Housing Navigator

September 11, 2020
Full Time

Dedicated to Rapid Rehousing and Transitional Living programming. Essential functions of this role include core case management activities and housing navigation/stability services. The Housing Navigator will work with assigned residents both during and after housing placement with a focus on community support and home-based visits. This position requires a strong ability to initiate, engage, and build rapport with youth to support their independent living skills and housing permanency. This position is committed to providing individualized care that supports youth’s goal attainment. This occurs through assessment, planning, coordination, implementation, and evaluation of individual needs. Knowledge of Coordinated Entry developments/processes, Housing First principles, harm reduction strategies, and Rapid Rehousing interventions preferred. Must be able to maintain a flexible schedule, including some evening and weekend work. All duties should be performed within the framework of the policies and procedures of Covenant House Georgia. This position reports to the Director of Residential and Case Management Services.

Job Title: Housing Navigator

Department: Program

Reports To: Director of Residential and Case Management Services

Classification: Exempt

Date: 10/18; Revised 5/19, 7/20

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Covenant House Georgia reserves the right to unilaterally modify, remove, or add to any of the following:

• Conduct all resident interactions in a manner that promotes acceptance, respect, honesty, and emphasizes CHGA’s Five Principles
• Maintain a caseload of 15-20 homeless transition-age youth
• Utilize evidence-based practices such as Motivational Interviewing and Trauma-Informed Care
• Network with community resources and build referral network.
• Identify housing resources; recruit and maintain positive relations with landlords; assist youth with completing applications and submitting documentation
• Educate youth regarding their rights and responsibilities as a tenant; provide mediation with landlords/neighbors/roommates
• Assist youth with acquiring key financial literacy skills
• Knowledge of diverse community resources, linking residents to appropriate supports, and following up when necessary
• Proactively seek available resources to support costs associated with utilities, household goods, furniture, etc.
• Develop individualized case plans with measurable goals and objectives based on the needs identified in initial and on-going assessments
• Monitor and document regular progress of youth’s case plan and properly maintain case management files for all assigned youth
• Track program outputs and ensure that program outcomes are met, adhering to applicable grant requirements
• Participate within multi-disciplinary team and present assigned cases during Case Review meetings
• Ensure the integration of social services/case management functions into the family reunification, resident care, discharge, and housing processes with other external service organizations, agencies, and healthcare facilities
• Establish and maintain an ethical and professional relationship with residents.
• Promote effective and efficient utilization of resources
• Ensure that all documentation is submitted into ClientTrack, ETO, resident’s files, and/or incident report (if needed) according to Data Integrity Plans
• Immediately report all maintenance concerns to Facilities
• Assist in the training and orientation of new staff and volunteers
• Receive training and conduct assessments using the VI-SPDAT assessment tool
• Follow all department procedures for resident schedule, shift transition, food preparation, intervention, and on-call utilization
• Seek and accept supervision and continuing education
• Adhere to all resident confidentiality requirements and standards
• Perform all other tasks as requested by the Directors, Coordinators and CHGA administration
• Aware of the needs youth experiencing homelessness that Covenant House Georgia serves
• Ability to:

• Engage the client in the assessment process; establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public; and effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with both internal and external individuals and/or businesses
• Drive agency or personal vehicles to transport items and/or persons (valid State of Georgia license required)
• Model appropriate, professional behavior for staff to establish and maintain superior services to youth in a safe and inviting atmosphere
• Ensure compliance of files in accordance to specific city, state and Federal guidelines
• Establish and maintain an effective working relationship with co-workers, supervisors, representatives of other agencies, and the public
• Effectively communicate, verbally and in writing, with both internal and external individuals and/or businesses
• Respond in a timely manner to emergencies and resolve issues
• Provide crisis intervention independently and make informed decisions regarding resident challenges
• Lift and move objects typically weighing 5-35 pounds; work standing, walking, and/or sitting a minimum of 8 hours per day/shift

• Performs all other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY DUTIES: as assigned

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE: Bachelor’s required with minimum of 3 years’ experience working with youth in a residential setting desired; knowledge of mental health and substance use is required; CPR and First Aid certification desired; sufficient health, ability, experience, and education to perform the assigned duties with or without accommodation.