Veteran Services Housing Navigator

TRANSITION PROJECTS INC•Portland, OR

1d•$29 - $29•Onsite

About The Position

The Veteran Services Housing Navigator works collaboratively with the VA’s HUD-VASH teams and Transition Projects’ Supportive Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) team to assist veterans experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness. This position supports participants from screening through permanent housing placement and provides continued support until a HUD-VASH case manager assumes responsibility for ongoing case management. Responsibilities include coordinating housing services, assisting participants in securing housing, and maintaining relationships with landlords and community partners.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a related field -OR- 2 years work experience in social services required.
Ability to collaborate with program staff, landlords, property managers, and community agencies to develop and provide services, advocate for participants, and support housing stability.
Ability to develop and maintain positive, long-term relationships with landlords and property managers.
Knowledge of mental health, substance use disorder, crisis response, and community-based health and social service resources.
Ability to provide mediation between agencies, participants, and property and building managers.
Demonstrated understanding of the issues surrounding homelessness, substance use disorders, domestic violence, and sexual assault.
Demonstrated knowledge of services available to assist veterans.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to maintain accurate and comprehensive participant records and use standard computer programs and electronic data systems.
Demonstrated ability to prepare accurate and comprehensive statistical and narrative reports.
Valid driver’s license, liability insurability and possession of reliable transportation, or otherwise capable of responsive off-premises mobility.

Nice To Haves

Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred.
Applicants who are themselves veterans will receive priority consideration.

Responsibilities

Conduct outreach, assess, and engage veterans experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of homelessness to determine eligibility for services.
Identify, locate, and coordinate delivery of services for participants.
Provide services through home visits, office appointments, and visits in the community.
Coordinate outreach and service delivery with VA Medical Center staff and HUD-VASH partners.
Conduct housing consultations with program participants and assist in the development of housing stability plans with participants.
Provide education, guidance, and resources to program participants to support their housing search and retention.
Develop and maintain housing databases to support participants’ housing searches and placement.
Coordinate directly with local housing authorities and participants to complete and submit HUD-VASH applications.
Coordinate the placement of program participants into housing and work cooperatively with the housing inspector to ensure that all units pass inspection.
Serve as the primary point of contact for participants following housing placement and conduct monthly check-ins until a HUD-VASH case manager assumes responsibility for ongoing case management.
Maintain accurate, updated, and comprehensive participant files.
Maintain accurate and updated documentation of services in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
Conduct informational meetings with landlords, property management companies, and community partners, and develop and maintain these relationships to expand permanent housing opportunities for veterans.
Stay informed about best practices and emerging trends in homeless services, affordable housing, and permanent housing.
Educate staff and program participants of landlord retention, landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, and housing development/operating models relevant to homeless services.
Maintain participant confidentiality and perform job responsibilities in accordance with the rules and regulations of Transition Projects, the Department of Veterans Affairs, SSVF, VA Medical Center, and HUD-VASH.
Provide written program participant success stories and board report materials to the supervisor.
Attend all required meetings with SSVF, VA Medical Center, HUD-VASH, and community partners.
Perform all other duties as assigned.
Acquire First Aid/CPR/AED certification within 30 days of hire and be retested biannually thereafter throughout employment.
Complete Bloodborne Pathogens and Narcan Training within 30 days of hire and be retested annually thereafter throughout employment.
Demonstrate effective communication skills by conveying necessary information accurately, listening effectively, and asking questions when clarification is needed.
Demonstrate reliability by being present at work as scheduled, arriving and leaving on time and taking breaks in expected time frames.
Interact effectively with people of diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, cultural backgrounds, and sexual orientations and treat each individual with respect and dignity.