This position supports the mission and work of the Y, a leading nonprofit, charitable organization. The Housing Navigator provides service that supports and adheres to the organization's contract with the Department of Mental Health & Addiction Services (DMHAS) and the Department of Housing (DOH) and works closely with the Housing Coordination Specialist, community housing coordinators, case managers, frontline staff, and the Fairfield County Coordinated Access Network (CAN) leadership team. The Housing Navigator maintains a supportive, positive atmosphere that welcomes and respects all individuals and supports clients served by the CCCY’s mission to address chronic homelessness.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• 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.
• 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.

• Bachelor’s degree and three (3) years of experience providing homeless services, or shared lived experience preferred
• Computer proficiency required with knowledge of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other relevant systems supporting funding and services for individuals and families experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity
• Ability 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
• Knowledge of, or ability to quickly develop competency with, issues related to homelessness, effective intervention techniques, basic understanding of mental health and substance abuse issues, and available community resources
• Creative problem-solver with professional demeanor and mature judgment
• 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
• 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

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. We are welcoming: we are open to all. We are a place where you can belong and become. 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.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour