Youth Navigator

Job Title: Youth Navigator (Full Time)

Summary: The Youth Navigator will assist homeless youth (18 – 24 years old) in navigating the Homeless Crisis Response System, with the goal of moving into permanent housing as quickly as possible. This will be done by working closely with partner agencies (Case Managers and Program Directors), Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), prospective landlords, partner landlords, and program participants. The Youth Housing Cross Systems Navigator will also work closely with the Community Action Committee Diversion Fund team to ensure flexible funds are distributed and partnerships are built to remove barriers for youth when accessing stable housing. This position will be hybrid, working both onsite and engaging in direct outreach with youth and young adults.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct regular in-reach and outreach with youth and young adults, educating participants on available services, screening for diversion, enrolling them in CHAMP.
• Complete all necessary documentation and intake forms, and supporting connections to case management, shelter, and housing options.
• Support participants in maintaining their health and safety.
• Assess all youth households for mainstream benefits and supportive services available to support eligible individuals through their transition into housing.
• Work with clients to create individualized, strength-based plans addressing housing, employment, income, healthcare, legal aid, harm reduction, and other essential services.
• Provide advocacy and support to help youth and young adults achieve self-sufficiency and well-being.
• Collaborate with external agencies, community partners, and any necessary service providers to meet participant goals and needs.
• Maintain accurate records in HMIS, and internal systems, tracking housing placements, case notes, program outcomes, and client needs.
• Document service referrals, consent forms, and reasonable modification requests in keeping with all program and contract needs.
• Utilize de-escalation skills, a trauma-informed approach, and other best practices to work with participants to diffuse or resolve escalated situations.
• Assist in individual crisis response, interpersonal conflicts, and other emergencies that may arise.
• Work with partner agencies and other Cross System Youth Navigators team to support program participants in completing applications and applying for supportive documentation to accompany admissions applications.
• Assist with creating, maintaining, and updating landlord/housing list with detailed information to assist in matching program participants with suitable housing options.
• Participate in all requirements of the YHDP policy and procedure, including, but not limited to, completing all training, documentation, and tasks assigned.
• Attend and participate in all required meetings, work professionally and collaboratively with all CAC/Knox Pride team members, participants and stakeholders.

· Contribute and implement pertinent YHDP strategies to engage community stakeholders in addressing and ending youth homelessness.

· Assist Youth WINS and YAB members in coordinating community events and bi-weekly YAB meetings.

· Provide ongoing support to the YAB members, Youth WINS staff and community partners.

• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge and Abilities:

· Lived experience with homelessness, housing insecurity, and/or mental health and substance use challenges.

• Extensive knowledge of community resources related to services to the homeless population.
• Ability to prepare accurate reports and plans.
• Must be computer literate and familiar with common computer word processing, spreadsheet, and database software.
• Must have a reliable automobile, valid driver’s license and insurance for daily use (mileage reimbursed).
• Knowledge of counseling and case management methods and skills.
• Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing.
• Ability to evaluate situations and make decisions.
• Ability to teach and model problem solving.
• Ability to ascertain facts by personal contact, observation, and the examination of records.
• Ability to write accurate reports, business correspondence, and plans and procedures.

Education and Experience: High School Diploma/ HiSet or two years’ experience in a related field. An equivalent combination of related work experience and training may be substituted for the education requirement.

Preferred Qualifications: High School Diploma/ HiSet and two years related work experience.

Annual Salary: Skill Level 7, Step 4 $36,640.50 ($18.79 hr.)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $36,640.50 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $36,641