Position: Housing Navigator
Program: DSCS Access Point
Reports to: Clinical Care Coordinator
Compensation: $25.00 per hour (1.0 Full-Time Equivalent: $52,000/year). Full-Time, 40 Hours Per Week. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance and optional retirement, flexible spending account, and commuter benefits.
To Apply: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
Deadline: Interviews will be conducted on a rolling basis until positions are filled. The projected start date for this position will be July 1, 2021. Please note that hiring is contingent upon funding.
Organization:
Founded in 1983, Dolores Street Community Services (DSCS) is a multi-issue, multi-strategy nonprofit organization, with an annual budget of $14 million, based in San Francisco’s Mission District. Our mission is to nurture individual wellness and cultivate collective power among low-income and immigrant communities to create a more just society. We provide direct services to meet immediate needs, as well as affect broader change by engaging in advocacy and community organizing, working on a wide range of issues from homelessness to housing to immigration to employment. We believe deeply that these issues are interconnected and that solidarity and the linking of these issues is core to our work in our efforts to create a more just society.
About the Program:
In July 2021, DSCS will be launching an Access Point in the Mission District as part of the Adult Coordinated Entry System and in partnership with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). The purpose of the Coordinated Entry System is to ensure that all people experiencing housing instability are identified, assessed, and matched to appropriate housing opportunities. Through problem solving and housing navigation services, Coordinated Entry seeks to minimize homelessness and help individuals move into safe, stable, and dignified housing.
Coordinated Entry incorporates a system-wide housing first approach and uses standardized tools, assessment, and referral processes to determine and secure the most appropriate response to each client’s immediate and long-term housing needs.
Position Summary:
The Housing Navigator is responsible for working with clients throughout the process of locating and obtaining permanent supportive housing. This includes preparing an individualized housing plan; assisting clients with becoming “document ready” for a successful housing application; accessing and completing housing applications and interviews; connecting clients to other service linkages necessary to; and assisting with their move into housing.
The Housing Navigator will work closely with the Licensed Care Coordinator and Problem Solving Specialists to coordinate services with clients. The position will work primarily out of the Access Point based in the Mission and will be asked to visit other DSCS sites as needed.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide one-on-one assistance and support to clients assigned to Housing Navigation services through the initial client assessment at the Access Point.
- Create an individualized housing plan for each client, assessing their eligibility for various housing opportunities.
- Assist clients with completing housing applications, interviewing, and obtaining all documents necessary for a successful application, such as identification and income verification documents.
- Maintain relationship with clients eligible for housing placement throughout the placement process.
- Support clients in moving into new housing should applications be accepted.
- Develop and maintain communication with the relevant Property Managers, Leasing Agents, and/or support services staff at partner housing sites.
- Keep accurate, up-to-date records and charts via the HSH ONE System with attention to client privacy and confidentiality.
- Provide professional, accessible, and culturally relevant support, advocacy, and information to program participants.
- Connect clients to other services and resources as needed.
- Achieve a broad understanding of the housing-related resources and services available in the community for clients, particularly those with acute medical and behavioral health needs. This may include information such as rental assistance programs, IHSS services, and food programs.
- Participate in regular Coordinated Entry team meetings.
- Provide crisis intervention to clients experiencing acute symptoms associated with their behavioral health issues.
- Serve as a liaison to community-based and governmental service partners as requested.
- Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
Other Organizational Duties:
- Conduct business in accordance with the DSCS Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and the community.
- Commit yourself to treating each community member with respect and dignity.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:
- Background in and passion for working with low-income and immigrant communities around issues of affordable housing, land use, and/or immigrant & worker rights; familiarity with these issues in the Mission District and San Francisco, highly desired.
- An understanding of intersectionality and the needs of communities impacted by homelessness in San Francisco, particularly in the Mission District.
- A strong commitment to housing justice, as well as inclusive and multi-cultural programming.
- At least 2 years of direct service experience in case management, counseling, or a similar field.
- Demonstrated knowledge/experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
- Bilingual (written and oral) in Spanish preferred.
- Experience with crisis intervention, establishing boundaries, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.
- Strong written and oral communication skills.
- Ability to work both independently and as a member of a multi-disciplinary team.
- Proficiency with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Knowledge of the ONE System preferred.
Dolores Street Community Services (www.dscs.org) is an equal-opportunity employer and seeks applicants of the greatest diversity possible, including women, people of color, lesbian/gay/bisexual/transgender individuals, persons with disabilities, and formerly incarcerated individuals.
Source: Indeed.com
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