Position Title: Community Resource Specialist - Navigator Date: 8/16/2021
Classification: HS 01 – 05* ($15.53-$16.55-$17.52-$18.59)Hours: 40/wk.
Immediate Supervisor: Manager of Self-Sufficiency Programs
Essential Function of the Job:
Navigators work as part of a team to prioritize households in community based stable housing, by having a strong working knowledge of available resources to link individuals to needed resources and by making warm handoffs to needed services/providers whenever possible. Navigators facilitate ‘active’ linkages before, during and/or after basic needs have been met consistent with the Housing First Model. Navigators will then work closely with clients to help develop the skills required to utilize the necessary resources to support self-sufficiency.
Examples of Work:
(Any one position may not include all of the duties listed, nor do the listed examples include all tasks which may be found in the positions of this class.)
- Guide and support clients through the housing search process, if applicable. Act as a liaison between housing program clients and landlords regarding tenant issues, by meeting with tenants to discuss concerns at hand, and documenting such meetings.
- Mitigate any issues with credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, and/or unfavorable landlord references.
- Assess client for eligibility for programs that provide emergency basic needs assistance for items including rent, rental arrearages, utility assistance, motel stays, and others.
- Work with households to identify potential eligibility for mainstream resource benefits (e.g. TANF, VA, SSI, FS, CDC, Medicaid, WIC, MI-Child, ) and assist in program enrollment.
- Assist in creating a relationship between landlords and tenants assist in permanent housing stability.
- Working knowledge of the local rental housing stock (i.e., turnover rates, area landlords, and the condition of their property).
- Assist with facilitating a wide variety of support services including health, mental health, substance abuse treatment, employment, transportation, etc.
- Arrange, coordinate, and monitor services for participants in regard to the Emergency Solutions Grant - CV.
- Working knowledge of other EightCAP and Community Resources.
- Independently perform on-site Housing Quality Standard Inspections and Habitability Inspections, when needed.
- Develop strong working relationships, through active outreach, wide range of service providers and related stakeholders such as landlords, service providers, property management companies, employers, etc.
- Complete all record keeping requirements along with daily charting of case notes and assigned program documentation.
- Maintain a working knowledge of resources/services that would benefit housing program participants.
- Participate in trainings as deemed necessary by supervisor
- Other related program and administrative work as required.
Requirements of Work:
- Ability to deal pleasantly and professionally with the public, program participants and co-workers.
- Ability to cope/resolve conflicts and crisis situations.
- Ability to develop relationships with a wide variety of stakeholders.
- Access to reliable transportation and a valid Michigan driver’s license with a satisfactory driving record.
- Successful clearance of DHS Central Registry and Criminal History Record Check.
- Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city and community resources.
- Ability to compose, compile and maintain effective client case notes and accurately input data into client tracking databases.
Desirable Minimum Training and Experience
- Completion of training in office skills or experience in an office setting.
- Data processing training and experience.
- Minimum of three years of experience or Associate’s degree or higher in Human Services, Social Work or relevant, related field and experience working in a comprehensive family support network.
