Housing Navigator (VA)

Housing Navigator

Virginia Jurisdictions: Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William

FUNCTION:

Reporting to the Program Director, the SSVFP Housing Navigator assists veterans being placed into permanent housing quickly throughout the CoC’s served by the program. The Housing Navigator will work in tandem with the VA to assist many veterans receiving the HUD-VASH subsidy for permanent supportive housing. The Housing Navigator will provide support to SSVF case managers, HUD-VASH case managers, Veteran participants, and community providers. The Housing Navigator serves as a resource to case managers and will assist case management staff with needs related to housing for the following jurisdictions: Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, and Prince William. This position includes provision and management of client housing search through HUD VASH activities, resources development and community and public relations. The Housing Navigator also serves as a SSVFP and Volunteers of America Chesapeake (VOAC) liaison with the Veterans’ Health Care for Homeless Veterans Staff and the local and professional communities, and is responsible for maintaining productive working partnerships. In all, the Housing Navigator will assist in ensuring the job duties are fulfilled and delivery of services are made in accordance with policies and procedures, tenant and landlord based rights, contract requirements, and federal, state and local regulations.

PRINCIPAL ACTIVITIES:

• Coordination and communication about services to housing partners, including HUD-VASH
• General case management support in partnership with HUD-VASH, including tenancy preparation and non-clinical service interventions.
• HUD-VASH voucher coordination:
  • • Document collection required by the PHA for HUD-VASH enrollment
    • Work with the PHA to ensure that all HUD-VASH standards are met and to address any concerns that are presented during the vouchering process
    • Connection to PHA for HUD-VASH voucher application, including assistance in completing and submitting application and follow up activities
    • Review unit compliance with household composition and Fair Market Rent (FMR) requirements
    • Preparation of HUD-VASH packet
    • Ensuring the voucher briefing is conducted, and Veteran receives voucher when PHA issues it

• Transportation assistance to appointments, including medical appointments

• Assistance with obtaining food and personal needs while homeless and coordination of service provision with HUD-VASH

• Securing income through employment or benefits

• Document all participant interactions in HMIS

• Collaborate with external agencies providing services to participants, including community agencies, government agencies, and the VA

• Complete all appropriate monthly and annual reports

• Assist with new staff development
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision
• Demonstrate empathy and flexibility in responding to participants’ needs and requests
• Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed.

Perform all other duties as assigned

EFFECTS ON END RESULTS:

1. Effective client programs and services, and program operations are maintained.
2. Effective housing navigation management and supervision of assigned clients is maintained.
3. Safe, supportive program and facility sites are maintained.
4. Policies and procedures are understood and implemented; compliance with contractual requirements is maintained.
5. Financial operations are managed and maintained.
6. Positive, professional relationships and presence with residents and the local and professional communities are developed and maintained.
7. Effective, supportive community partnerships and resources are established and maintained.

REQUIREMENTS:

• A Bachelor’s Degree in social work, mental health, counseling, public administration, or a related human services field
• 1-year experience in community based services provision with various populations
• Experience with homeless or supportive housing programs, preferred.
• Demonstrated expertise and experience (4 years) in providing services to a similar population may be substituted for the Degree requirement.
• Experience in housing search and navigation, case management and services with individuals and families is also preferred.
• Ability to develop effective working relationships with the person served population, be self-motivated and able to motivate others,
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills are a must due to the extensive collaboration and networking that is required in the field.
• Strong organization skills, problem-solving skills and judgment are desired
• The ability to multitasks and handle a non-traditional work environment’s.
• The ability to be a self-started and work independently with limited supervision at times.
• Must have a high level of compassion and respect for persons with special needs;
• Experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, Power-point, Outlook Email, and other systems i.e. electronic time punches, electronic medical records etc.
• Bilingual in any language a plus.
• This position requires driving personal vehicle to include willingness to transport person-served

Salary : $39,300 - $49,800