Housing Navigator

Summary:  This non-professional level (FLSA Non-Exempt) position has the responsibility for as-sisting with the development and implementation of ho housing navigation services via the Virginia Housing Solutions (VHSP) program provided by the Eastern Shore Community Services Board.
 
General areas of responsibilities include:

•    Address barriers for individuals experiencing risks for homelessness including access to be-havioral health care, funding resources or lack thereof, poor health literacy, transportation, childcare, employment and other barriers to stable and sustainable housing;

•    Build effective working relationships with consumers, helping to support, educate and assist patients to navigate the complex human services system and social support systems. To navigate these systems, the housing navigator will work effectively with consumers, multi-disciplinary care providers and community partners to identify the consumers’ support needs and facilitate access to appropriate resources to meet these needs; and

•    The position of Housing Navigator will primarily focus on implementing community de-velopment programs and projects that will reduce risk factors and strengthen protective fac-tors for successful housing first approach. 

•    This individual will collaborate with and support the activities of the Executive Director, the Chief Operating Officer, and the Prevention Coordinator of Administration to strengthen community partnerships that improve and make accessible housing options.

•    The Housing Navigator will report to the Continuum of Care, Community Partners of the Eastern Shore as instructed by the Prevention Coordinator of Administration.

In carrying out position responsibilities, the incumbent reports to and receives supervision from the Prevention Coordinator of Administration. The incumbent is required to exercise sound judgment, demonstrate initiative, maintain confidentiality, sustain intra- and inter-organizational working rela-tionships, and develop and maintain sound, quality and well-organized housing navigation services.

Essential Functions:
•    Work directly with Treatment Teams to ensure consumers are able to navigate housing bar-riers and connection with community social resources to support identified needs deter-mined by the consumers’ housing needs assessment;
•    Provide individualized engagements with consumers by responding to referrals from MHOP/SAOP, Rapid Response Team , Self-Referrals and referrals from external communi-ty organizations to assist/prompt consumers’ successful engagement or re-engagement with homeless prevention services;

•    Work collaboratively with the Prevention Coalition Coordinator and participate in the Community Coalition, Community Partners of the Eastern Shore meetings in order to build access to community resources and relationships with health, social and human service pro-viders to facilitate successful consumer engagements;

•    Participate in meetings of the CoC to ensure  viable pathways to receive consumer referrals, facilitate access to resources and effectively communicate consumers’ needs and progress;

•    Provide timely and appropriate written documentation of services in accordance with the ESCSB, federal, state, and licensure regulations;

•    Collaborate with State Federal guidelines for the collection and compilation of demograph-ic, programmatic and attendance data for reporting;

•    Develop process for submitting applications for community support services, securing iden-tified service needs, and funding resources as needed;

•    Attend in service training activities (conferences, seminars, etc.) related to position require-ments; and

•    Perform such other position-related duties as directed by the Chief of Operations  and/or Executive Director.

Related Duties and Responsibilities
•    Performs related duties and responsibilities as required and assigned.

Education and Experience:
•    Bachelor’s degree in a health/human services or-related field preferred and/or Board-Certified Community Health Worker (CCHW); Work experience may substitute for degree and/or credential.  

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:
The incumbent should have position related experience with the population served and/or experi-ence assisting with the coordination of financial support and health, social and human services as well as possess the following knowledge, skills, and abilities.
•    Aspects of healthcare and social systems. Navigation of community resources and consum-er service support.
•    Implementing data collection and reporting; data entry; and effective communication skills with underserved populations in order to provide a caring and compassionate engagements; critical thinking and problem solving.

•    Creatively develop processes for banking and tracking resources; effectively communicate in oral and written form; interface with other teams, local agencies and represent the ESCSB in a professional manner; demonstrate initiative and work independently; maintain confi-dentiality; and sustain effective inter- and intra-agency working relationships.
•    Experience interpreting and applying of federal and state rules and regulations governing housing counseling programs.

•    Computer skills including, but not limited to, Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, database management, client management systems (Federal and State).
•    The incumbent must have a valid driver's license and satisfactory driving record.