Housing Navigator

HOME SWEET HOME MINISTRIES INC•Bloomington, IL

19h•$44,000 - $48,000•Onsite

About The Position

For over a century, Home Sweet Home Ministries has stood as a pillar of the community and a beacon of Christ’s love for the hungry, unhoused, and hopeless here in Central Illinois. It is the mission of every member of our staff and our volunteers to demonstrate Christ’s love through innovative approaches that instill hope, restore lives, and build community. We offer supportive services to those in need – providing shelter, food, case management, as well as programs including Rapid Rehousing and our Bread for Life Co-Op. Now you, too, can help build upon our traditions and contribute your passion for caring for others and your desire to be a guiding light for Christ’s love to those caught in the storm by joining our dedicated team. Home Sweet Home Ministries offers employment opportunities for those with a desire to be part of a community committed to helping others.

Requirements

Mission-oriented with values in harmony with those of Home Sweet Home Ministries, Inc.
Bachelor’s degree in social work, sociology, psychology, counseling, or a related field or at least 2 years direct case management experience
Must understand and demonstrate trauma-informed and relationship-based service models and be comfortable working alongside volunteers
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Highly organized, detail-oriented, strong time management skills and ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action
Able to identify participant need and apply agency or community resources to meet that need
Demonstrated ability to confront or challenge participant behavior, as needed
Able to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries
Proficient in Microsoft Office
Able and willing to act in harmony with Home Sweet Home Ministries’ Christian values
Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with co-workers and other departments and agencies
Must have a valid Driver’s License with a safe driving record.
Must be able to provide occasional transportation to clients in a personally-owned or leased vehicle that is reliable and well-maintained.
Must provide proof of personal automobile insurance with minimum bodily injury and property damage liability limits of $100,000 and medical payments coverage of at least $10,000.

Responsibilities

In partnership with participants, determine housing preferences and barriers, and establish corresponding goals focused on resolving participants’ homelessness
Assist participants and community clients in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases and understanding tenant rights and responsibilities
Maintain caseload (typically up to 12 individuals/families) to include all documentation of services provided and maintain accurate, up-to-date case notes and internal agency communication logs
Provides case management services to Bridge of Hope participants and neighboring groups, in accord with Bridge of Hope National program guidelines
Provide ongoing neighbor training at Bridge of Hope Nights as requested.
Knowledge of, and ability to collaborate with, local social services to make appropriate service referrals
Conduct home visits with participants as needed to ensure housing stability
Maintain flexibility of schedule to accommodate participants’ availability due to work/school/appointment schedules
Provide spiritual counsel as needed
Prepare materials for making presentation to realtors, property managers, and property owners thus establishing and maintaining relationships with landlords
Proactively seek out new housing opportunities and resources to assist families with housing
Educate landlords on how the short/medium-term rental subsidy program works including timeframe and potential payment breakdown
Ensure that participant records and documentation are maintained to meet service standards and contractual requirements
Maintain updated demographic outcomes information in Bridge of Hope participant tracking database
Participation in on-call schedule to provide support to after-hours and weekend staff
Participate in staff meetings and other group activities essential for operations and team cohesion
Attend community meetings as directed by supervisor