Housing Outreach Navigator

Description

Full-time, Non-exempt position

8:00 am to 5:00 pm; 40 hours per week

$20.00 per hour

BASIC FUNCTION:

Outreach Navigator will work as part of the larger MMW CAN (Middlesex, Meriden, Wallingford Coordinated Access Network) outreach team. Outreach Navigator will engage consumers while canvassing catchment area. Outreach Navigator will discuss income potential, natural resources, and housing stabilization plans during engagement. Outreach Navigator will discuss diversion resources/options during engagement and link to the MMW CAN by completing the CAN enrollment. Outreach Navigator will work with MMW CAN to locate a shelter bed if the consumer wants to go to shelter. Outreach Navigator will provide case management services to the consumer in including but not limited to providing linkages to medical care, behavioral healthcare, support in gathering essential documents for housing, employment, and benefits, and linking to additional supports (insurance, SNAP, childcare, education).

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Perform CAN assessments
• Enroll in HMIS program so consumer appears on By Name List
• Develop Housing Services and Sustainability Plan
• Build homelessness timeline and obtain third party verification as needed for previous episodes that are not in HMIS
• Work with clinicians as needed for to complete disabling condition verification form
• If there is income – explore housing find or rapid rehousing for the consumer
• Explore shared housing as an option to make housing affordable for the consumer – roommates, living with friends or relatives
• Explore affordable housing waitlists (Cthcvp.org) and assist client in applying when lists open for long term housing opportunities
• Must have reliable transportation
• Ability to work and make decisions independently
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Lived Expertise in homelessness and/or behavioral health.
• Ability to collaborate with community organizations and Supervisor.
• Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and program requirements.
• Assist individuals to develop housing options, personal strengths, life skills and increased income.
• Coordinate appropriate linkages to available mainstream services (i.e. mental health, substance abuse, medical)
• Ensure all documentation is completed using HMIS properly and within required timelines
• Maintain appropriate and professional relationships with partner agencies.
• Perform any other task that will assist the agency in carrying out its mission. Facilitate the intake, screening, and housing-focused assessment process for individuals and families.
• Continuously explore housing opportunities within the community through active housing searches and nurturing landlord relationships while developing an inventory of affordable housing opportunities.
• Conduct thorough inspections and reviews of housing units to ensure compliance with HUD Housing Standards.
• Coordinate the enrollment of families into housing assistance programs to facilitate the achievement of their goals. This may include application assistance/review and/or authorization of direct benefit payments.
• Implement a recordkeeping system and customer confidentiality procedures.
• Responsible for creation, analysis, and submission of programmatic reports to multiply funding sources on a routinebasis (monthly, Quarterly, Annually) as needed.
• Responsible for data entry into multiple customer databases which documents achievements of goals and housing sustainability.
• Ensure effective budget management by overseeing and monitoring monthly rental payments to align with annual financial allocations. Collaborate with vendors and the fiscal department to streamline the processing of rental payments.
• Demonstrate knowledge in employing trauma-informed approaches when working with survivors of domestic violence.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 22 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Employment Education and Training
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services

EOE/AA/Veteran/Disability

Requirements

Education:

High School Diploma/ G.E.D, relevant or lived experience preferred

Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) a plus.

Experience (preferred):

Familiarity of the CT Homelessness Management Information System (CT HMIS), Previous experience working with families and individuals experiencing homelessness, Knowledge of the various CT housing programs (i.e. Rapid Rehousing, Shelter Plus Care, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rental Assistance Program), Familiarity of CT benefit assistance programs, Previous experience of Domestic Violence preferred- all of this is preferred

Job Skills:

Effective interpersonal skills with all groups

Good writing skills

Word-processing skills

Record keeping ability

Ability to deal with difficult or resistant clients

Positive attitude

Sensitivity to culture and diverse background

Motivational Interviewing Skills (preferred)

Excellent communication skills needed

Willingness to travel to various locations

Knowledge of HUD housing assistance programs (preferred)

Microsoft Office Products

Licenses /Certifications:

Valid CT driver’s license