Wellness Navigator: Soledad

Step Up•Salinas, CA

2d•Onsite

About The Position

The Wellness Navigator (WN) will provide on-site engagement and peer support services that promote socialization, recovery, wellness, self-advocacy, development of natural support, and maintenance of community living skills to a caseload of up to 20 residents, placed at the City of Soledad’s Emergency Shelter Modular units. The WN will be a member of an existing case management new team formed to expand Step Up’s successful transitional housing program in Soledad. All members receiving services experience chronic homelessness and co-occurring challenges.

Requirements

Strong engagement and relationship-building skills with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and co-occurring disorders.
Knowledge of trauma-informed care, recovery-oriented services, and Housing First principles.
Ability to de-escalate crises and respond appropriately in high-stress situations.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Ability to maintain professional boundaries while providing peer-based support.
Experience with documentation and data entry in systems such as HMIS and Welligent.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a multidisciplinary team.
Organizational and time management skills with ability to prioritize tasks effectively.
Knowledge of community resources, benefits, and supportive services.
Ability to support clients in developing independent living skills, self-advocacy, and wellness goals.
Basic proficiency in Microsoft Office programs including Outlook, Word, and Excel.
Cultural sensitivity and ability to work with diverse populations.
Strong observation skills and ability to identify behavioral health or housing stability concerns early.
Reliable transportation and ability to conduct field-based/community work.
A minimum of 1-year Wellness Specialist experience working with homeless adults diagnosed with a mental illness in community settings.
Ability to work as a part of a team is crucial.
Knowledge of Microsoft Office is essential.
Must have own transportation and current California driver's license and insurance with good driving record.

Responsibilities

As part of the treatment team, the WN assists residents to identify and achieve their goals on the Individual Service Plan.
Meets with assigned residents individually through regular room visits to provide peer support services and interventions, to review progress toward goals and ensure housing stability.
Use personal experience to coach residents on independent living skills, relapse prevention planning, and the acquisition of skills needed to manage symptoms of their mental illness.
Utilize community resources to support resident’s vocational choices and assist with overcoming job-related anxiety and choosing positions that match their strengths to transition to work.
Assist clients in building social skills that will enhance employment opportunities and job retention.
Models effective coping techniques, self-advocacy skills and self-help strategies and facilitate linkages to life skills groups and community-based recreational opportunities.
Monitor residents for warning signs of de-compensation and crisis, and coordinate with the treatment team to respond accordingly.
Responsible for documenting all services provided and submitting paperwork in a timely and accurate manner.
Utilize HMIS and Welligent Databases for entering all pertinent tenant updates/encounters, and document all services provided.
Enter all demographic data into HMIS. Includes updates to changes in income and any demographic domain. Entries and exits.
Participate in the lease-up process. Enter vacancies into HMIS and receive referrals through the Coordinated Entry System (CES) if applicable.
Work collaboratively with other members of the team to support residents, effectively perform their assigned job duties and contribute to the program's goals and objectives of client’s housing and income stability.
Attend staff meetings, supervision and training as required.