Housing Navigator for Franklin County

The Mental Health Association is hiring immediately for a Housing Navigator.  The Housing Navigator is responsible for locating and providing assistance and support to youth and young adults 18-24 who are at risk of homelessness or experiencing homelessness. This Navigation and Rapid Rehousing Program will offer youth and young adults access to financial support when possible to address immediate housing needs, and will connect youth and young adults to the larger service system, to ensure they are able to access safe, affordable, and sustainable housing in the community of their choice.

Position’s Essential Functions

• Connect with local (Franklin County) youth serving organizations, schools, employers, colleges, and others in the community to find and connect with youth and young adults who are experiencing homelessness and immediately address their needs.
• Help facilitate new relationships by way of continuous outreach and networking with community providers to support the goal of permanent housing procurement.
• Maintain ongoing connection with youth to ensure continuity of care and offer consistency as they navigate through the housing process.
• Ensure individuals have the necessary items to secure housing and assist in the development and devotion to a personal budget.
• Provide short term follow-up and advocacy after housing placement to address immediate concerns and mediate any obstacles to continuous tenancy.
• Complete documentation requirements including assessments, progress notes, data entry
• Transport as needed.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Valid driver’s license, sufficient automobile insurance, acceptable driving record, and a safe reliable vehicle during working hours.
• Demonstrated ability to work independently, manage time, prioritize tasks, take initiative, follow through, and work cooperatively as a member of a team.
• Good oral, written, computer, and organizational skills.
• Creative problem solving and advocacy skills
• Demonstrated ability to adapt to the changing needs of the program participants.
• Strong interpersonal skills, patience, caring, and compassion.
• Must be able to pass and maintain certifications in medication administration (MAP), CPR, and first aid.
• Must be at least eighteen years old.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• Requires previous experience working with those experiencing homelessness and/or at-risk youth  
• Previous experience helping individuals obtain housing preferred
• Bilingual preferred
• Candidates with lived experience of homelessness preferred.

EEOC Statement: MHA Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, MHA Inc. complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, and transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

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