The Housing Navigator is a type of Case Manager who maintains a caseload of individual program participants experiencing homelessness, many of whom have multiple barriers (i.e. serious mental illness, substance use disorders, chronic health conditions, frequent contact with law enforcement, etc.). The Housing Navigator engages and develops relationships with participants and provides trauma-informed support services so that secure, stable, and permanent housing may be achieved. 

Engagement & Assessment

• Provide trauma-informed case management utilizing motivational interviewing and strength-based techniques to assigned participants.
• Write clear, objective, and accurate client file case notes of significant interactions, including stability plans, and all other required forms and paperwork including logs, records, reports, and statistics, as requested. Perform documentation and input data in the Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and other organizational data and case management systems.
• Identify barriers and steps necessary to overcome obstacles.
• Assess participant housing histories, barriers, and resource/support needs (e.g. food, health, transportation, etc.) and opportunities (e.g. family, friends).
• Per program policy, complete intake assessment, housing stability plan, VI-SPDAT and orientation to program.
• Assess eligibility for permanent housing resources, such as deposit/move-in financial assistance, rapid rehousing, affordable housing, and permanent supportive housing.
• Develop a plan with Program Manager to utilize program-based flexible client relocation and assistance funds in a way that emphasizes equitability not equality.
• Identify need for interim or bridge housing, link as requested and available.
• Establish goals and objectives, monitor achievements through regular meetings and case consultations with referral partners, as needed or required contractually.
• Provide information, referrals, and direct advocacy as needed, utilizing both internal and external resources.
• Link participants with services intended to address significant barriers to housing stability, such as mental health services, chemical dependency services, primary health services, legal services, employment and/or educational supports.
• In a collaborative manner, coordinate with internal and external agency representatives to ensure participants are resourced according to their needs.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with a network of community providers and services to address and advocate for participant needs.
• Work with supervisor to devise and implement corrective action plans for participants failing to meet goals.
• Mediate conflicts provide de-escalation and crisis intervention. Model appropriate problem solving. Refer to appropriate services as needed.
• Provide milieu management as well as support to the program team in daily operations of the facility.
• In coordination with Program Manager and/or Coordinator, develop and facilitate life skills trainings and other relevant workshops.

Housing Search & Placement

• Develop relationships with landlords and property managers, to assist in breaking down barriers to create pathways to housing.
• Utilize available landlord information and referral resources to identify and access private market housing that will accept housing subsidies or that provide below-market rents. Establish and develop additional private market landlord resources to supplement these other sources.
• Help participants to tour neighborhoods and properties. Provide and discuss options as part of selection decision.
• Assist participants with obtaining the resources necessary to apply for and move into housing, such as application fees, security deposit, first month rent, furnishings, etc.
• Help participants to complete and submit required housing applications and other materials. Help participants prepare for housing interviews or other meetings.
• Assist participants with move-in to new housing and with transitioning supports to other provider or other community resources.
• Participate in follow-up support after the participant has been placed in housing to ensure stability and reduce the likelihood of that participant returning to homelessness.

Leadership

• Advance diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of the work. All employees are expected to make efforts in their work and in their conduct to advance diversity, equity, and inclusion at every level.
• Maintain a favorable working relationship with all other agency employees to foster and promote a cooperative and harmonious working climate.
• Project a favorable image of the organization to promote its aims and objectives and foster and enhance public recognition and acceptance of all its areas of endeavor.
• Perform all duties and responsibilities in a timely and effective manner in accordance with established agency policies to achieve the overall objectives of this position.
• Work as a team in remaining current with available resources and sharing resources with other agency Housing Navigators and Case Managers.