Youth Housing Navigator/Case Manager

Youth Housing Navigator/Case Manager (HN/CM) for the Street Outreach Programs (SOP).

Primarily based in the Salinas office, supporting Salinas Valley SOP, Monterey Peninsula SOP, and South County SOP.

The Youth HN/CM will provide assistance to support homeless youth (18-24 years old) in focused case management to increase self-sufficiency, housing readiness, housing assistance programs, housing navigation, and other case management to variety of case management, housing navigation, and connections to other applicable supportive services.

Essential duties include establishes and maintains relationships with homeless youth using a non-judgmental approach. Establishes and maintains contacts and coordinate with other agencies’ outreach and homeless services staff and teams (police, hospitals, community-based organizations, faith-based organizations, schools, city, and county departments, etc.). Assists with the development of contacts with all appropriate referral sources including those that provide food, clothing, transportation, medical and dental services, housing, vocational training, academic or GED programs. Assesses clients for Coordinated Entry into housing using VI-SPDAT. Assesses the needs of individuals to link them to housing, employment, and education, and provides information and referrals to other community resources. Facilitates process of housing applications, seeking, coordinating, and obtaining housing assistance programs. Conducts assessments of individuals for the Coordinated Assessment and Referral System (CARS) to enter them into housing data base. Inputs, updates, and monitors data into Homeless Management and Information System (HMIS). Utilize evidence base practices, to increase efficacy of case management and relationship with client. Assists Counselor II with meeting contract and grant goals and objectives. Assists Counselor II prepare statistical, service, and other reports as required. Provides safe transportation for individuals as needed and appropriate. Participates in Coalition of Homeless Services Providers activities. Must be flexible for occasional evening hours. Assess clients’ needs The Matrix tool at entry and exit. Assist with client check-in process. In conjunction with client, develop case plan to meet the client’s stated needs. Meet with clients on a regular basis, but at least weekly, to monitor client progress in meeting their goals and objectives. Provide client with information and referral to ancillary services that help client meet goals, including mental health, substance abuse and family safety net services. Arrange “warm handoffs” to other service providers when appropriate. Coordinate school enrollment and other academic support for homeless youth with school McKinney-Vento Coordinators. Work with Social Services to obtain food stamps and other mainstream benefits for clients. Maintain confidentiality when dealing with client & staff matters. Provides accurate program information for individuals inquiring about admission. Other duties as assigned.

Minimum qualifications include BA degree in counseling, psychology, or social work plus two years of related experience, or the equivalent combination of education and experience. The equivalent combination of education, related experience and/or personal recovery may be substituted for the above. Requires resourcefulness and flexibility in working with a diverse population of clients. Ability to work with and build relationships high-risk youth and their families. Required to function within defined limits, subject to direct and detailed instruction, but must be able to work responsibly and spontaneously in an outreach setting. A valid California driver’s license and insurance are required. Bilingual highly desired.

Salary $51,891-63,075 per year, depending on experience, plus excellent benefits. Additional 5% pay if bilingual/Spanish.