Lead Outreach / Housing Navigator - Goodwill : Job Details

The Lead Outreach / Housing Navigator serves as a housing advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness across the Greater Grand Traverse Region. The Lead Outreach / Housing Navigator works within the community's Homelessness Crisis Response System to identify and engage individuals, link them with resources, and assist them in securing permanent housing as quickly as possible. The Lead Outreach / Housing Navigator will assist the Homeless Services Manager in providing oversight to the team of Outreach Workers.

Essential Functions:

* Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Grand Traverse Area.

* Understand all processes and procedures of the Homeless Response System, including Coordinated Entry, Homeless Prevention, IST/Prioritization of Supports, Chronic Homelessness, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Domestic Violence, Veteran's Services, Youth Services, etc.

* Continually seek ways to improve program practices, policies and procedures.

* Assist Outreach & Homeless Services Manager in providing case oversight to Adult Outreach / Housing Navigation team.

* Assist the Outreach/ Homeless Services Manager to maintain relevant community partnerships.

Primary Responsibilities/ Essential Functions:

* Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.

* Support the mission and vision of the Northwest Michigan Coalition to End Homelessness (NWCEH).

* Perform work in a safe manner observing all Goodwill safety policies/procedures.

* Adhere to all Goodwill Northern Michigan and Goodwill Housing Department policies and procedures.

* Perform duties and interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.

* Respect the diversity of others including, but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.

* Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Grand Traverse Area.

* Provide a safe, dignified and respectful environment for all persons served.

* Ensure the confidentiality of all persons served.

* Practice diversion away from homeless services as appropriate.

* Assess client's immediate housing needs.

* Link clients with crisis housing (emergency shelter) as appropriate.

* Understand all processes and procedures of the homeless response system, including Coordinated Entry, Homeless Prevention, IST/Prioritization of Supports, Chronic Homelessness, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Domestic Violence, Veteran's Services, Youth Services, etc.

* When appropriate, complete in-depth assessment (SPDAT or F-SPDAT) to help determine housing and rental assistance interventions.

* Collaborate with clients to develop individualized housing and budget plans.

* Link clients with appropriate resource referrals (e.g. mental health, employment, etc.) and assist clients in engaging services.

* Complete client-related data tracking information, including case notes and complete HMIS entries. Maintain a 95% data quality standard on all HMIS entries.

* Maintain in-depth understanding of all homeless response system processes and procedures, including Coordinated Entry, Homeless Prevention, IST/Prioritization of Supports, Chronic Homelessness, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Domestic Violence, Veteran's Services, Youth Services, etc.

* Continually seek ways to improve program practices, policies and procedures.

* May be required to drive company vehicle for purposes of:

* transporting clients to various appointments, such as medical visits, job interviews, or social service agencies.

* running errands on behalf of clients or the organization.

* traveling to different neighborhoods or communities to provide information about available services, conduct workshops, or engage with community members.

* transporting supplies, equipment, or materials between different locations, such as offices, shelters, or community centers.

* Must adhere to all Goodwill Northern Michigan driving and transportation policies, procedures, and regulations, including maintaining a valid driver's license, following safety protocols, and keeping accurate records of mileage and expenses.

* Grant reporting as assigned.

* Complete daily check-ins with the Outreach teams and Homeless Services Manager to ensure effective implementation of services.

* Assist Homeless Services Manager in providing case oversight to Outreach / Housing Navigation team.

* Assist the Homeless Services Manager to ensure compliance with relevant grants.

* Assist the Homeless Services Manager to maintain relevant community partnerships.

* Other duties as assigned by the Homeless Services Manager.

Reports to: Homeless Services Manager

Supervises: Adult, Youth, and Family Outreach workers

Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience:

* High School Diploma or GED required.

* Bachelor's degree in social work/other Human Services field, or current enrollment in a social work/human service/social service program preferred.

* Two years in related experience with case management services, housing, and homeless populations preferred.

* CPR/First Aid certification.

* A Valid Driver's License, and must possess, or be able to obtain within 30 days, a Chauffeur's License.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

* Familiarity with local human service providers and other community resources and agencies.

* Effective communications skills, including both verbal and non-verbal, as well as active listening.

* Computer skills and experience, with proficiency in online data management systems.

* Ability to engage and build trust and rapport with difficult to serve and/or resistant populations.

* Ability to work with diverse communities and exercise mature judgment.

* Highly motivated self-starter and ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.

* Demonstrate an ability to work independently and/or as part of a team.

* Strong problem solving and conflict de-escalation/resolution skills.

* Understand the relationship between income and housing to build a realistic housing plan.

* Computer skills and experience, with proficiency in online data management systems.

* Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.

* Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with substance abuse disorders and mental illness.

* Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons who are survivors of domestic violence.

* Previous experience working with the homeless population is preferred.

Physical Requirements:

* Standing, lifting, carrying, pushing, bending, kneeling, reaching, walking, walking on uneven surfaces, hearing, seeing, twisting, turning and repetitive movement.

* Ability to do medium lifting, 20-30 pounds, and occasional heavy lifting.

* Work environment sometimes steady with occasional high stress and occasional short deadlines.

* Able to work out of doors in a variety of weather conditions and terrain.

* This position is considered a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to zero tolerance under the Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan Drug Free Workplace Policy.