Housing Navigator

Company: Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp
Location: Hartford
Posted on: November 21, 2022

Job Description:

Job Title: Housing Navigator Department: Diversion CenterReports to: Diversion Team SupervisorFLSA Status: Non-ExemptPHI Access Code Level 2 Scheduled Work Times/Locations Monday - Friday, 7:30AM - 3:30PM; flexibility for occasional nights and weekends when necessary Job Summary:Are you someone with 2-3 years of Human Services experience who is looking to make a difference in the lives of families and individuals who are experiencing homelessness? Would you like to work for an established, financially strong non-profit that is helping lead the state in their efforts to end homelessness? Are you compassionate and empathetic with a desire to work with a diverse populations? Do you have excellent computer skills and a sense of humor? Check out this unique position with excellent opportunities for growth. Mercy Housing & Shelter has a 40-year history serving Greater Hartford and surrounding towns and is looking for you to be part of our team!The Housing Navigator will be responsible for the overall function and implementation of the new in-person drop-in center, ensuring the highest quality of service and creating an atmosphere of empowerment that ensures an integration of the agency's mission into the delivery of service. The Housing Navigator will be responsible for guiding people who are experiencing homelessness or at imminent risk of becoming homeless through the regional homeless response system known as the Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network,(GHCAN) as well as connecting them with local resources. Duties and Responsibilities:Utilize available resources to triage a person's status within the GHCAN and the necessary next steps for that household.Coordinate with other GHCAN providers to ensure timely follow-up is conducted and connections are made.Provide a welcoming environment at the drop-in center that acknowledges the traumatizing impact of homelessness and where all people are treated with dignity and respect. Ensure all documentation is completed properly, within required timelines in the appropriate databases to allow for effective collaboration across the system. Assess and evaluate client's risks and barriers to obtaining and maintaining stable housing based on the Greater Hartford Coordinated Access Network's criteria through assessments completed via telephone or face to face.Conduct face-to-face and telephonic assessments with people who are experiencing homelessness. Utilize a strengths-based and client-centered approach when conducting interviews to help clients identify strengths, needs, abilities, preferences and resources that they can use to develop plans to move towards independence and to retain/secure permanent housing and to avoid having to enter emergency shelter, or to minimize the amount of time they are unsheltered.Use conflict resolution and mediation skills to resolve an individual's or family's immediate housing crisis.Utilize community resources to link clients with self-sustaining sources of income, benefits, and other economic supports as well as professional resources to assist the client in reaching their goals. Coordinate appropriate linkages to available mainstream services (i.e. mental health services, addiction recovery programs, medical appointments and employment resources) focusing on housing stability. Provide clients assistance in budgeting, employment search, arranging childcare, locating permanent housing, managing medical issues, and addressing transportation and other needs.Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies. Attend collaborative meetings with partner agencies that will assist in preventing and ending homelessness. Perform any other task that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission. Required Skills/Abilities: Self-starter, able to work and make decisions independently.Excellent interpersonal skills; strong ability to set boundaries with program participantsPossess an understanding of cultural competence and ability to approach the work with cultural humilityAbility to collaborate with community organizations and Supervisor.Excellent verbal and written communication skills including in virtual settings.Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.Excellent time management skills; ability to prioritize tasks.Strong analytical and problem-solving skills with a can-do attitude.Ability to lift boxes and other materials up to 20 pounds. Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and program requirements. Education and Experience:Bachelor's degree (B.A) from an accredited college or university, preferably in Social Work or a similar Human Service field is preferred. Have a familiarity with housing first, progressive engagement, and reality testing. Experience with conflict resolution and mediation. Two (2) years relevant work experience and demonstrated ability to provide effective services to clients required. Bilingual in English and Spanish preferred. Licenses and Certifications Must have valid Connecticut driver's license and clean driving record with proof of automobile insurance. CHA, My Sisters' Place and Mercy Housing and Shelter Corporation is an equal opportunity employer. Monday - Friday, 8:30AM - 4:30PM; flexibility for occasional nights and weekends when necessaryPI195790823

Keywords: Mercy Housing & Shelter Corp, Hartford , Housing Navigator, Other , Hartford, Connecticut