System Navigator

Special Service for Groups- HOPICS•Los Angeles, CA

About The Position

The System Navigator provides professional case management, service linkages, program coordination, and system navigation for people experiencing homelessness. Under the supervision of the CD8 NC Program Manager, the role helps clients and their significant figures understand and address issues associated with homelessness and connects individuals to the Coordinated Entry System. Work includes pre-screening, completing or updating CES survey packets, coordinating assessments, making referrals, maintaining records, and supporting clients’ access to services and housing. Employment continuation is subject to funding availability. The position also supports Navigation Center hygiene, laundry, and storage services, including coordinating use of facilities and helping clients access and manage stored belongings. The work takes place in client-friendly environments, in the community, and sometimes in homeless encampments. It involves extensive interaction with people experiencing homelessness and people with severe physical or mental disabilities, and may involve exposure to infectious diseases, hostile or aggressive clients, trauma, noisy environments, and other challenging conditions. The role requires collaboration with staff and communication with courts, child and family services, law enforcement, and community agencies.

Requirements

More than one year of case management experience.
Basic knowledge of HMIS, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, and the Internet.
If in recovery, at least three years free from drugs and alcohol.
Knowledge of basic filing structure and ability to organize and manage multiple priorities.
Valid California driver’s license and car insurance.
Ability to write concise documentation and communicate effectively in writing and verbally.
Experience working with homeless families and ability to work with clients from diverse cultural, ethnic, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Attention to detail and punctuality.
Bilingual English/Spanish proficiency.
Neat and professional appearance.
TB test, CPR certification, and First Aid certification required.
Ability to carry up to 50 pounds.
Ability to work effectively and produce quality work under pressure and in unpredictable situations, crises, frequent interruptions, and changing priorities.
Ability to process information, think conceptually, and deal effectively with personal trauma that may be triggered by the work.

Responsibilities

Help clients obtain needed services, including identification, benefits, housing, behavioral health and substance-use services, employment, vocational and educational services, legal services, financial counseling, tenancy education, life-skills training, and family reunification.
Complete CES survey packets for clients who have not previously completed them, or update surveys after significant life changes.
Transport clients to intake assessments for crisis or bridge housing.
Follow up with clients in interim housing.
Collect data and enter information into information systems and HMIS, and help address HMIS data errors.
Provide crisis intervention and support, including meals, hygiene items, clothing, and crisis housing.
Conduct eligibility pre-screening interviews and make internal referrals as needed.
Maintain communication and work with the building security team.
Assist with preparing reports required by funding sources.
Attend mandatory program and division meetings and trainings as assigned.
Conduct Problem Solving assessments and process requests for eligible clients.
Support outreach to clients and the community.
Help prepare meetings, trainings, and group sessions as assigned.
Maintain appropriate boundaries and follow SSG’s Code of Ethics and HOPICS Core Values.
Represent the agency professionally at meetings and community events.
Maintain client service files and records in compliance with HIPAA, 42 CFR Part 2, and other funding requirements.
Understand and articulate HOPICS’s mission, vision, and core values; follow oral and written directions; and maintain regular attendance.
Attend meetings beyond the assigned work schedule when required; work some evenings and weekends, and overtime or holiday shifts as required.
Assist clients with the Navigation Center’s hygiene, laundry, and storage services.
Assign and monitor shower, washer, and dryer usage.
Pull storage bins, help clients fill them, audit their contents, remove perishable, toxic, or dangerous items, and help clients access stored belongings.
Help maintain clean hygiene, laundry, and storage service areas.
Perform other appropriate duties as assigned by the Program Manager or Senior Manager.