Housing Navigator (3952)

MERCY HOUSE•Santa Barbara, CA

9d•$24 - $24

About The Position

The Housing Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals in the shelter system through ongoing needs assessments, housing plans, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House shelters to help them achieve housing stability. The role requires creating individualized service plans, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. This position involves managing a caseload, keeping clear and accurate files, and providing crisis intervention and housing support services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health preferred
Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with 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 recovery are welcome to apply
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health need
Possesses confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
Effective documentation and guidelines
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
Reliable transportation
Ability to lift, bend, 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
Meet with the participants as needed or instructed by your supervisor
Conduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelter
Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Central 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.)
Provides information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants
Conducting 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
Enroll client in CalAIM program if eligible and interested in services
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 Trauma-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 Input accurate and complete data into HMIS and update snapshots to reflect client progress
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
Assist with all data collection systems
Assure deadlines are met
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
Other duties or projects as assigned
Attend staff meetings and training workshops
Provide logistical support to shelter operations staff on as needed basis (e.g. servicing food, answering the front desk phone, client inquiries, cleaning, etc.)
Perform other ad hoc projects as requested by Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager