Introduction: The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for conducting ongoing assessments of residents' needs, developing tailored housing plans, and offering support, referrals, and advocacy to individuals staying in Mercy House Shelters. This role requires building trusting relationships with residents to support their journey toward independence and self-sufficiency. Accurate and timely record-keeping is essential for the success of this role.
Qualifications:
Applicants should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a related field, along with at least one year of experience working with individuals facing homelessness and mental health challenges. However, candidates without a degree but with a minimum of two years of experience in working with long-term homeless populations, low-income groups, or those with diverse backgrounds, and a strong understanding of mental health and recovery, are strongly encouraged to apply.
Successful candidates must demonstrate empathy and a deep understanding of the complexities involved in case management and health-related issues. Strong written and verbal communication skills are essential, as well as the ability to maintain a professional, supportive, and safe environment. Building strong working relationships is key.
Reliable transportation is required. The role may involve scheduling adjustments, including evenings and weekends, as directed by the Supervisor or Program Manager, to meet service needs.
Duties and Responsibilities:
I. Service Delivery:
- Manage a caseload of 22-30 clients, providing support and meeting regularly as needed.
- Perform initial navigation assessments within seven days of shelter entry.
- Determine eligibility and enter client assessments into the Central Entry System (CES) to prioritize housing and connect clients with appropriate housing providers.
- Help clients acquire the necessary documentation for housing applications, such as IDs, birth certificates, income verification, and Social Security Benefits.
- Provide information, referrals, and crisis intervention, and assist with securing permanent housing solutions.
- Conduct comprehensive assessments covering functional, financial, environmental, educational, and health-related factors, developing Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goals.
- Engage in every phase of service delivery: assessment, planning, engagement, and action.
- Assist clients with employment connections, benefits enrollment, and referrals to community providers for substance abuse, mental health care, and other support services necessary for housing stability.
- Implement harm reduction strategies to provide client-centered services that support housing retention.
- Offer crisis intervention and work on strengthening clients' independence and coping skills.
- Utilize Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques in all client interactions.
- Provide strengths-based case management to help clients secure and maintain stable housing.
- Perform crisis and risk assessments in collaboration with the supervisor and case management team.
- Ensure seamless transitions from shelter to housing, including warm hand-offs to housing providers.
- Collaborate with community organizations, outreach teams, healthcare providers, and housing authorities, attending meetings and assisting clients during housing voucher briefings.
- Participate in training to enhance skills in managing co-occurring disorders, harm reduction strategies, and cultural competence.
- Help clients with housing searches, complete applications, request accommodations, and ensure move-in environments are safe.
- Maintain up-to-date client records in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track progress and services.
II. Team/Staff Relations:
- Work closely with staff and volunteers at Mercy House to support the agency's mission and core values.
- Participate in both internal and external meetings.
- Contribute to the planning and development of programs that benefit residents.
- Thrive in a fast-paced team environment, demonstrating flexibility, empathy, reliability, and trustworthiness.
- Communicate effectively with a diverse range of clients and colleagues.
III. Administrative:
- Keep detailed, accurate records for each client, including housing plans, assessments, and case notes.
- Assist in data collection and other administrative tasks as needed.
- Meet deadlines and complete tasks efficiently and on time.
- Be open to gaining additional knowledge of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments.
- Utilize relevant computer software (e.g., Microsoft Office Suite) for record-keeping and communication.
- Respond promptly to all communications and manage tasks independently, prioritizing as needed.
- Occasionally lift up to 25 lbs (e.g., receiving donations).
- Spend long periods seated and working at a computer desk.
- Take on additional duties or projects as assigned by the supervisor.
IV. Knowledge of:
- Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues related to case management.
- Effective documentation practices and guidelines.
Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.
E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish ( Eng_Es.pdf)
Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.