Housing Navigator

Summary

This is a direct service position working with single adults in an emergency shelter setting. This position will manage a case load of up to approximately 15 shelter guests to whom they’ll provide housing-centered advocacy. 

The work site for this position is our shelter located within Simpson Community Shelter and Apartments. The Shelter program serves 72 single adults each night as well as companion animals as needed. Participant populations may include individuals from diverse backgrounds who have experienced systemic barriers, trauma, or marginalization.

Hours for this position are 40 hours per week: generally Mondays through Fridays from 8 am to 4 pm.

Responsibilities

Facilitate positive on-site shelter operations:

• Know, communicate, and uphold shelter rules.
• Read shelter notes and provide updates on clients from your caseload.
• Coordinate paperwork (as appropriate), greet and orient guests arriving at the shelter.
• Provide a hospitable environment for guests and volunteers.
• Build rapport with all shelter guests and remain available for questions and information

Provide quality coordination of services:

• Communicate and coordinate services with all team members.
• Ability to assist and support guests with crisis and conflict management issues.
• Communicate regularly with Supervisor.
• Be informed of issues of homelessness and the shelter system.

Provide relevant support and advocacy to assigned guest caseload:

• Meet regularly with assigned caseload of guests to determine needs.
• Provide support services including linkage with appropriate community resources and advocacy.
• Assist with goal setting and eventual housing placement.

Complete accurate and thorough documentation and recordkeeping in a timely manner:

• Update client-specific case notes after each advocacy interaction.
• Record clear and concise case notes of daily events in shelter log.
• Maintain accurate ledgers and receipts when handling safe deposits for guests.
• Maintain individual files, including case notes, signed data privacy, intake and discharge summaries, and Release of Information.
• Participate with site visits as requested by Shelter Manager.

Provide positive representation of SHS through public relations and networking:

• Interpret and promote the program to constituents.
• Develop and maintain positive working relationships with staff, volunteers, participants, and other stakeholders.
• Network with landlords and providers of similar services.
• Participate in professional trainings, workshops, conferences, and community meetings.
• Maintain appropriate professional boundaries in all interactions

Demonstrate essential knowledge, abilities and skills:

• Ability to work very well independently, with excellent skills in teamwork and collaboration.
• Ability to be flexible and manage time.
• Ability to communicate effectively with participants, providers and others.
• Ability to work with individuals from very diverse backgrounds.
• Ability to use necessary computer systems with competence and attention to detail.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
  

Commitment to racial equity and social justice:

• Work at the agency, program, and shift level to build a culture of equity and anti-racism.
• Evolve understanding of racism and its relationship to the causes of homelessness, barriers to exiting homelessness, and bias in service delivery as well as its impact on program participants and staff alike.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, and workshops hosted by the organization on the topics of diversity, equity, inclusion, anti-racism, and other related topics.

Job Requirements:

• High school diploma or GED.

• Valid Driver’s License and access to a vehicle is required.
• Adequate written and verbal communication skills
• Patience, flexibility, ability to listen, compassion and assertiveness
• Ability to be decisive and effective under pressure and maintain composure in crisis situations

Desired:

• Fluency in written and spoken Spanish is a plus.
• Knowledge or experience working with people experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge or experience working with diverse populations who may have a history of mental health, chemical dependency, abuse, or trauma.
• Experience in providing direct social services.

Salary : $23 - $25