What are the responsibilities and job description for the Housing Navigator position at Albany Damien Center?
Job Overview The Housing Navigator provides trauma-informed, housing-first, and harm-reduction case management services to individuals of the Damien Center's transitional housing program.
Reports to: Program Manager I
Status: Full Time (37.5) Hourly. Benefits Eligible. Salary: $47,000 - $49,000 annually.
Benefits include:
- 16 paid holidays and generous paid time off
- Health & Dental Insurance – with great coverage and low deductibles
- 403b Retirement plan with employer match
- Free MetLife life insurance - $50,000
- Flexible Health Spending Account
- Continued Professional Development and Training Opportunities
Qualifications:
1. Associate degree required, bachelor's degree preferred in social work, counseling, or closely related field from a fully accredited college or university. Equivalent experience may be substituted for a degree.
2. Minimum of 2 years related work in a health or human service agency, preferably with an HIV organization and/or a housing-first and chronic homelessness provider. Experience with transitional housing programs preferred.
3. Two (2) years of experience working with people with HIV/AIDS and/or other chronic illnesses.
4. Professional interpersonal, verbal, and written communication skills and ability to interact with various personalities. An understanding of the social constructs that impact those struggling with homelessness and economic instability.
5. Able to work in and grow our agency culture in a diverse and multicultural setting, providing trauma-informed and harm-reduction services to persons of diverse backgrounds.
6. Time management and organizational skills with managing multiple tasks and priorities.
7. Availability to work a flexible schedule with some evenings and weekends.
8. Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Outlook. Familiarity with client services databases such as HMIS and AIRS is a plus.
9. Valid, unrestricted driver's license and independent means of transportation.
10. Able to travel within the 17 counties of upstate NY.
Responsibilities:
1. In alignment with the Housing First model, administers the Damien Center's Transitional Housing Program, which provides housing for up to 24 months for PLWH who are homeless in the 17-county region of Upstate NY.
2. Work closely with landlords who provide housing up to code in safer neighborhoods.
3. Develop and annually update individualized housing plans to attain permanent supportive housing.
4. Provides referrals, assessments, searches, placement, and housing advocacy services.
5. Works closely with each Continuum of Care (CoC) Coordinated Entry Systems (CE) in the 17-county region to ensure we are payor of last resort if transitional housing options are available and to secure eventual permanent supportive housing solutions.
6. Enter all services, progress notes, and client outcomes in agency EHR and AIRS (AIDS Institute Reporting System), and referrals in Unite Us within 48 hours of service.
7. Participate in Quality Management meetings to ensure that all program quality indicators follow both agency and state guidelines.
8. Assist in coordinating services addressing various barriers to social determinants of health affecting clients. Assist with crisis intervention and referrals.
9. Ensure compliance with Article 27F HIV Confidentiality Law and HIPPA confidentiality for all interactions.
10. Develop and maintain a thorough knowledge of eligibility and benefit provisions for public and private financial assistance, health care, and other supportive services. Assist clients in enrolling in appropriate programs.
11. Model and maintain appropriate professional boundaries with all members and staff.
12. Fully engage in self-care to promote physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being.
13. Attend full staff meetings and meet the required 24 hours of annual training.
14. Other duties and special projects as assigned.
The Albany Damien Center’s mission is to enhance the lives of people with HIV, mental health, and homelessness in a safe, inclusive environment. Our vision is a more equitable community, where people achieve their desired potential.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $47,000.00 - $49,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
Experience:
- human services : 1 year (Preferred)
License/Certification:
- Driver's License (Required)
Work Location: In person
Salary : $47,000 - $49,000