Navigation Specialist

Job Title: Navigation Specialist

Department: Houseless Intervention Services

Reports to: NavSpec Manager

Salary Grade/Level/Family/Range: $28.05/hour, Step I, FY

Effective Date: 1-Jul-24

FLSA Classification: Non-exempt / Hourly

AFSCME Represented

Hours:  Tues-Fri 10am-9pm

Job Summary: The Navigation Specialist will be a member of a dedicated team whose mission is to support those experiencing houselessness in shelter and emergency shelter settings. The Navigation Specialist will work with Case Managers, as well as their own case load, to assist with participants' housing search and placement while leveraging supportive services to assist the participant in maintaining permanent housing. Navigation Specialist will assist the NavSpec Manager & Program Manager with program coordination, including document assessment and management for the Rapid Rehousing program. Duties and Responsibilities are used in revising or developing performance review objectives for employees.

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Understand how to navigate the complexities of the Metro region's social and housing services.
• In coordination with NavSpec Manager & Program Manager, ensure accurate and uniform daily participant roster management, as well as in-take, exit, and follow-up documentation.
• Maintain accurate and efficient physical and electronic records, including utilizing the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to enter and exit participants from database, assigning incoming participants to case managers, and regular reporting functions.
• Participate in on-going, recurring community partner meetings
• Work with on-site community partners to identify opportunities to meet participant needs.
• Maintain effective communication with all relevant team members.
• Maintain effective communication with all staff, programs, and community partners.
• Other assigned tasks and duties appropriate to position.
• Adhere to all state and federal privacy and security regulations applicable to the program, and to Sunstone Way, hereinafter referred to as The Company's policies and agreements regarding confidentiality, privacy, and security.
• Visit individuals in homes or attend group meetings to provide information on agency services, requirements, or procedures.
• Submit reports and review reports or problems with supervisor.  
• Submit CAF Requests
• Maintain HMIS Data 
• Rental Assistance Application for Rental Assistance
• Complete a navigation assessment (identifying barriers to access)
• Meet with all Participants on their side of the week
• Write and review daily notes 
• Housing readiness 
• Complete navigation assessments for all participants
• Maintaining the cleanliness of the facility 
• Communication with community partners/stakeholders(landlords) 
• Connection to Peers that are culturally and affinity group specific 
• Track housing opportunities
• Resource Mining 
• Call People on the waiting list and maintain accuracy of list (quarterly review) 
• Divvy completions 
• Maintain communication with staff and participants
• Individual housing stability plan 
• Educating participants on healthy tenancy and housing retention 
• Participate in all team meetings (wrap around) 
• Attend and participate in all outlined trainings as directed by the training and safety manager and site leadership 
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Provides 6-month and 12-month follow up calls for exited/placed participants from their program and documents in HMIS.

Supervisory Responsibilities: 

• None

Required Experience:

• 1-2 years' experience as a Navigation Specialist, Housing Specialist, Case Manager, or similar work in social services.
• Client information databases, developing operating strategies, plans, or procedures.
• Direct administrative or support services.
• Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation,
• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Understanding of Housing First and Harm Reduction models.
• Being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
• Ability to effectively interact with co-workers and clients with diverse ethnic backgrounds, religious views, political affiliations, cultural backgrounds, lifestyles, and sexual orientations and treat everyone with respect and dignity.
• Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

Preferred Education: 

• Master's or Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, or other related field (Preferred). 
• Other relevant certification or training.
• Lived experience

Additional eligibility requirements:

• Sufficient manual dexterity and physical ability to perform assigned tasks.
• Must be able to pass a background check upon offer. 
• Must be able to work in a drug-free environment. 
• Regular and reliable attendance to all required shifts.

Work environment:

Working indoors and outdoors in heat and cold | Slippery and uneven walking surfaces | Working in close proximity to others | Exposure to offensive odors

Physical Requirements:

Ability to lift up to 50lbs | Bending, stooping, reaching | Sitting for extended periods of time | Standing for extended periods of time

Travel required:

Occasional travel to and from other work sites up to 20% of the time.