JOB TITLE: Outreach Navigator
SUPERVISOR: Coordinated Entry Manager
JOB TYPE: Full-time (Exempt) position available
SALARY: $48,000.00
The Beth-El Center's mission is to extend dignity and respect to all individuals and families while connecting them to housing, food and services within their communities.
Our vision is to create a community where everyone is home, and all are fed!
The Beth-El Center is a 501c3 nonprofit organization that provides support services and advocacy to those experiencing homelessness and hunger within the Greater Milford community. Through our 34-bed homeless shelter, food service programs, diversion services and outreach and engagement efforts, we offer individuals, families and veteran's long-term solutions to help them reclaim their lives.
SUMMARY: To identify and build rapport with homeless individuals and families living on the street or in vehicles (unsheltered). Navigators will assist clients in breaking the cycle of homelessness by moving from the street to housing, accessing necessary support services, and rapidly obtaining permanent housing. Navigators will provide individualized client support throughout this entire journey by helping each client develop a plan to address their barriers, increase their income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. As part of the plan, the Navigator will identify each area in which clients will need assistance to accomplish the outlined goals and objectives (i.e. scheduling appointments, applying for public benefits, identifying subsidized housing, etc.)
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES
• Experience working with homeless or other disadvantaged population
• Demonstrate maturity, good judgment and ability to respond quickly & calmly in crisis situations and to follow directions
• Ability to interact with clients and build relationships with them while ensuring their needs are being met
• Strong communication skills, conflict resolution skills, and crisis intervention skills are required
• Able to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite, Outlook, and related software.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
• Perform outreach services, contacting homeless persons in all places where they congregate in the geographic areas covered under our contracts. Heavy emphasis on engaging with people living in encampments, parks, beaches, abandoned buildings and other locations unfit for human habitation. Respond to community requests for street outreach intervention
• Coordinate visits via ZOOM or other teleconferencing with licensed provider to complete disability verification.
• Complete homelessness verifications.
• Coordinate a warm handoff to long term case manager.
• Provide supportive services in a non-judgmental manner.
• Distribute engagement items like bus passes, hygiene products, gloves, coats, hats, etc. to provide relief to people experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Document progress toward desired outcomes – housing, health and income stability. Maintain client related data tracking systems, including case notes and complete HMIS entries.
• Prepare case-related reports including outcomes, successes and challenges.
• Provide information, referrals, linkages, and advocacy to assist clients in accessing services and resources.
• Assist clients with procuring necessary documents and services such as identification card, birth certificate, social security income, disability income.
• Identify appropriate options for clients such as supportive housing (RRH, PSH), HCV, etc. Assist with housing applications/eligibility paperwork.
• Attend weekly Outreach & Engagement Team, clinical supervision and team meetings.
• Work nontraditional hours thus it is crucial that excellent communication be maintained with staff working weekdays and partner organizations.
• Network with other agencies, coalitions, business, faith-based groups, and local community.
• Exercise high degree of safety cautiousness and application of community outreach safety guidance.
• Adhere to the standards of care to ensure that the identified quality measures are obtained.
• Supply data in a timely fashion to fulfill reporting requirements.
• Maintain documentation in accordance with policies and procedures.
• Attends training sessions, workshops, and seminars as requested by supervisor, or as needed for professional development. HMIS training required; must learn the applicable and required software reporting systems.
• May be required to use own vehicle on company business.
• Regular and consistent attendance is an essential function of this position
• May perform other assignments and duties as assigned.
• Able to work independently; work as a member of a team, and to work effectively with other community agencies in the best interest of the client, agency, and organization.
• Highly motivated self-starter and ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
• Demonstrated ability to work with diverse communities.
SEASONAL CONSIDERATION:
The Beth-El Center operates a 20- bed No Freeze shelter at a local motel from November to April. The F/T Outreach Navigator will complete intakes for that program five days per week, from 3pm-10pm.
NO FREEZE INTAKE RESPONSIBILITIES:
• Complete HMIS and GNHCAN ROI
• Complete No Freeze Intake Documents
• Administer health assessments
• Complete transportation referral for No Freeze placement
• Provide case management services to clients in long-term beds; including create goals with client to work on housing exit, assist in obtaining vital documents, complete homeless history and disability verification, complete referrals to support resources.
• Distribute hygiene products to unsheltered folks to provide relief.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to perform the following essential job functions:
1Light lifting (<20 lbs.) 1Standing 1Sitting 1Seeing
1Reaching 1Walking 1Hearing
1Bending 1Climbing 1Talking
1Driving 1Repetitive Motion
The work environment is primarily representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of the job.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services; MA preferred
• Experience working with persons with MH and/or SUD
• Experience working with the homeless population
• Lived experience is highly desirable.
• Must be proficient with PCs and Microsoft Office Word & Outlook
• Understanding of Housing First philosophy
• Training in harm reduction, motivation interviewing, de-escalation techniques
Beth-El Center, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer
To apply for this opportunity, please send your resume and a cover letter and to jobs@bethelmilford.org
Beth-El Center
90 New Haven Avenue
Milford, CT 06460
(203) 876-0747
info@bethelmilford.org
The Beth-El Center helps alleviate homelessness and hunger in the greater Milford, lower Naugatuck Valley and CT shoreline areas through shelter, support services, advocacy and community education in partnership with the faith-based community and public and private organizations.
