Service Linkage Worker

The Montrose Center • Houston, TX

2d

About The Position

The Service Linkage Worker, also referred to as a Navigator, assesses prospective clients’ readiness for the Integrated Client Journey (ICJ) using an assessment approved by the United Way’s Second Century Vision. The role uses a strengths-based, client-driven approach to help clients define goals, connect with services, and work toward self-sufficiency and well-being. Navigators coach clients as they select and navigate services, facilitate referrals, and provide ongoing support throughout each client’s individualized journey.

The position provides direct client service through in-person meetings at the work site or another location convenient to the client, as well as phone, text, and email contact. It also involves consultation with service agencies and case consultation with the Program Director. The worker maintains knowledge of regional resources, coordinates referrals, documents encounters and follow-ups in electronic records within 72 hours, and collaborates with clients to create and revise individualized service plans. The worker follows up as needs and goals change, builds regular contact, identifies and addresses barriers that could lead to disengagement, and attempts to reconnect clients who leave the journey before achieving their goals. Client confidentiality and dignity must be maintained at all times.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree with a major in social or behavioral sciences; documented paid social-services work experience may substitute for the degree requirement on a 1:1 basis, with one year of experience substituting for one year of college.
• Empathic, compassionate, non-judgmental, motivating, and encouraging approach.
• Ability to use a strengths-based and relational approach, exhibit cultural humility, meet clients where they are, and encourage clients to lead.
• Strong listening ability and ability to build supportive relationships with clients throughout their journeys.
• Working knowledge of community resources related to financial stability, basic needs, mainstream benefits, LGBTQ+ support, and community support programs.
• Ability to respond compassionately to people living with HIV and to their partners and family; the description also requires compassionate responses to people and their partners or family.
• Ability to cope mentally and physically with stress from regular exposure to the effects of clients’ behavioral health issues, respond appropriately to crises, and seek supervision, case consultation, or counseling when needed.
• Ability to develop creative responses to complicated roadblocks involving ALICE clients.
• Acceptance of a wide variety of people’s problems, attitudes, and lifestyles.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to work on a team.
• If in recovery, at least two years in recovery.
• Access to reliable transportation, a current Texas Driver’s License, and auto insurance.

Responsibilities

• Assess potential clients’ readiness for the Integrated Client Journey using an assessment approved by the United Way’s Second Century Vision.
• Help clients participate in the ICJ in a client-driven, accessible, and personally successful way, supporting progress toward self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Coach clients as they navigate services they select, define goals, and progress along individualized journeys.
• Provide direct client services through in-person meetings, phone calls, text messages, and emails; consult with service agencies and the Program Director as needed.
• Stay current on resources inside and outside the region and provide referrals and support relevant to clients’ goals.
• Facilitate referrals within a network of service providers.
• Document service encounters, referrals, and follow-ups in electronic records systems within 72 hours of the encounter.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized service plans, follow up on progress, reassess needs and goals, and revise plans as needed.
• Identify risk factors that could cause clients to disengage and work to reduce related barriers or triggers.
• Attempt to contact clients who leave the journey without achieving their goals and help them re-engage.
• Maintain consistent, regular contact with clients to provide coaching and identify new needs.
• Ensure client confidentiality and dignity at all times.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time