Housing Navigator Specialist

The Housing Navigator Specialist is a Part-time position, working 20 hours per week. The Housing Specialist provides direct assistance with connections and facilitation of employment, educational, and housing services to homeless and runaway youth ages 18 to 24 admitted into the Latin American Youth Center Drop-In Center. The Career, Education, and Housing Specialist is responsible for the provision of educational, vocational, and employment guidance and services for the participants of the LAYC Drop-In Center. Once the youth is ready to exit the program, the Housing, Career, and Education Specialist provides direct assistance to develop permanent housing and exit plans. Upon exit, clients have adequate skills and resources to sustain permanent housing and careers.

JOIN US AND SUPPORT YOUTH TO LIVE, WORK, AND STUDY WITH DIGNITY, HOPE, AND JOY

Latin American Youth Center's (LAYC) mission is to empower youth to achieve a successful transition to adulthood, through comprehensive and innovative programs that address youths' social, academic, and career needs. To achieve this mission, LAYC provides services and opportunities to approximately 4,000 individuals annually to support academic achievement, promote healthy behavior, and guide youth towards successful adulthood.

We believe in a future where all youth pursue their dreams, reach their goals and acquire the skills and self-confidence to live a life of purpose, connection, contribution and joy.

BENEFITS

This position is part-time and does not include eligibility for company benefits. However, we offer a friendly work environment and are pleased to offer the following benefit:

• Sick leave accrual for PT positions

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist clients in locating housing resources through The Community Partnership, independent rentals, and/or family reunification.
• Ensures that 80% of youth are connected to housing programs either through CAHP continuum, identifying family connections and supporting efforts at reunification, or supporting youth in applying for and obtaining independent housing.
• Researches, collects, and maintains housing resource material. Communicates information about housing to residents. Updates housing resource binders as new resources emerge.
• Conducts an initial intake with LAYC Housing clients within 2 weeks of admission to evaluate their housing needs. Communicates results of intake to Case Managers for inclusion in client case plans.
• Develops a housing service plan with Housing clients based on the needs identified in the initial assessment.
• Meets with clients on an ongoing basis, and no less than once per week, to evaluate housing options. Trouble shoots with clients to address any potential obstacle to achieving permanent and safe housing arrangement at the time of exit.
• Conducts affordable housing research and connections to long-term housing supports and assists Housing clients in identifying steps that they need to complete to accomplish their permanent housing goals.
• Supports clients in applying for housing, accompanies clients to view potential housing options, and communicates with clients about the progress of their application during each step of the process. Help clients fill out application for housing and any other form of assistance and/or employment that will facilitate a successful exit from the program.
• Collaborates with the Case Managers to ensure that updates on clients' housing applications and case notes are properly documented in ETO and HMIS. Notes must be entered within 24 hours of contact with clients.
• Advises clients on all housing related issues such as landlord/tenant disputes and discrimination on housing.
• Assists individuals with disabilities in finding suitable, affordable housing that meets their needs.
• Coordinates with other service providers to ensure that clients receive all the help they need.
• Helps clients identify financial resources available to them through deferral government assistance programs, community organizations, and other resources.
• Accompanies clients on housing-related outings.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES

• Updates client case files with assessments, progress reports, resumes, housing intake, and other career/housing development materials.
• Enters all case notes and appropriate data in ETO and HMIS systems weekly.
• Attends community events related to housing development.
• Meets with the Drop-In Center Program Manager for weekly direct supervision.
• Improves professional skills by attending workshops, seminars, and training sessions as allowed by the time and funding constraints. Attends at least 40 hours of training annually, including required trainings.
• Performs other activities specifically assigned by the Drop-In Center Program Manager

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor's degree in human resources, business administration, social work, psychology, sociology.
• counseling, or related service/science disciplines.
• Minimum of one (1) year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.

SKILLS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of community and local resources in DC and Maryland.
• Ability and desire to maintain a flexible schedule (including late nights and weekends).
• Bilingual: English and Spanish required.
• Knowledge of case management, monitoring, and reporting.
• Ability to work well and communicate with a culturally diverse population.
• Ability to translate Positive Youth Development techniques into practice.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to work with minimum supervision.
• Excellent oral and written skills
• Proficient computer skills, experience with ETO or other data collection system a plus.
• Complete criminal and child abuse/neglect clearances.

• Flexible, energetic, positive individual with commitment to youth development in a high quality, respectful environment.
• LAYC/MMYC requires the COVID-19 vaccine of all its employees. You will be asked to provide proof of vaccination at the time of your interview and at your onboarding.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is largely a sedentary position that requires the ability to speak, hear, see, and lift small objects up to 20 lbs. May require the ability to travel locally and/or regionally.

LAYC/MMYC is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing opportunities without regard to age, race, color, pregnancy, national origin, religion, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, veteran status, or status within any other protected group.

The above statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by the individual(s) assigned to this position. They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, and skills required. Management reserves the right to modify, add, or remove duties and to assign other duties as necessary. In addition, reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

APPLY

Please submit a cover letter and resume.

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