Housing Navigator-11-180-Hope Harbor

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Housing Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals experiencing homelessness in securing and maintaining permanent housing through personalized, client-centered services. Working in close collaboration with case managers and other service providers, the Navigator assists clients in overcoming barriers to housing, accessing financial and supportive services, and navigating the housing system. This includes completing assessments, developing individualized housing plans, conducting housing searches, and ensuring a warm handoff to permanent housing case managers. The role also involves ongoing coordination with landlords, community partners, and housing agencies to facilitate placements and maintain compliance with program standards. A trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and housing-first approach is essential to this role.

Essential Functions

• Conduct assessment of client history, strengths, academic abilities, psychosocial development, and independent living skills.
• Assist clients in obtaining documentation (ID, Social Security cards, disability verification) and uploading them into HMIS.
• Conduct housing searches, accompany clients to view units, complete rental applications, and ensure applications are submitted before voucher deadlines.
• Build and maintain relationships with landlords, property managers, public housing authorities, and housing agencies to expand housing options.
• Provide education on lease requirements, tenancy expectations, and assist with lease signings and move-in logistics.
• Support clients in accessing security deposits, furniture, and household essentials.
• Conduct CES survey and housing assessment to determine appropriate permanent housing intervention and service needs. Navigate persons to permanent housing placement or programs that will assist with safe and stable housing.
• Must enter all data in HMIS and ensure all entries are accurate and up to date.
• Work with an interdisciplinary team to develop residents individualized Housing plan.
• Identify and address housing barriers (e.g., criminal records, poor credit, evictions).
• Provide crisis response and alternative housing options through personal or community networks.
• Work collaboratively with Landlords, Housing Authorities, EHV Section 8, and other community agencies.
• Attend monthly SPA meetings, as well as other community meetings on a monthly basis.
• Evaluate, record and report resident's progress in a timely, thorough and professional manner.
• Track participant progress toward housing goals and report monthly statistics to The Salvation Army and funders.
• Maintain detailed logs of all services provided, expenditures, referrals, and housing outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with program contracts, policies, confidentiality, and funder requirements.
• Participate in file audits, internal monitoring, and preparations for external audits.
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation in HMIS and participant files (both digital and paper).
• Conduct Bi-weekly supervision meetings with RRP Staff and ensure all goals of the program are being met.
• Act as a Liaison with DMH, knowledge of HMIS, and other public and private community resources, with the goal being permanent housing.
• Attend staff meetings and all mandatory in-service trainings.
• In the absence of Clinical Program manager, reports directly to the Director.
• Other duties as assigned by Clinical Program Manager and/or Director.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to be able to lift up to 10lbs. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinets drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• BA/BS degree in Social work or related area of study and 1 year work experience with low-income and/or homeless populations. OR high school diploma with 2-3 years of experience providing direct housing services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Knowledge homeless population, and available resources.
• If in recovery, must have 2 years of sobriety.
• Understand and support the mission of The Salvation Army.
• Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification prior to employment.
• TB-cleared prior to hire.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test, clean MVR check .
• Knowledge of HMIS preferred.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills.
• Ability to actively listen and take genuine interest in helping homeless individuals to address and reduce barriers to independence.
• Excellent time management and communication skills, both verbal and written. Professional telephone etiquette.
• Meet deadlines, work with attention to detail.
• Strong interpersonal skills with both clients and staff in a professional, respectful manner.

Bachelors of Social Work (required)

Knowledge of HMIS preferred. (preferred)
Proficient in Microsoft Office applications, and ability to type 45 wpm. Basic math skills. (preferred)
BA/BS degree in Social work or related area of study and 1 year work experience with low-income and/or homeless populations. OR high school diploma with 2-3 years of experience providing direct housing services to individuals experiencing homelessness. (required)

Skills