Case Manager – Housing Navigator

gateway

JOB DESCRIPTION: Case Manager – Housing Navigator 

Reports To: Director of Residential Services & CAPS

Position Status: Full Time (40 HRS)

POSITION SUMMARY: 

The Housing Navigator in Gateway Center’s Coordinated Assessment Program (Clear Path) is responsible for providing client centered case management services and evidence based intervention strategies. The Housing Navigator must have extensive experience working with individuals that are homeless, knowledge of Housing First, Rapid Re-housing, harm reduction strategies, homeless services, and housing subsidy programs (i.e. Section 8, Shelter + Care, and VASH) is preferred. Housing Navigators will provide housing navigation services to ensure clients are supported in gathering documentation needed for housing screening. Assistance may include assisting with obtaining ID, homeless history, documentation of disability and other required documents for housing. The Housing Navigator will provide an efficient approach to providing homeless individuals and families with services and housing as part of the Clear Path program’s streamlined screening, assessment, linkage and, matching process that is based on client’s needs and strengths.

The Housing Navigator, under the direction of the RS&CAPS Director, provides client advocacy, case management, benefit establishment, linkage to mental health/substance abuse services, linkage to stable housing and all other supportive services as needed. The position is expected to use evidence-based practice models such as, Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing.

PRINCIPAL ACCOUNTABILITIES: 

  •  Encourage and support client participation in activities and events that increase ability to remain linked to care and/or behavioral health care, identify employment options or cash benefits, and identify housing options.
  •  Build internal and external relationships with partners that will support clients in their ability to reach their goals
  •  Develop goals through the use of an Individual Service Plan (ISP) and monitor progress
  •  Support and monitor individual progress through case management notes
  •  Conducts comprehensive and qualitative housing needs assessments within required time frame.
  •  Assists with the planning and implementation of housing needs.  Makes housing referrals.
  •  Confers with case manager and program supervisor on all cases.
  •  Participates in case staffing, including Multi-Disciplinary Team meetings.
  •  Complies with all confidentiality standards.
  •  Represents clients and advocates on their behalf in order to access needed benefits and services.
  •  Ensure all case records are current by documenting ongoing contacts through case notes within 72 hours, trainings attended, referrals, and resources offered
  •  Maintain complete and current documentation on all clients in required databases  Submit monthly reports to supervisor
  •  Participate in staff development and all required Agency meetings
  •  Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS: 

  •  Master’s degree in social service field preferred (i.e. social work, counseling, child and family services, human services)
  •  Bachelor’s degree in social services or related field accepted
  •  Strong organizational skills
  •  Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  •  Proficient in Outlook and Microsoft Word and other Software Packages
  •  Flexibility (may require some evenings and weekend work)

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand; walk; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly exposed to airborne pathogens. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY COMMISSION: 

Gateway Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, national origin, ancestry, religion, age, citizenship, sex, marital or veteran status, disability or handicap, sexual orientation or any other basis prohibited by applicable law. Gateway Center also takes affirmative action to employ, and advance in employment, qualified women, minorities and covered veterans. Gateway Center also makes reasonable accommodations for qualified individuals with disabilities, in accordance with the Americans With Disabilities Act and applicable state laws.