Housing Navigator
Location:
- San Antonio, Texas
Position Summary:
The Housing Navigator is a non-supervisory position that provides case management, outreach, conducts assessments of individuals and households who have been referred for housing navigation services. The Housing Navigator is committed to providing resources, supports and advocacy tailored to organizational objectives and built around the Social Determinants of Health with a primary focus on housing.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
- Maintain and foster relationships with community partners and service providers within PROSPERA’s service delivery areas.
- Maintain positive relationships with PROSPERA Service Management, Property Management and Development staff to encourage support and collaboration with internal applicants and residents.
- Facilitate intake and assessment for new referrals.
- Meet with residents to identify barriers to self-sufficiency and assess physical, social and economic conditions. Encourage participation in or coordinate referrals to programs focused on SDOH needs.
- Electronically document all activities, outreach, contacts and outcomes in the applicable data management system, as required.
- Develop and foster relationships with community service organizations and programs.
- Adhere to Housing Navigation initiatives, policies and projects to assure ongoing compliance with contractual obligations and organizational objectives.
- Manage case conferencing, reporting, records and communication for clients referred by Managed Care Organization (MCO) partner(s), in accord with the unique project scope for each MCO.
- Collaborate closely with PROSPERA’s Development Relocation Team to stay abreast of relocation projects, assist with communications and act as an advocate and liaison for residents who are being relocated.
- Attend various recurring meetings with internal and external stakeholders, to include Resident Services Leadership, MCO Partners, HMIS Staff, PROSPERA Leadership, Continuum of Care Organizations, Relocation Staff, etc.
- Document housing navigation specific data in a timely manner to facilitate measurement of outcomes and impacts.
- Ensure efficiency, effectiveness and quality of services via ongoing training, instruction, counseling and leadership. Encourage teamwork and lead as an example in creating a harmonious environment.
- Ensure all administrative processes are handled on a timely basis.
- Provide social work case management and navigation services, both in-person and virtually, to assist clients and their families during relocation efforts and/or to obtain stable housing.
- Assist clients with barriers through both in-person and virtual efforts such as: intensive case management, crisis mitigation, documentation recovery, application/deposit fees, landlord mitigation, landlord disputes, rent payment/eviction prevention options, utility support, etc. to obtain and/or maintain clients’ housing.
- Add clients to HMIS, Section 811 and other applicable waiting lists (rapid rehousing, coordinated entry, jail re-entry, Foster, etc.).
- Maintain community housing lists and helpful tips which may assist clients with housing needs.
- Keep abreast of city, county, state and federal funding advocacy activity.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES – GENERAL PERFORMANCE:
- Knowledge of service programs and educational methods.
- Competency in social work values, knowledge and skills.
- Ability to work independently and concurrently to perform multiple compliance projects.
- Knowledge of computer software applications.
- Knowledge of budget planning and administration.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both verbally and in writing.
- Ability to establish effective working relationships with co-workers, board members, supervisors, consultants and the general public.
- Ability to identify problems, organizational needs, and opportunities for change. Participate in the change proactively.
- Respond positively to supervisory direction and feedback.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Master’s Degree in Social Work or a related Human Services field preferred.
- 2 years of experience in providing social services.
- Valid Class “C” Texas Driver’s License required.
- Bilingual (English and Spanish) is preferred.
- Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services field or Qualified Social Worker field required.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT:
- Able to sit and work at a computer for extended periods of time.
- Able to stand and walk for extended periods of time, either indoor or outdoor.
- Able to ambulate up and down stairs, walk large properties, have physical capabilities to participate in physical activities and events such as point in time counts, wellness walks and departmental volunteer re-building initiatives.
- Able to stoop, kneel, bend at the waist, and reach on a daily basis and lift up to 50 pounds occasionally.
- Able to perform general office administrative activities: copying, filing, using a telephone and its functions, e-mailing, electronic scheduling, data, entry, etc.
- The mental work demands include regular attendance, working well with others, verbal contact with others, noise and occasional travel by conventional means including motor vehicle and the like within the Prospera’s regions and other locations as required.
EEOE STATEMENT:
We are an equal employment opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.[/mk_custom_list]