The Housing Stabilization Navigator is responsible to the Re-housing Navigator for assisting chronically homeless Micah guests in moving from homelessness into permanent housing. The end goal for the Housing Stabilization Navigator is to ensure that Micah guests, once re-housed have all the tools and resources necessary to remain in permanent housing. The Housing Stabilization Navigator’s role in the stabilization process begins when the guest signs their lease and is driven by client need. Housing Stabilization Navigators are expected to work with a caseload of formerly homeless clients, some of which will need more intensive services than others.
Responsibilities:
Case Management
- Meet with participants in their homes, at least monthly and more often as appropriate, to assess needs specifically related to housing, noting other issues that could impede housing stabilization.
- Schedule and conduct meetings with participants to review their budget and work on longer-term stabilization goals which address employment/income, money management strategies, family/parenting, interpersonal relationships, self development, vocational/educational needs.
- Refer participants to other community resources to gain support for goals and follow up to ensure referrals were completed. A referral may include providing or setting up transportation for a client to access the resource effectively. It may also mean accompanying them and/or setting up an advocate to attend a meeting with the participant. Resources may be external to the organization or internal (SOAR, PATH, Step Forward).
- Track and document client progress.
- Hold clients accountable for achieving goals and objectives as identified on their initial stabilization plan.
Documentation & Processing of Financial Assistance (subsidies, other)
- Report appropriate financial assistance needs, including rental and utility subsides, by required deadlines.
- Document and maintain up to date information on services provided and funds expended in the HMIS
- Place and maintain up to date grant mandated documentation in client hard copy file
Team Participation
- Participates in staff meetings and other group activities essential for the operation of an effective service.
- Participates in team discussions regarding client progress and lack of progress, with possible solutions to ensure best support for the client’s success.
- Promotes good community relations and utilizes community services and resources.
- Attends scheduled training programs for professional development that includes, at a minimum, trainings required by Micah and by regulatory and accrediting bodies.
- Assumes on-call responsibility as assigned.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications and Skills
Minimum Bachelor’s Degree in a human service with at least three to five years working with a special needs population (i.e. homeless, mentally ill, substance use, etc.) or commensurate experience or training. Demonstrated knowledge of homelessness, behavioral health, success planning, community rehabilitation and case management. Able to be flexible and appropriately handle stressful situations. Excellent communication skills, including the ability to network with landlords and develop relationships with community service providers. Must have an understanding of relationship-based service models and be comfortable working alongside volunteers. Must be a self-initiator and be able to problem solve various life issues.