Position Purpose:

The Housing Navigator's role encompasses assisting individuals at risk of homelessness, as well as those who are chronically homeless or part of homeless families. As part of a street medicine team, this position provides invaluable client advocacy, outreach, case management, and facilitates the establishment of benefits. Furthermore, they serve as a crucial link between clients and mental health/substance abuse services, while also ensuring access to stable housing and other necessary supportive services. Through their expertise, they empower individuals by identifying and addressing the specific challenges they face on their path towards securing and maintaining stable housing and overall well-being.

Principle Responsibilities:

1. Conduct outreach by collaborating with the street team to engage, explore and build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness in encampments. 
2. Establish rapport, trust, and provide support to understand patient needs and goals.
3. Perform initial comprehensive case management assessment and develop a plan of intervention that addresses need for housing, services, crisis intervention, and continuity of care planning and coordination; 
4. Provide case management and navigation services designed to assist clients and their families obtain and sustain stable housing; 
5. Provide onsite case management services in the areas of independent living skills, employment linkage, benefits establishment, and other services as needed to assist in reaching care plan and treatment plan goals; 
6. Respond to referrals and client’s request for case management assessment and intervention within the required response time; 
7. Identify appropriate permanent housing options for clients in accordance with HUD’s guidelines, such as, subsidized housing Section 8, Shelter, VASH, permanent supportive housing, affordable and market rate housing, and other housing opportunities;
8. Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords. 
9. Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete HMIS entries.
10. Complete follow-up and retention services and provide back-up documentation in client file.
11. Outreach to community, business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities and build strong relationships to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services, and housing opportunities. 
12. Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention.
13. Attend collaborative meetings.
14. Network with other agencies, coalitions, and local community meetings.
15. Actively participate in staff meetings and trainings.

Requirements:

1. AA or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, or related field.
2. 1 to 2 years experience in homeless services or case management such as housing navigation, community health worker or similar responsibilities.
3. Knowledge of Housing Resources, HUD Guidelines and demonstrate familiarity with various housing programs such as Section 8, Shelter, VASH, permanent supportive housing, and affordable housing. 
4. Strong Communication and Relationship-Building Skills-must possess the ability to establish rapport, build trust, and communicate effectively with clients, community members, landlords, and service providers. 
5. Proficient in utilizing Microsoft Word, Excel and Power Point. 
6. Understanding of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services.
7. Community Outreach and Networking Skills-Candidates must demonstrate proven experience in outreach or a strong familiarity with individuals living on the street and/or encampments preferred. 
8. Crisis Intervention and Problem-Solving Abilities-Candidates must possess the capacity to respond effectively to crises, develop crisis intervention plans, and employ problem-solving skills in addressing the specific challenges faced by clients.
9. Electronic Health Record experience and/ Data entry skills is required. 
10. Flexibility and Adaptability: Candidates must be able to work in dynamic environments, respond to client needs in a timely manner, and adapt to changing circumstances. 

*All JWCH, Wesley Health Centers workforce members are recommended be fully vaccinated and boosted against COVID-19 .

Employee Benefits:JWCH Institute, Inc., offers competitive salaries for all positions. Employees working 30 hours per week or more are provided a monthly allowance which can be used towards medical, dental, and vision premiums. The agency offers sick leave, vacation time, 13 paid holidays, 401(k) Safe Harbor Profit Sharing plan, mileage reimbursement, short term and long tern disability plans, life insurance policies, employee parking and more !Wesley Health Centers JWCH Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer!