Housing Pathway Navigator

The SPAN Center: Capital Area Agency on Aging•Richmond, VA

About The Position

Coordinates services to foster housing stability, promote community living, and enhance overall well-being. Performs case management and care coordination to support older adults with social, health, economic, and housing needs, focusing on those experiencing homelessness. Develops and implements care plans, provides Options Counseling. Performs related work as required. Supervision: Performs work under the direct supervision of the Care Coordination Program Manager. Participates in team activities.

Requirements

Knowledge of the principles, theories, and practices of public human service organizations and public assistance programs.
Understanding of current social, economic, and health issues, as well as human behavior and social functioning.
Ability to conduct interviews, analyze facts, and exercise sound judgment.
Ability to identify social issues and needs and assess the ability of individuals and families to utilize services for problem-solving.
Ability to plan and organize work, and to comprehend and interpret laws, policies, and regulations.
Strong communication skills and the ability to establish effective working relationships with older individuals, co-workers, other staff, human service agencies, and the general public.
Ability to prepare reports and maintain case records using computer automation technology.
Ability to communicate complex concepts effectively both verbally and in writing, and the ability to work effectively in an interdisciplinary team setting.
Bachelor’s degree in Gerontology, human service, or related field or equivalent experience is required.

Nice To Haves

MSW or graduate degree is a plus.
Prefer experience in social work or human services or equivalent experience.
Experience working with older individuals and knowledge of aging issues is helpful.

Responsibilities

Provide housing search and placement assistance, including identifying appropriate housing options, completing applications, obtaining required documentation, and coordinating with housing providers and landlords.
Address and mitigate barriers to housing through advocacy and problem-solving strategies related to credit issues, rental history concerns, prior evictions, income eligibility, and other housing-related challenges.
Advocate on behalf of individuals with housing providers, partners, and systems to promote housing stability and access to permanent housing.
Conduct interviews to assess the needs of individuals and develop service plans accordingly.
Determine eligibility for benefit programs and collect social, financial, and health information within given time constraints.
Provide support to older individuals and caregivers and collaborate with other care coordinators and The Span Center staff to make referrals to appropriate agencies or organizations.
Facilitate the implementation of service plans for individuals based on their needs.
Actively participates in staff professional development programs and interdisciplinary team meetings.
Attends meetings and training sessions to enhance knowledge and skills.
Prepares and maintains reports, records, and files using modern computer automation technology.
Re-determines eligibility of recipients and ensures continuing agency program support.
Counsel's individuals, families, and clients to resolve problems related to human service delivery and encourages self-advocacy.
Keeps abreast with the latest human service policy and procedure manuals and advocates for clients' rights within the system.
Performs assessment and counseling activities as outlined in contracts with for-profit or non-profit organizations.
Participates in advocacy efforts to support and address the diverse needs of the communities we serve.
Supports opportunities for community volunteers to engage with relevant aspects of their department or program, with support from Volunteer Services Staff.
Performs other duties as assigned.