Housing Navigator (4187)

MERCY HOUSE•Bakersfield, CA

19d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

The Housing Navigator provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness by conducting needs assessments, determining eligibility, entering assessments into the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing providers, assisting clients obtain documents required for housing placement, and providing employment guidance and community resources. This position involves crisis intervention, case management, and ensuring a smooth transition from shelter to permanent housing.

Requirements

Associate Degree in Human Services or related field
At least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs
Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed
Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
Maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Responsibilities

Maintain a caseload of 22-30 individuals
Conduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelter
Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Coordinated Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing provider
Assist client obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., valid identification card, birth certificate, income verification, assistance with Social Security Benefits, etc.)
Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants
Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short term and long-term goals
Participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery
Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their individual housing goals
Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client centered services
Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client's’ ability to independently
Problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care
Practice Traum-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clients
Provide strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing
Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management team
Provide warm hand off to selected housing provider ensuring a smooth transition from the shelter into housing
Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Landlords, Social Workers, and Leasing Team
Attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, attend match meetings, and connect clients in Coordinated Entry System (CES)
Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence)
Assisting with searching for housing; completing housing applications, request for reasonable accommodation, if needed; assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-in
Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
Communicate effectively with diverse populations
Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
Complete progress notes on every meeting with client
Input accurate data into HMIS and assist with all data collection systems
Maintain confidential hard copy files with all relevant documentation in the appropriate section
Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/ or specific systems applicable to position
Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner
Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload, ensuring deadlines are met
Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
Effective documentation and guidelines