Housing Navigator

Position Summary:

Utilizing a Housing First approach the person in this position will be responsible for identifying and build rapport with homeless individuals and families living on the street, emergency shelter, bridge housing, or in other places not meant for human habitation. The Navigator will assist clients in breaking the cycle of homelessness by moving from the street to interim housing, accessing necessary social services, and rapidly obtaining permanent housing. The Navigator will provide individualized client support throughout this entire journey by helping each client address any barriers to obtaining permanent housing. This includes linking with services to increase income (employment or benefit enrollment), identifying, and accessing physical health, behavioral health and/or mental health resources as needed. The Navigator will work closely with the Community Coordinator to track homeless trends and work with the Housing Matcher and Housing Locator for appropriate referrals to housing. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

Essential Job Functions:

• Case management of a large caseload of clients, up to 30 at a time.
• Have a strong working knowledge of housing services, supportive services, and community resources.
• Perform navigation services, contacting homeless persons in all places where they congregate in the geographic areas of the Fresno Madera Continuum of Care.
• Work with clients to address barriers to housing.
• Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification card, birth certificate, social security income, disability income/verification, certification of homelessness, and other documents as needed.
• Provide transportation to appropriate services.
• Provide information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy to assist clients in accessing services and resources.
• Assist clients in applying for housing vacancies, completion of supportive and subsidized housing paperwork, and monitoring progress to completion.
• Ensure clients transition smoothly to permanent housing
• Follow clients through and among services to achieve housing stability and retention
• Navigate clients until they are linked to appropriate housing intervention or services are no longer needed
• When applicable, attend required Fresno Madera Continuum of Care (FMCoc) CES and Navigator trainings
• Provide weekly updates to Master by Name List and participate in weekly FMCoc case conferencing meetings
• Provide all services in linguistically and culturally appropriate manner, including use of interpreters for those with limited English proficiency
• Embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation; and
• Perform any other duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

Experience and Competencies:

• Excellent communication skills.
• Good computer skills.
• Good documentation skills.
• Be able to multi-task Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing
• confidentiality.
• The ability to stay calm under pressure
• Extensive knowledge in the area being researched
• Time-management skills
• The ability to empathize with others
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare’s vehicle insurance is required.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a successful criminal history background check.
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Two (2) Years Case Management experience.
• Graduation with a two-year degree in Psychology, Social Work, Community and Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling or a related field is preferred; and
• High School diploma or equivalent is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or in a Residential treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Must be able to de-escalate situations in the field.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.