Housing Navigator

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

The Housing Navigator works closely with prospective property owners and managers to promote permanent housing opportunities for homeless and imminently at-risk individuals and families within Genesee County. This position conducts outreach and provides educational information regarding subsidies, security deposit assistance and prevention resources. Serves as a general housing resource for all agencies within Genesee County's Continuum of Care.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Network with area housing resources and maintain a presence at all relevant meetings.
• Actively recruit and build relationships with area landlords/property managers to expand housing options.
• Establish, update, maintain, and communicate a list of available housing opportunities.
• Assist in community outreach efforts and connect individuals/families with housing search, support and direction.
• Liaison for provider and community partner agencies
• Utilize Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the MSHDA portal to follow
  intake, assessment, and referral process.
• Obtain knowledge of HUD Standards (HQS) to assist participants and expedite the inspection process.
• Prepare materials for presentation to realtors, property managers, and property owners.
  Provide information on services while listening to concerns.
• Consult with assigned case managers and participants to determine housing barriers and
  needs. Assist in successful completion of the established housing plan.
• Assist landlords and property managers towards completion of program requirements.
• Demonstrate an understanding of the Federal Strategic Plan to Prevent and End Homelessness including HUD expectations for Coordinated Entry
• Mediate and provide direction regarding landlord and tenant concerns or disputes.
• Provide clients with detailed information about data sharing and obtain informed consent for the sharing of data, making alternate arrangements for those that opt out of data sharing. Cooperates with evaluators on the collection and analysis of data.
• Maintain case records and statistical data of client participation.
• Complete required reports and program outcome information
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Meet and report regularly with supervisor.
• Reports complaints, grievances, and incidents within the department and/or Agency, and files 3200 forms with DHHS, if needed.
• Informs designated Agency staff, or CEO, of incidents of abuse, neglect, suicidal or homicidal symptoms, and/or informs designated agency staff, or CEO, of any unsafe work conditions.
• Participates with the Continuum of Care (COC) Meeting Group and any necessary subcommittees relating to housing and/or the HARA.
• Attends staff meetings and training sessions as required.
• Performs job related duties as required for department/program operations.
• Solidify and enhance partnerships within the following areas: behavioral health, domestic violence and human trafficking, education and employment, healthcare, law enforcement, veteran and youth services.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by an individual in this position. They are not to be construed as an exhaustive list of all duties that may be performed.

All duties and responsibilities are judged to be essential functions in the terms of the Americans with Disabilities Act or ADA.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Education/Experience:

High School diploma or equivalent with minimum two (2) years' experience in areas of housing or outreach assistance. A bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, or related field and previous HMIS experience preferred. Experience working with program target population (preferred).

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, & ABILITIES

• Ability to use empathetic listening to compassionately understand the needs of a marginalized population and use the understanding to motivate your work.
• Ability to be discreet with confidential records and sensitive information, maintaining client confidentiality at all times.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing. Excellent customer service skills.
• Work as a cooperative team member and have good time management skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision, exercise good judgment, and have good organizational skills.
• Knowledge of computers, working with Microsoft Office, database entry systems, and e-mail using Outlook
• Knowledge of Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database and trainings
• Ability to prepare reports, maintain records, and collect and evaluate client data.
• Ability to work with management on budget allocations and funding as relating to reporting.
• Thorough knowledge of community resources and services.
• Ability to possess reliable transportation for attending regular meetings and attending community-based events.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with employees and community partners.
• Ability to relate to diverse populations and cultures while communicating with clients and the public in a courteous and effective manner.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to talk and hear to effectively communicate and educate individuals, and communicate with supervisor and clients in a timely manner.
• Must be able to stand for extended periods of time; walk low-moderate distances; sit for prolonged periods of time; use hands and fingers to handle, touch, and feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop or kneel; and/or crouch or crawl pending activity, event participation, and/or other work-related item within various environments.
• Must be able to lift/move up to 25 pounds for transporting program supply materials, if needed.
• Must be able to be flexible in various work environments and be able to drive low-moderate distances for programming, meeting, and community event activities.
• Must be able to work in an environment that has a moderate noise level, and may experience low-moderate interruptions thoughout the day while in the office, and moderate-high interruptions while in the classroom/community.
• Must be able to tolerate changing weather conditions.

EMPLOYMENT REQUIREMENTS

Staff must abide by all policies and procedures of Catholic Charities of Shiawassee and Genesee Counties, which includes the Agency's stance on abortion, and the Agency's Mission and Vision, and the Spiritual and Corporal Works of Mercy outlined by the Catholic Church and Code of Ethics.

Must pass all background and clearance checks including, but not limited to a criminal background check, DHHS central registry clearance check, and others as deemed applicable, and must have a valid drivers license and carry auto insurance.

Individual must be have an overall general knowledge of computers and relevant software, and be willing to work irregular hours which includes evenings, holidays, and weekends, if needed.