Job Title:  Housing Navigator, Atascadero

Department:  Client Services Team

Supervisor: Client Services Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Hours: Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – 6:30pm

Rate: $17.00/ hour (+ $2.30/hour, Hazard Pay. Temporary benefit. Must be on site to receive)

Date: August 2021

 

Job Overview

 

Housing Navigators provide advocacy, information, referrals, and outreach case management; assist Case Managers and act on behalf of the client, coordinating services for those who need permanent housing, health care, financial help and/or job training, all while supporting the client’s move towards self-sufficiency. Housing Navigators will assist Case Managers with benefits and housing applications/vouchers. They will create and maintain connections with new landlords throughout the county. They are responsible for developing strategies for engaging with clients, creating awareness about the program in the community, and developing a path to re-housing.

We are looking for a person who has a can-do attitude, is passionate about engaging chronically homeless individuals and has experience with this population. This position is located at the ECHO Shelter, Atascadero site. We are looking for someone who can work Sunday – Thursday, 10:00am – 6:30pm, with flexibility for nights and weekends.

 

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

 

1. Complete intakes, screening interviews, and makes assessments of client needs. 

2. Develop and assist with individualized case plans with long-term and short-term goals and objectives to assist clients and their families obtain stability.

3. Monitor compliance with goals through regular contact (weekly client meetings).

4. Maintain a file and completes all paperwork in a timely manner.

5. Provides relevant referrals to agencies and service providers based upon the goals and objectives mutually agreed upon with the client and their Case Manager.

6. Advocates for clients with agencies and service providers to minimize barriers to client’s receiving needed services.

7. Follows up with referrals to ensure that clients receive and access necessary services in a timely manner. 

8. Knowledge of all potential client resources, including attending meetings at relevant agencies and providers.

9. Establishes relationships with local housing agencies, property management companies and private landlords to ensure success in securing and maintaining housing for clients.

10. Assist clients with housing applications, complete supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, survey rental market for affordable housing, and advocate for clients with prospective landlords.

11. Outreach to community, business owners, realtors, landlords, housing developers and other service providers to identify new and existing opportunities and build strong relationships to better assist clients in accessing resources, employment, supportive services, and housing opportunities;

12. Maintains a professional relationship with clients and conducts all business-related activity according to program policy and standards relevant to the Case Management field.

13. Monitors client behavior regarding compliance issues and follow-up; provides consistent limits and expectations regarding program policies and goal achievement. 

14. Encourage and promote an environment that is strength-based to assist clients in meeting their individual goals.

15. Works with community partners to support efforts at locating and maintaining supportive permanent housing.

16. Maintain confidential files for each client comprised of all the details of the case management effort; communicate any relevant information to Shelter Manager, as appropriate. 

17.  Complete follow-up and retention services, and provide back-up documentation in client file.

18. Examine employment history and prospects.

19. Maintain an appointment calendar.    

20. Participate in weekly Staff Meetings and Client Services Team Meetings. 

21. Other duties as assigned.

 

Other Duties and Responsibilities

 

1. Collaborate with other departments, taking a team approach to client relationships and advocacy whenever appropriate.

2. Participate in the HMIS and Coordinated Entry Program which includes conducting interviews with all clients receiving any services at ECHO, making referrals as needed, entering interview information into a database, and attending monthly program meetings.

 

Knowledge, Skills, Talents, & Abilities

 

1. Fluency in and effective interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills.

2. Ability to work with diverse populations including those facing challenges in the areas of mental health, domestic violence, child welfare services and aging. 

3. Calm demeanor; Able to work under pressure; Able to respond to a crisis situation, health or safety issue and take appropriate and immediate action.   

4. Able to maintain privacy and confidentiality of guests and clients.

5. Ability to work flexible schedules and/or be on-call for holidays, evenings and weekends.

6. Knowledge of universal precautions and what constitutes a medical or situational emergency. 

7. Understanding of mandated reporting laws.

8. Ability to be flexible and work as a team player.

9. Mastery of Office Suite.

 

 Education and/or Experience

• College degree or high school diploma/GED, depending on experience. 

• Minimum of one to two years’ experience in health and human services

 

 Physical Demands 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee often is required to stand and walk, including stairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling of materials. 

Work Environment 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

 

Variable work environment; work is conducted both indoors and outdoors with varying environmental conditions; door to indoor facilities often kept open, so warm clothing is required when working at night. The Admin Offices are located upstairs, with only stairway access. Noise level varies from quiet office environment to very noisy shelter and dining hall.

 

ECHO is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, age, or any other protected status covered by federal or state law.  

 

ECHO is an equal opportunity employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, creed, national origin, disability, sex, gender identity, marital status, age or any other protected status covered by federal or state law.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirement of the job change.