Resource Navigator

Community Family Advocates•Pittsburgh, PA

1d•Hybrid

About The Position

Allegheny County and CFA are building a team at the Engagement Center in downtown Pittsburgh that will help adults move from homelessness to housing and advance in the other goals that matter to them. The Engagement Center is a low-barrier, welcoming place for adults to get the services and advocacy they need—and where they can come inside, get a shower, socialize and “just be.” Some of the clients who come into the Center may be unsheltered while others will be connected to emergency shelter, including the shelter in the building. The building also is home to a health clinic, a behavioral health residential program and, with the Engagement Center, will be a place for community providers to meet their clients and a hub for crucial information.

Requirements

At least two years’ experience in successfully providing services to people facing housing crises.
Knows the resources that are available to people who are experiencing crises, including homelessness. Can, in response to client scenarios, identify action steps and specific resources that they would recommend to the client.
Able to demonstrate how they would apply resourcefulness and energy to support clients.
Skilled in Motivational Interviewing and trauma-informed care; and committed to promoting hope, recovery, and wellness in individuals and communities.
Respects clients, sees each client as an individual, and is skilled in establishing rapport and trust with people who have diverse life experiences.
Able to use Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Teams, PowerPoint). Able to learn the software and computer applications that are integral to the Engagement Center program.
Maintains the highest standards of ethical and professional conduct, including maintaining client confidentiality and treating others with respect.
Willingness to accompany clients, when needed, to appointments; and accompany street outreach staff if it would help a client feel more comfortable using the Center.
Willingness to adjust work schedule.
Act 33, 34 and FBI clearances.
Valid driver’s license and access to a reliable, insured vehicle, or other reliable form of transportation to locations around the county is required.

Nice To Haves

Four or more years’ experience in successfully providing services to people facing housing crises
Understanding of psychiatric rehabilitation principles, addiction recovery practices, and trauma-informed care.
Skill in using Motivational Interviewing
Understands the principles of Harm Reduction and Housing First and has experience in applying these principles to support/serve others.
Ability to work effectively in a team environment and collaborate with other professionals.
Proficiency in documentation skills and adherence to confidentiality standards.
Excellent working knowledge of human services and public benefit programs in Allegheny County
Good written and oral communication skills
Skill in building partnerships with a wide range of individuals and organizations
Assessment and service coordination skills
Approachable, flexible, organized and ready to solve problems
Ability to efficiently manage time and work well under pressure of a fast-paced environment, while maintaining confidentiality and professional conduct
Ability to work independently
Comfortable finding answers to difficult/complex questions

Responsibilities

Welcome clients and help them register and know what services the Engagement Center offers
Sign them up for services and help with wayfinding
Find clients when it is their turn for a service appointment
Sit down with clients who opt to meet with a Resource Navigator to listen, hear what they want/need, apply motivational interviewing skills--and develop a game plan for what they need that day and in the coming days.
For clients who are living in emergency shelters that have case managers, this will entail connecting clients with the case manager in the shelter where they live
For other individuals, the Resource Navigators will support clients in taking their next best step/action toward housing or other goal
Identify people with significant needs and make quick connections with those systems of care, including individuals who are in or nearing crisis; and who have complex needs (e.g., serious mental illness and older adult)
Participate in “rounds” outside of the Engagement Center building to connect with people and help them feel more comfortable approaching a Resource Navigator or other staff member
When necessary, accompany street outreach to engage clients who are unhoused and for whom meeting a caring Resource Navigator might encourage them to come into the Center
Informally coach clients as they use computers and resource materials to search for housing, set up email accounts, complete applications, call landlords, email family and friends
Share information with other Resource Navigators and Supervisors.
Document well and quickly, and sharing responsibility for supporting clients in moving ahead.
Raise issues they see in the Engagement Center and other programs and help to shape solutions so the Center works well for clients, staff and the community.