Position Summary:

This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Case Manager 1/Navigator supports and adheres to the CCCY/ACSY’s contract with DMHAS (Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services) and DOH (Department of Housing). The Case Manager 1/Navigator maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and provides leadership, instruction, motivation, safety, and enjoyment for individuals supervised and for clients served by the CCCY’s mission to address chronic homelessness and assures the well-being of each client in line with YMCA of the USA guidelines and association policies in accordance with their training. The Case Manager 1/Navigator will work closely with the Housing Coordination Specialist, community housing coordinators, case managers, frontline staff and Fairfield County CAN Leadership team.

Essential Functions:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The essential functions of this position include, but are not limited to the following:

• Models the YMCA core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility with co-workers, clients and community partners.
• Supports state, regional and agency efforts, tools, and programs to address homelessness, and performs all related functions as assigned, in focus areas which may include, but are not limited to, assessment and diversion, case management, shelter management, property management, and supportive housing.
• Develops and maintains positive relationships with clients, staff at partner agencies, and colleagues at all levels of the organization; helps individuals and families connect with each other and the YMCA through motivational support and guidance, and attain housing and personal stability.
• Follows all CAN procedures to determine the appropriate level of service needed to resolve the immediate crisis: needs assessment, diversion, prioritization and referral to an emergency shelter, or connection to outreach.
• Prepares management plans accordingly, leads a cross agency team and supports team members and clients in achieving their goals in accordance with YMCA guidelines.
• Maintains proper records; prepares required reports as directed, including reporting to governmental and private funders. Provides any documentation requested to support grant funding and contractual relationships.
• Follows all procedures and guidelines including those pertaining to budget and finance, health and safety, sessions, forms, reports, and staff expectations.
• Knows, follows, and enforces all YMCA policies, rules, regulations, and procedures, including emergency and safety procedures, and those for the prevention of child abuse.
• Attends all mandatory meetings and trainings.

YMCA Leadership Competencies:

• Change Leadership: Facilitates, co-creates, and implements equitable change for the good of the organization and/or community
• Collaboration: Creates sustainable relationships within the Y and with other organizations in service to the community
• Critical Thinking & Decision Making: Makes informed decisions based on logic, data, and sound judgment
• Functional Expertise: Executes superior technical skills for the role
• Program/Project Management: Ensures program or project goals are met and intended impact occurs

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; use hands to type, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus. Position requires sitting for extended periods of time and repetitive data entry. Ability to conduct classes and activities, and perform all physical aspects of the position.

Work Environment:

This job operates in a professional office environment. This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets, and fax machines. At times, employees may be exposed to undesirable working conditions, communicable infectious diseases, and risk of injury from others. All employees are required to follow the preventative health policies of the YMCA at all times. The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Experience, Education, and Qualifications:

• Master’s degree in Social Work or Human Services with 1-3 years related experience OR-
• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field with 2-4 years related experience.
• Will consider equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Bachelor’s degree, three years of experience providing homeless services, or shared lived experience preferred. Candidates that meet the below qualifications without formal education are encouraged to apply.
• Must be able to work with a multicultural staff and clientele.
• Computer proficiency required.
• Knowledge of HMIS and other relevant systems supporting funding and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
• Highly motivated, creative problem solver.
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop competency with, issues related to homelessness, effective intervention techniques, and basic understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues.
• Project a professional demeanor and exercises mature judgment.
• Knowledge of community resources.
• Must be able to work effectively with populations that have experienced vulnerability, trauma, economic poverty, incarceration, substance use, developmental delays, compromised mental wellness, brain injuries, literacy and numeracy issues, and/or, other conditions or situations that have impacted housing stability.
• Strong organization skills and ability to coordinate and complete multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including telephone communication.
• Ability to work independently and with a group, and maintain good working relationships with organizational staff and partners.
• Driver’s license and daily use of a reliable and properly registered and insured motor vehicle.
• Strong computer skills.
• Must adhere to all professional standards and ethical practices, including creating and maintaining healthy boundaries and professional relationships with clients, co-workers, and others
• Strong sense of responsibility and a commitment to the mission of ending homelessness
• Bi-lingual candidates preferred

Trainings & Certifications:

• Must complete New Employee Orientation, Child Abuse Prevention, Mandated Reporter, Blood-borne Pathogens, Employee Safety, and Hazard Communication trainings prior to initial start of position.
• Must have valid Connecticut Driver’s License, a clean driving record, and proof of current automobile insurance.

A Career with a Cause: our mission and core values are brought to life by our culture. In the Y, we strive to live our cause of strengthening communities with purpose and intentionality every day. Our mission is to put Judeo-Christian principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind, and body for all. The Y strengthens the foundations of communities and families through our key areas of focus; youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility and our core values of caring, honesty, respect, and responsibility. We are committed to this cause because a strong community is achieved when we invest in our children, health, neighbors, and values.

We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and grow. We are genuine: we value you and embrace your individuality. We are hopeful: we believe in you and your potential to become a catalyst in the world. We are nurturing: we support you in your journey to develop your full potential. We are determined: above all else, we are on a relentless quest to make our community stronger beginning with you.

Effect on End Results:

This position strongly impacts the effectiveness with which the Central Connecticut Coast YMCA accomplishes its mission. The role requires that the Navigator Team Leader be committed to delivering high quality results, building positive relationships, maintaining a safe environment, and fostering a healthy community for all.

• Serves the CCCY’s commitment to social responsibility by reducing chronic homelessness
• Exemplifies CCCY’s community focus through its partnerships with government and private funders, and community agencies
• Demonstrates CCCY’s impact in numbers of clients served, volunteers engaged, and community partnerships developed