Housing Navigator (4187) at MERCY HOUSE

Bakersfield, California, United States -

Full Time

Start Date

Immediate

Expiry Date

22 Mar, 26

Salary

23.0

Posted On

22 Dec, 25

Experience

2 year(s) or above

Remote Job

Yes

Telecommute

Yes

Sponsor Visa

Skills

Crisis Intervention, Case Management, Housing Navigation, Assessment, Documentation, Community Resources, Employment Guidance, Client Support, Team Collaboration, Data Entry, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Problem Solving, Communication, Flexibility, Empathy

Industry

Non-profit Organizations

Description

Job Details Job Location: Bakersfield, CA 93304 Position Type: Full Time Education Level: 2 Year Degree Salary Range: $23.00 - $23.00 Hourly Job Shift: Day Status: Full-Time, Hourly, Non-Exempt, In-Person | Payrate:$23.00/Hour | Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m. (Off Friday-Saturday) Reports to: Housing Navigation Supervisor Department: Emergency Services Region: Kern County Job Summary: The Housing Navigator provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness by conducting needs assessments, determining eligibility, entering assessments into the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing providers, assisting clients obtain documents required for housing placement, and providing employment guidance and community resources. This position involves crisis intervention, case management, and ensuring a smooth transition from shelter to permanent housing. Essential Duties and Responsibilities: Housing Navigation Maintain a caseload of 22-30 individuals Conduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelter Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Coordinated Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing provider Assist client obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., valid identification card, birth certificate, income verification, assistance with Social Security Benefits, etc.) Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short term and long-term goals Participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their individual housing goals Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client centered services Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client's’ ability to independently Problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own care Practice Traum-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clients Provide strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management team Provide warm hand off to selected housing provider ensuring a smooth transition from the shelter into housing Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Landlords, Social Workers, and Leasing Team Attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, attend match meetings, and connect clients in Coordinated Entry System (CES) Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence) Assisting with searching for housing; completing housing applications, request for reasonable accommodation, if needed; assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-in Team/Staff Relations Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency Attend regular internal and external agency meetings Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs Work as a team in a fast-paced environment Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy Communicate effectively with diverse populations Administration Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments Complete progress notes on every meeting with client Input accurate data into HMIS and assist with all data collection systems Maintain confidential hard copy files with all relevant documentation in the appropriate section Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/ or specific systems applicable to position Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload, ensuring deadlines are met Knowledge of: Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management Effective documentation and guidelines Qualifications Education and Experience Associate Degree in Human Services or related field At least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and addiction issues Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs Ability to perform crisis intervention as needed General Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form Maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others Physical Requirements Ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 pounds Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Responsibilities

The Housing Navigator provides support to individuals experiencing homelessness by conducting needs assessments and linking them to housing providers. This role involves crisis intervention, case management, and assisting clients in obtaining necessary documents for housing placement.