Housing Navigator - Victory Programs : Job Details

Job Type Full-time Description The Housing Navigator is responsible for assisting clients in finding appropriate housing placements, providing housing advocacy as needed and providing aftercare services that help to support retention in permanent housing. The Housing Navigator reports to the Program Director of the Joint TH-RRH Program for LGBTQ+ Youth/Young Adults (18-24) and meets for weekly supervision and programmatic assignments. Data shows that up to 40% of youth experiencing homelessness identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning (LGBTQ+). The National Network for Youth cites familial rejection as the most common cause of homelessness for LGBTQ+ youth - which is also linked to increased mental health and substance use amongst this population. In Massachusetts, the 2021 Youth Count indicated LGBTQ+ youth reported the top reasons for leaving home were: 1) 44% reported fighting with their caregiver 2) 42% were told to leave, presumably by a caregiver, and 36% wanted to leave; and 3) 25% left because of abuse and/or neglect. The program model will include Life skills training support, reconnection to educational opportunities, and connecting young adults to workforce opportunities. This stabilization will allow young people to gain vital skills to move into age-appropriate permanent housing through the rapid rehousing program associated with this program. We know that this transitional model is successful for LGBTQ+ youth ages 18 to 24 due to its documented outcomes nationwide. (e.g., 85% are still in stable housing one year after exiting an RRH Location: Victory Programs Joint TH-RRH Program for LGBTQ+ Youth/Young Adults (18-24) located in Boston, MA will facilitate access to individualized case management services, ensure individuals have access to intensive housing placement and stabilization services, as well as vocational case management services for homeless young adults. Our program helps each individual increase self-sufficiency, gain healthy coping & self-advocacy skills, search for more permanent housing, explore educational or vocational training opportunities, build job-readiness skills and access all age-appropriate mainstream health/behavioral health, social benefits and employment programs, to support their ability to maintain housing. Essential Functions:

• Act in accordance with Victory Programs, Inc.'s Standards of Excellence at all times, including maintaining professional ethics, boundaries and client confidentiality.
• Provide supportive individualized case management sessions with clients, including documentation of housing search, housing applications, applying for mainstream benefits, mental health care, physical health care, vocational/educational opportunities, employment readiness/resume building, coordination of appointments, etc.
• Develop, implement and facilitate housing groups and community meetings.
• Develop and coordinate a system for follow-up/outcome measurement for up to 12 months post discharge.
• Formulate and document individualized housing plans for clients who are receiving intensive housing search coordination.
• Obtain signed consent to support and empower clients with the coordination of referrals and housing search, services that may include direct advocacy and support to coordinate with other aspects of the client's needs.
• Conduct outreach to potential landlords.
• Accompany clients, as needed, to housing-related appointments.
• Maintain an up-to-date housing resource database.
• Facilitate a monthly aftercare group to assist in the maintenance of housing stability.
• Complete all client records in a thorough and timely manner.
• Maintain clear, concise and accurate client files/records.
• Complete any additional agency or funder reports as requested by your immediate supervisor or other designated person.
• Maintain contact with other internal and external client providers, including, but not limited to counselors, case managers, and housing providers.
• Attend housing training as requested.
• Responsible for the joint effort in enforcing all policies and procedures of the program.
• Implement best practices in compliance with Victory Programs' Philosophy of Care and our Housing First philosophy.
• Work collaboratively to assist the clients/residents in addressing any barriers they are facing after they leave transitional housing.
• Meet with clients where they are permanently housed or in the community as needed, providing weekly case management unless otherwise noted.
• Continue to assess and provide referrals and other community based recovery, health, nutritional and other support services for individuals receiving stabilization services.
• Develop and maintain service linkages to support clients/residents and their families, including developing relationships with local service providers.
• Promote access to and participation in the community and neighborhood, including the gathering and distributing information regarding community meetings, events, and resources.
• This list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide general guidance and a basic overview of the responsibilities of the position. It is understood that additional or different duties may be required, based on current and/or changing needs of the program. Updates or revisions of the job description may occur.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Attend weekly staff meetings, in-service training courses and agency workshops.
• Attending additional training as requested by your supervisor to enhance skills.
• Participate and support the agency in program events, State House rallies, fundraising and advocacy events, HIV/AIDS rally and walk and any additional functions.
• This list is not exhaustive and is meant to provide general guidance and a basic overview of the responsibilities of the position. It is understood that additional or different duties may be required, based on current and/or changing needs of the program. Updates or revisions of the job description may occur.

Qualifications: Bachelor degree with 1-2 years' experience preferred, or High school diploma with 3 or more years of client advocacy experience. Relevant experience may include:

• Housing search.
• Housing retention.
• Case management.
• HIV services.
• Experience advocating for clients with government assistance agencies, housing authorities, private landlords or realtors preferred.
• Openness to harm reduction philosophy.
• Ability to work independently and cooperatively as a member of a professional team.
• Strong organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong computer skills, including Google office suites and Internet use.
• Demonstrated ability to work successfully in multicultural settings with diverse client groups, including people with mental health concerns and substance use disorder.
• Must be CPR certified (may be obtained upon hire)
• Complete TB screening (may be obtained upon hire)
• Three strong work related professional references; at least 2 from manager or supervisor.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (English/Spanish, Haitian Creole) preferred.
• Minimum 1-2 years experience with target population: homeless young adults, transitional housing for young adults (18-24), LGBTQ+ youth (18-24).
• A valid Massachusetts driver's license with a safety driving points of 00, 99, 01, 02, or 03.

Position Type: Full-time (40 hours) Tuesday - Saturday 7am-3pm. On-site/in-person. Rate: $26.00 hourly Victory Programs values a diverse workforce, as we collectively seek to create welcoming, inclusive and accessible environments for our employees and the people we serve. We strive to sustain healthy, functioning communities that respect and celebrate different experiences, identities, cultures and ideas. Victory Programs has helped individuals and families in crisis for over 45 years. Thousands turn to us yearly for shelter, sustenance, recovery, care, and professional, compassionate support. Most struggle with homelessness, substance use and mental health, and many live with HIV/AIDS. Our team of more than 300 staff across over 30+ programs works with people to develop and execute creative, safe solutions to the very real challenges our clients face. Our benefit program includes a 75% health and 25% dental employer premium contribution, 100% employer paid disability and life insurance. Victory Programs offers a generous paid time off package to all employees including vacation, sick, and personal time as well as holidays. Upon hire, all staff are entitled to up to: 4 personal days, 160 sick hours, 10 holidays and 3 1/2 weeks of vacation. These figures adjust based on full time or part time status and allocated vacation time increases with length of employment. Salary Description $26.00/hr