Housing Navigator (6571)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Payrate: $23.00 - $25.00/ Hour | Schedule: Tuesday - Saturday 9:00 AM - 5:30 PM

Reports to: Housing Navigation Supervisor

Department: Emergency Services

Region: Maricopa County

Job Summary: The Housing Navigator is responsible for providing case management support through conducting intakes, needs assessments, housing plans, creating and maintaining up-to-date case notes, maintaining clients’ physical files, submitting referrals, and advocating for clients at our Senior Bridge program to help achieve housing stability. This pivotal role models trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and client-centered strategies.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Service Delivery

• Maintain a caseload of 20-30 clients

• Meet with each client on your caseload once a week and case note engagement along with services provided

• Meet with newly intaked clients within 24 hours of enrollment into program

• Assist clients with obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., vital documents, income verification, proof of housing voucher or acceptance into housing documentation, etc.)

• Provide resources and submit HMIS referrals for additional services

• Conduct comprehensive assessments to collect relative, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational and health information as appropriate to develop a housing plan that includes short- and long-term goals

• Collaborate in all stages of client services including intake, assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery

• Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, links to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, along with other services needed to assist clients in reaching their housing goals

• Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client centered services

• Provide crisis intervention and de-escalation to assist clients in enhancing their ability to problem solve

• Assist clients with life skills, problem solving, utilizing effective coping skills for managing and coordinating their own care needs when living independently

• Practice Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when meeting with clients weekly

• Provide strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing

• Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with Navigation Supervisor and site team as needed

• Provide warm hand-off to selected housing providers ensuring a smooth transition from the Senior Bridge program into permanent housing

• Work collaboratively with community partners, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Landlords, Leasing Offices, Social Workers

• Attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, attend match meetings, and connect clients in Coordinated Entry System (CES)

• Attend trainings that increase knowledge for effectively meeting clients’ needs

• Assist with searching for housing; completing housing applications, requesting reasonable accommodations, assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-in

• Input accurate and complete data into HMIS and update case notes to reflect client progress

• Demonstrate a high level of patience and understanding for the elderly population

• Treat each client with dignity and respect

Team/Staff Relations

• Work as a Mercy House team member with all site staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the organization

• Attend internal Senior Bridge meetings and Mercy House corporate meetings, trainings, workshops and conferences

• Work as part of a team to further develop the program

• Work alongside the logistics team to ensure optimal operation of the program

• Work independently and as a team within a fast-paced environment

• Exemplify flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy

• Communicate effectively with diverse populations

• Ability to model professionalism and respect at all times

Administration

• Implement and adhere to Mercy House and program policies and procedures

• Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients including but not limited to housing plans, case notes, case files and assessments

• Assist with data collection

• Ensure deadlines are met

• Willingness to gain continual knowledge and understanding of Senior Housing, Community Resources, Adult Rehabilitative Services, Mental & Behavioral Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments, etc.

• Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g.: Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to the position

• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner

• Prioritize your case load

• Other duties or projects assigned

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• At least 2 years of case management experience working with homeless individuals or Senior Citizens
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field or equivalent experience
• Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 4 years of experience working with long-term homelessness, low income, senior citizens or diverse populations, are encouraged to apply
• Working knowledge of mental health, behavioral health and recovery services

General

• A valid AZ driver’s license, proof of insurance, and a reliable vehicle are required
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Fluency in Spanish is of significant value
• Strong organization and time-management skills
• Ability to maintain a positive and professional environment
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office programs
• Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in written form
• Detail-oriented with ability to manage multiple tasks and meet deadlines
• Must have excellent problem-solving skills
• Ability to perform crisis intervention with a trauma informed modality
• This position requires current CPR certification. If you do not have an active certification at the time of hire, training and certification will be provided as a condition of employment.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer