The Youth Navigator (YN) will work within the New Haven Coordinated Access Network (CAN) system, specifically to assist unaccompanied young adults ages 18-24 who are experiencing literal homelessness, imminent homelessness, or fleeing domestic violence. As part of the Greater New Haven CAN’s response team, the YN will be focused on rapidly ending each young person’s homelessness as quickly as possible. The YNs’ primary goal is to remove barriers to housing for youth.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

• Conduct intake appointments, including eligibility assessments and diversion screenings
• Travel as needed to multiple drop-in locations to ensure accessibility.
• Link clients to appropriate supports
• Guide youth through the housing response system process and assisting youth with securing Diversion or Rapid Exit funds
• Engage youth in a strengths-based, diversion/assessment discussion focused on identifying and securing safe, stable, and viable housing opportunities outside the homeless system
• Coordinate youth’s transition to Crisis Housing, RRH, or PSH (if other options not viable)
• Refer youth to a wide range of services and supports provided by Youth Continuum and external local providers
• Attend monthly meetings as required by CAN or YC leadership
• Manage the HMIS data system in collaboration with CAN leadership. Monitor and update the By Name List to ensure accuracy.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s Degree and at least 2 years of experience working with youth who are homeless.

LANGUAGE SKILLS:

• Ability to communicate clearly and appropriately in English, both verbal and written.
• Ability to communicate in Spanish desirable.
• Computer literate.

REASONING ABILITIES:

• Ability to make sound decisions in times of crisis.
• Ability to work within a chain of command structure.
• Ability to work collaboratively with service provision team.
• Ability to understand role differentiation between staff and client.
• Ability to use effective time management.