Entry Level - Case Manager (Housing Navigator)

*Introduction: *The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for ongoing needs assessments, individualized housing plans, support, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House Shelters.
This position requires successful working relationships with residents that support their ability to increase their self-reliance.
Keeping clear and accurate files and records is essential to this position.
*Qualifications:* Bachelor’s Degree; Human Services or related field; one year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health.
Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and recovery are welcome to apply.
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs.
Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
*This position requires a valid driver’s license and reliable personal vehicle, as well as proof of auto insurance.
* Duties and Responsibilities: *I.
* Service Delivery - * Maintain a caseload of 22-30 individuals.
Meet with the participants as needed or instructed by your supervisor.
* Conduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelter.
* Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Central Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing provider.
* Assist client obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.
g.
, valid identification card, birth certificate, income verification, assistance with Social Security Benefits etc.
* Provides information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participants.
* Conducting comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short term and long-term goals.
* Participates in all stages of client service: assessment, services planning, engagement, and delivery.
* Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their individual housing goals.
* Utilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client centered services to keep them in housing.
* Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client's’ ability to independently.
* Problem solves, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self -coordinate own care.
* Practice Trauma Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clients.
* Provide strengths-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing.
* Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management team * Provide warm hand off to selected housing provider ensuring a smooth transition from the shelter into housing.
* Work collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), attend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, Landlords, Social Workers, Leasing Team, attend match meetings, connect client in Coordinated Entry * Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence).
* Assisting with searching for housing; completing housing applications, request for reasonable accommodation, if needed; assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-in.
* Input accurate and complete data into HMIS and update snapshots to reflect client progress.
*II.
*Team/Staff Relations: * Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency.
* Attending regular internal and external agency meetings.
* Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs.
* Work in a team environment, fast passed environment, be flexible, be able to adapt to sudden changes, be trustworthy, be reliable, be empathetic.
* Communicate effectively with diverse populations.
*III.
* Administrative: * Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case file, assessments.
* Assist with all data collection systems.
* Assure deadlines are met.
* Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments.
* Utilize computers and appropriate software (eg.
Microsoft: Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/ or specific systems applicable to position.
* Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner.
* Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload.
* Physical requirements: Occasional lifting of items up to 25 lbs.
(i.
e.
, accepting donated items) * Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
* Other duties or projects as assigned.
*IV.
* Knowledge of: * Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management.
* Effective documentation and guidelines Job Type: Full-time Pay: $21.
00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week Benefits: * 403(b) * 403(b) matching * Dental insurance * Employee assistance program * Flexible spending account * Health insurance * Mileage reimbursement * Paid time off * Referral program * Vision insurance Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Day shift * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Experience: * Mental Health Counseling: 1 year (Preferred) * Housing: 1 year (Preferred) * Case Management: 1 year (Preferred) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Preferred) Work Location: In person