Housing Placement Housing Navigator

Saint Francis House Inc • Boston, MA

3d • $23 - $26 • Hybrid

About The Position

St. Francis House is the State’s largest provider of day services supporting people who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, we compassionately welcome nearly 500+ adults through our doors every day who are seeking a safe and dignified refuge and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Our holistic approach allows us to deepen our impact by offering integrated programing that helps our guests achieve stability in the areas of housing, income, and behavioral health. Joining our team would provide you a dynamic opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of providers dedicated to solving this public health crisis.

Requirements

• Ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude and positive regard when working with individuals with complex needs.
• Creative problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting.
• Strong communication and advocacy skills: both verbal and writing.
• Proficiency in English.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.
• Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail.
• Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software.
• Ability to function well in a fast-pace and stressful environment.
• Basic understanding of and commitment to taking a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach.
• Working knowledge of Social Security disability programs and other public benefits’ eligibility criteria, application processes and documentation requirements.
• High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years of experience in human services required.
• Experience in a Social Services setting with working knowledge of coordinated care planning/ housing case management service delivery required.
• Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for homeless persons in Boston.
• Familiarity with the homeless population and desire to work with vulnerable populations.
• Tech savvy around internet search, online applications, databases, online documentation.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in human services field preferred.

Responsibilities

• Triages guests to determine their immediate needs in order to ensure housing readiness including support with obtaining vital documents, benefits and entitlement eligibility, substance use, medical and mental health needs, etc.
• Works closely with Housing Assessor and CoC partners to ensure on-going communication about referrals, case assignments, and housing plans.
• Provides individualized support by helping each guest develop a plan to address their barriers to housing, increase their income, maintain, and sustain permanent housing.
• Networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintain a presence at community housing resource meetings.
• Builds strong relationships with community partners to broaden housing search opportunities.
• Maintains a relationship with existing property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those willing to house SFH guests.
• Establishes, updates, maintains and communicates a list of available housing opportunities on a regular basis.
• Acts as mediator with landlords, advocating on behalf of clients as needed to ensure successful partnership and lease compliance.
• Assists guests in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities and supporting throughout lease up process including coordination of moving arrangements and establishing utilities.
• Hosts workshops for guests on topics such as roommate share, weekly rentals, sober housing, maintaining a unit, community integration, etc.
• Hosts information sessions for landlords regarding supportive services, incentive programs, and community partnership.
• Maintains timely and accurate documentation within the HMIS guest database system. Prepares related reports including but not limited to: outcomes, successes, etc.
• Remains up to date on landlord /tenant rights and all relevant local, state, and federal laws in order to appropriately advocate and intervene on behalf of clients.
• Consistently meets all agency and CoC assigned outcome goals with respect to housing efforts, number of people served, and exited to permanent housing.
• Works closely with guests, internal staff, as well as community providers, to ensure a realistic and manageable housing plan.
• Attend all required meetings with providers, potential guests and potential landlords both on-site at SFH and in the community.
• Adheres to agency code of conduct.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Up to 90% of individual insurance premiums paid for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care health insurance & Altus dental insurance
• 4 weeks of vacation
• 13 holidays recognized per year
• employer – paid life & disability insurance
• a vested 403b retirement with 5% match

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: High school or GED