Housing Focused Shelter Navigator

The Mustard SEED Society•Edmonton, AB

22h•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator works closely with the day-to-day guidance of the Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor and Shelter Manager to intentionally engage shelter users and other vulnerable populations to expedite orderly move outs. This role works with the most vulnerable and/or chronic Community Members to assist them to move out of the Mustard Seed Shelter in an organized manner. The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator will walk alongside The Mustard Seed community members utilizing the shelter, who have experienced significant trauma and barriers to housing, food, and other basic needs. Housing support will be provided by connecting clients with internal and external resources to divert them as soon as possible from the shelter and ensure they are sustainably housed. The Housing Focused Shelter Navigator fulfills the mission of The Mustard Seed by maintaining a high level of professionalism and respect for all who enter the building and neighborhood. Crisis intervention, meaningful conversations, case management and conflict resolution are daily occurrences for this role.

Requirements

1 year experience working with a marginalized population;
Experience working within the culture of the inner city and/or with the less fortunate;
Ability to work independently and under the direction of Housing Focused Shelter Navigator Supervisor;
Demonstrated passion to be involved in ending homelessness in Alberta is essential;
Ability to follow organizational protocols of front-line programs to completion;
Ability to multi-task and demonstrate organizational skills with shifting priorities;
A self-starter with the ability to work in a cross-functional team;
Effective written and verbal communication conflict resolution skills;
Demonstrated intermediate-level computer skills, including proficiency in email communication tools (such as Microsoft Outlook) and Microsoft Office applications, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint;
Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications, with familiarity with CCMS database systems, the ETO Case Management Tool, SPDAT Assessment Tool, and FDARP;
Possession of a Class 5 driver’s license, and access to a reliable vehicle with $2 million liability insurance.

Nice To Haves

Experience in case management and advocacy is considered an asset;
Experience working in a volunteer-based organization is considered an asset;
Customer service experience an asset;

Responsibilities

Act as the first point of contact for community members seeking support and provide excellent service that promotes dignity, kindness, and equity for all;
Through a person- centered approach, encourage community members to seek resources and services that support them in achieving their goals
Meet with vulnerable, elderly or community members with disabilities, to assess and assist in moving them into more appropriate accommodation expeditiously;
Coordinate orderly move-outs with appropriate agencies;
Make referrals and applications to outside agencies and internal programs as appropriate;
Meet all requirements outlined in the Housing Focused Shelter Navigators Grant;
Support the preparation of administrative tasks necessary to secure housing, such as connection to income, identification, and housing needs assessment;
Support in the execution of securing housing such as housing search, apartment viewing, landlord engagement and move in;
Be a supportive and proactive member of the team, including volunteers and other visitors;
Enforce shelter rules, expectations, and suspensions with community members when necessary;
Respond quickly to individuals in crisis, including but not limited to physical or mental health concerns, anger and aggression, and interpersonal crises. Must identify the crisis, minimize the harm to the individual and others, use de-escalation skills and assist the individual to explore healthy alternative options;
Adhere to the privacy and confidentiality standards as outlined by POPA and the Health Information Act;
Use case management tools to help shelter/drop-in participants work on short-term and long-term goals in relation to housing;
Model healthy relationships with community members and volunteers through active listening, advising, providing appropriate referrals and being open to spiritual conversations;
Take initiative and use critical thinking to assess situations and make appropriate decisions to support community members;
Practice conflict resolution and facilitate reconciliatory conversations
Participate in staff training (including POPA, First aid, NVCI, and SafeTALK), attend staff meetings, and have one-on-one check-in meetings with supervisor;
Collect data and outcomes and maintain accurate client records using FDARP;
Submitted reports both monthly and quarterly on data and outcomes to track housing goals;
Submit incident reports when necessary;
Respect proper boundaries with community members.