Address
Form of workThe Orange County Housing Department has an opening for a Peer Support Navigator. This is a permanent time-limited, fully benefited position. The work involves the responsibility of working with individuals living unsheltered to connect them with housing and other services. An employee in this class has the responsibility of building relationships and providing case management, advocacy, support, and making appropriate referrals to agencies.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests within the framework of the Street Outreach program model. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Position does related work as required.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.Examples of Essential Functions
The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Makes contact and builds relationships with people living unsheltered using person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive methods.
Uses the relationship-based mode to engage people living unsheltered with housing programs and other services as needed.
Provides direct client support, including spending time with people in common gathering places, and visiting campsites, hospitals and jail.
Conducts non-clinical assessments for intake, and evaluates the need for other services to people living unsheltered based on knowledge of all community resources and social services programs; provides connections to permanent housing, food and supplies, medical care for physical and behavioral health needs, therapeutic treatment and services, mainstream resources like SNAP, WIC, etc., employment and training programs, and SOAR for people with disabilities to connect with SSI/SSDI disability benefits.
Provides assistance or makes referrals to resources for harm reduction, crisis counseling, conflict resolution and mediation services, as needed and assists in developing plans for integrated care and care coordination.
Assists clients with completing applications, obtaining personal identification on documents, and provides transportation as needed.
Works with clients to develop a housing plan.
Provides critical, life-saving resources such as food, water, clothing, blankets, and other necessities for harm reduction.
Provides information and supplies to increase safety promoting harm reduction.
Provides advocacy for clients as needed.
Coordinates as a part of the housing-focused system and within the Street Outreach and Harm Reduction Deflection program of the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department and Partnership to End Homelessness. This includes deep collaboration with community partners, attending meetings on a regular basis, and taking referrals from partner agencies.
Works in close collaboration with the Harm Reduction Clinical Coordinator to ensure access to clinical assessments, interventions and to provide case management consistency.
Completes forms and reports required for accountability of local, state and federal funds and in accordance with existing law, rules and regulations, including timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database; documents program eligibility and homeless status and retains information and client files per HUD recordkeeping requirements.
Ensures strict client confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Works with the Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist and Housing Access Coordinator to connect people to appropriate state, federal, and/or local resources for housing; uses OC Connect to identify appropriate and available resources for clients and OC Opportunity Finder to locate available affordable housing.
Serves as a point of contact for downtown businesses and other community stakeholders interested in unsheltered homelessness.
Follows established protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals seeking assistance including but not limited to fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements, especially as they relate to housing and supportive services needed for stability.
Thorough knowledge of County ordinances, department policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of interviewing procedures and practices.
Thorough knowledge of confidentiality guidelines and the ability to apply these guidelines to client records and in collaboration with other agencies.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care.
Preferred knowledge of motivational interviewing.
Good knowledge of current housing-focused practices and the work to end homelessness.
Good knowledge of community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
Good knowledge and understanding of the principles of advocacy and empowerment.
Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
Skill in gathering and documenting information.
Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-task while under pressure.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
Ability to effectively problem solve and handle difficult situations and complex decision-making, and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines, while being flexible in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.
Ability and willingness to reach out to diverse communities and socio economic groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with County staff, clients, outside agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, professional or student associations, and members of the general public.
Ability to organize, consolidate and evaluate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.
Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.
Ability to work with people who may exhibit challenging or hostile behaviour.
Ability to work outside of traditional business hours, and serve clients throughout Orange County.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a human services field or social work AND two (2) years of human services work experience; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.
People with lived experience of homelessness are preferred.
Bi-lingual applicants are preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR and Basic First Aid certification within six-months of date of hire.
Must be able to work hours outside of general business hours, and travel throughout Orange County.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Ability to perform medium work exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to endure emotional stress related to the nature of interactions with clients who may be under tremendous strain and exhibit hostility, resistance, or violence.
Possess the visual acuity to operate a passenger vehicle when applicable, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform work on a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all varieties of weather.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment within the framework of applicable rules, regulations, policies, and procedures in the performance of duties, both in terms of planning and accomplishing work, and in making decisions regarding client needs and requests within the framework of the Street Outreach program model. Supervision over others is not required of this position. Position does related work as required.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.Examples of Essential Functions
The following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Makes contact and builds relationships with people living unsheltered using person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive methods.
Uses the relationship-based mode to engage people living unsheltered with housing programs and other services as needed.
Provides direct client support, including spending time with people in common gathering places, and visiting campsites, hospitals and jail.
Conducts non-clinical assessments for intake, and evaluates the need for other services to people living unsheltered based on knowledge of all community resources and social services programs; provides connections to permanent housing, food and supplies, medical care for physical and behavioral health needs, therapeutic treatment and services, mainstream resources like SNAP, WIC, etc., employment and training programs, and SOAR for people with disabilities to connect with SSI/SSDI disability benefits.
Provides assistance or makes referrals to resources for harm reduction, crisis counseling, conflict resolution and mediation services, as needed and assists in developing plans for integrated care and care coordination.
Assists clients with completing applications, obtaining personal identification on documents, and provides transportation as needed.
Works with clients to develop a housing plan.
Provides critical, life-saving resources such as food, water, clothing, blankets, and other necessities for harm reduction.
Provides information and supplies to increase safety promoting harm reduction.
Provides advocacy for clients as needed.
Coordinates as a part of the housing-focused system and within the Street Outreach and Harm Reduction Deflection program of the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department and Partnership to End Homelessness. This includes deep collaboration with community partners, attending meetings on a regular basis, and taking referrals from partner agencies.
Works in close collaboration with the Harm Reduction Clinical Coordinator to ensure access to clinical assessments, interventions and to provide case management consistency.
Completes forms and reports required for accountability of local, state and federal funds and in accordance with existing law, rules and regulations, including timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database; documents program eligibility and homeless status and retains information and client files per HUD recordkeeping requirements.
Ensures strict client confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Works with the Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist and Housing Access Coordinator to connect people to appropriate state, federal, and/or local resources for housing; uses OC Connect to identify appropriate and available resources for clients and OC Opportunity Finder to locate available affordable housing.
Serves as a point of contact for downtown businesses and other community stakeholders interested in unsheltered homelessness.
Follows established protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals seeking assistance including but not limited to fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
Adheres to the department's safety rules and regulations.FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements, especially as they relate to housing and supportive services needed for stability.
Thorough knowledge of County ordinances, department policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of interviewing procedures and practices.
Thorough knowledge of confidentiality guidelines and the ability to apply these guidelines to client records and in collaboration with other agencies.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care.
Preferred knowledge of motivational interviewing.
Good knowledge of current housing-focused practices and the work to end homelessness.
Good knowledge of community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
Good knowledge and understanding of the principles of advocacy and empowerment.
Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
Skill in gathering and documenting information.
Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-task while under pressure.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
Ability to effectively problem solve and handle difficult situations and complex decision-making, and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines, while being flexible in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.
Ability and willingness to reach out to diverse communities and socio economic groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with County staff, clients, outside agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, professional or student associations, and members of the general public.
Ability to organize, consolidate and evaluate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.
Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.
Ability to work with people who may exhibit challenging or hostile behaviour.
Ability to work outside of traditional business hours, and serve clients throughout Orange County.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment; integrity; resourcefulness; accuracy; thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position.
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
Graduation from an accredited college or university with a bachelor's degree in a human services field or social work AND two (2) years of human services work experience; OR
An equivalent combination of training and experience as defined above. A higher degree does not substitute for work experience.
People with lived experience of homelessness are preferred.
Bi-lingual applicants are preferred.
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS:
Possession of or ability to readily obtain a valid driver's license issued by the State of North Carolina for the type of vehicle or equipment operated.
All offers of employment are conditional upon successful clearance of a background check and pre-employment drug testing. Employment cannot commence until the employee has been cleared.
Possession of or ability to obtain CPR and Basic First Aid certification within six-months of date of hire.
Must be able to work hours outside of general business hours, and travel throughout Orange County.PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS AND POSSIBLE HAZARDS
Ability to physically perform (with or without reasonable accommodation) basic life operational functions of climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, pulling, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, hearing and repetitive motions of the hands/wrists.
Ability to perform medium work exerting up to 30 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 15 pounds of force frequently or constantly to lift, carry, push, pull, or otherwise move objects.
Ability to endure emotional stress related to the nature of interactions with clients who may be under tremendous strain and exhibit hostility, resistance, or violence.
Possess the visual acuity to operate a passenger vehicle when applicable, prepare and analyze data and figures, perform work on a computer terminal, and perform extensive reading.
Ability to work outdoors for extended periods in all varieties of weather.
Orange County is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer
Employment Type: Time Limited
