Homeless Services Navigator

Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp • Hartford, CT

1d • $23 - $25

About The Position

The Homeless to Housing Case Manager (H2H CM) will work as part of the Hartford Homeless to Housing (H2H) Program to engage literally homeless “unsheltered” individuals who have a history of mental illness and/or substance abuse in the Greater Hartford region. As a part of the outreach team, the H2H CM will utilize various methods to locate and engage people who are experiencing homelessness including direct referrals or through canvassing for people living in places not meant for human habitation. The H2H CM will assess client needs related to housing and basic needs, help them find appropriate safe shelter and identify affordable housing opportunities, advocate for clients, and ensure individuals are linked to resources in a timely manner.

The H2H CM will work as a long-term advocate/liaison between the client, the outreach team, and other collaterals to address needs or barriers affecting one’s ability to sustain housing. The H2H CM will assist with transitions to permanent housing and will support individuals throughout their entire journey from homelessness to housing.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (B.A.) from four-year college/university or two-three years’ related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience, preferably with homeless persons, persons with mental illness and/or substance use disorders.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills and interpersonal skills
• Strong knowledge of case management principles, practices, and community resources.
• Ability to manage, organize and prioritize flow of work, ability to motivate clients.
• Experience operating with cultural humility and competency, as well as trauma-informed
• Computer proficiency (i.e., databases, Microsoft Word, Excel), required.
• Must have valid Connecticut driver’s license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to physically navigate different types of terrain.

Nice To Haves

• Lived experience in homelessness and/or behavioral health is a plus.
• Knowledge of harm reduction and housing first principles preferred.
• Bilingual fluency (English/Spanish) preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide targeted services to individuals experiencing homelessness, resulting in individuals being diverted to immediate housing options, being added to the CAN By Name List, shelter waitlist, and/or connected with longer term housing.
• Establish rapport with individuals experiencing homelessness to obtain documents, IDs, birth certificates, homeless verifications, and income verification in preparation for housing services.
• Assist clients with housing search, application, inspection, leasing, and transition into housing.
• Coordinate with landlords, housing authorities, and property managers to provide advocacy and support through application and move in process.
• Collaborate with a network of CAN community partners including outreach and diversion workers, shelter case managers, and other service providers to provide linkages to employment, transportation, medical and behavioral health, benefits and entitlements as well as crisis prevention/management to individuals in need.
• Complete intake assessments to evaluate client primary needs (vital documentation, housing, mental health, substance use, income, etc.).
• Develop and implement individualized service and housing plans using person-centered and strengths-based approaches.
• Facilitate referrals and warm hand-offs to shelters, housing staff, treatment centers, and healthcare providers.
• Facilitate Rapid Re Housing programming for eligible clients.
• Coordinate disability verifications being completed by appropriately credentialed staff as applicable.
• Provide services in a culturally competent manner and ensure trauma sensitive care.
• Participate in program and agency training, committees and events as assigned.
• Utilize and enter data into HMIS and Smartsheet’s.
• Enter client information into the data management system, including but not limited to intakes, progress notes, and payment submissions.
• Maintain any additional client records as required.
• Maintain a thorough knowledge of agency policies and procedures including safety, communication and confidentiality protocols.
• Perform any other task that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission.

Benefits

• $23 - $25 per hour, plus generous incentive compensation plan.
• Community Housing Advocates provides a generous employee benefits package, including medical, dental, retirement, short- and long-term disability, and tuition reimbursement.
• Full-time employees receive 10 days of PTO (paid time off) per year, plus 12 paid holidays.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Number of Employees: 11-50 employees