $69,205 annually. Navigator II: Generally, the hiring range is $62,092-$77,615 annually.

Requirements

Navigator I: A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Health, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Community Development, Planning, or related field.
Navigator I: A minimum of one (1) year progressively responsible experience or training in performance of related duties such as case management, homeless outreach, homeless systems of care, criminal justice system, human service systems of care, or related experience is required.
Navigator II: A Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Behavioral Health, Psychology, Criminal Justice, Community Development, Planning, or related field.
Navigator II: A minimum of three (3) years progressively responsible experience or training in performance of related duties such as case management, homeless outreach, homeless systems of care, criminal justice system, human service systems of care, or related experience is required.
Must possess a valid Colorado Driver’s License upon hire, with complying insurance.
Review of motor vehicle record is required at time of hire and periodically throughout employment.
This position requires successful completion of a criminal background check including fingerprinting through a national database.

Nice To Haves

Navigator II: A Master’s degree in a relevant area of study is preferred.
A combination of education and experience may be considered for both Navigator I and II.

Responsibilities

Support the Director of Community Development and Assistant Director of Community Services in administering assigned projects.
Support and maintain a positive image of the HEART and its mission with the public, community-based partners and within the team.
Work in partnership with the Douglas County Sherriff Office, through a co-response model, to respond to community calls regarding homeless and provide support and resources to people experiencing homelessness.
Work strategically with local municipalities, law enforcement and the Community Response Team to provide a collaborative response to requests regarding those experiencing homelessness.
Partner with the regional homeless system of care to support region wide goals to make homelessness rare, brief and infrequent.
Respond to inquiries from, and work with, individuals experiencing homelessness to create goals and a plan of action to exit homelessness, as well as facilitate and support them in their efforts to obtain resources and services.
Visit camps, parked cars, and other sites where people experiencing homelessness congregate and rest to distribute information on community-based programs and services.
Assess situational safety and request appropriate support or provide basic first aid, including but not limited to, CPR or NARCAN.
Conduct meetings with landlords and other professionals to facilitate and make available resources and services, including housing, education, mental health, employment, etc.
Provide impartial and non-biased consultation, advocacy, and review of an individual's or family’s needs in support of successfully becoming housed.
Compile and present data to internal and external stakeholders.
Transport clients to obtain resources and services, as appropriate.
Maintain a list of resources, services, and eligibility requirements for services available to individuals and families.
Gather qualitative and quantitative data from individuals and families regarding services needed and provided.
Work within the local navigation team and other regional boards, committees, and groups to accomplish the goals and objectives of the Douglas County Homeless Initiative, including participating and serving on subcommittees as assigned.
Effectively and objectively communicate program issues and opportunities to County leadership.
Collaborate with other sections, divisions, and departments to ensure consistency in carrying out programs and goals of the County.
Provides training and technical assistance related to programs.
Presents, writes, edits materials related to assigned programs.
Performs other duties as assigned.