Homeless Outreach Housing Navigator and Co-Occurring Services Coordinator

Park Center

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Job Summary

JOB SUMMARY

Responsible for helping individuals experiencing homelessness obtain housing, receive substance abuse treatment, and connect to Park Center’s Supported Employment Program while providing outreach services. Outreach responsibilities include: engaging in basic conversation; assessing an individual’s needs; discussing available services including disability assistance and substance abuse treatment; providing supplies to meet basic needs, such as food and clothing; and making referrals to other service providers or agencies that may promote recovery or stability for the individual.

Job Responsibilities

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

1. Conducts outreach to individuals experiencing homelessness in Davidson County in order to assist in connection to housing, income, insurance and mainstream services.
   1. Establishes rapport with individuals who are experiencing homelessness and gathers information in order to serve them better. Trust building activities like meeting the client where they are—from campsites to community feedings—are emphasized.
   2. Completes required documentation for outreach services and referrals including documentation in necessary databases.
   3. Completes appropriate referrals for services and treatment. Assists in linking individuals to resources, including transporting clients, as needed.
   4. Is trained in housing navigation through Nashville’s Coordinated Entry System and assists all appropriate members through the housing process. Is trained in SOAR (SSI/SSDI Outreach Access and Recovery) for connection to income services. Continues to provide support and refers to services once a client is housed to ensure housing retention.

2. Assists individuals in obtaining and moving into housing
   1. Conducts intake paperwork related to housing, including VI-SPDAT
   2. Assesses type of housing needed based on eligibility, e.g. Section 8, Urban Housing Solutions, Park Center housing, recovery housing, market rate housing
   3. Helps members obtain necessary vital documents and proof of income for housing applications
   4. Researches housing options and assists with applications, which can include transporting and accompanying members to housing interviews and paying application fees
   5. Requests financial assistance for move-in costs, i.e. security deposits, first month’s rent, and utility deposits
   6. Provides Welcome Home Kit once housing approved and assists with any other move-in needs
   7. Refers members to other agencies for housing retention and case management
   8. Builds and maintains relationships with landlords and other agencies in Nashville involved in housing members

3. Assists individuals in initiating and maintaining substance abuse treatment
   1. Maintains list of substance abuse treatment programs in Nashville and eligibility requirements
   2. Assesses individuals’ substance abuse treatment needs and refers to appropriate services
   3. Helps with treatment intake processes and possibly transportation to programs
   4. Provides support to help individuals maintain participation in treatment

4. Assists individuals in connecting to Park Center’s Supported Employment Program
   1. Assesses individuals’ desire to pursue employment
   2. Ensures documented mental health diagnosis
   3. Makes referrals to Park Center’s Supported Employment Program
   4. Collaborates with Employment staff to ensure individuals are successful participating in program

5. Values cultural competence and diversity
   1. Collaborates with staff, members, and the community to gain the perspectives of others having diverse opinions, abilities, values, beliefs, perspectives, and ethnic or cultural backgrounds.
   2. Takes deliberate steps to increase own cultural competency by attending trainings, events, discussions, workshops, etc.

6. Other duties
   1. Attends local community meetings regarding homeless services and advocacy including How’s Nashville housing navigator meetings, Street Outreach Worker meetings, Nashville Coalition for the Homeless meetings, Care Coordination meetings, etc.
   2. Participates in other Park Center agency activities such as special events and working designated holidays, including Thanksgiving or Christmas, as scheduled.
      1. Participates in annual Point in Time Count which involves working overnight to take a census of the local homeless population.
   3. Adheres to all program policies and procedures.
   4. Participates in at least one Park Center committee
   5. Will be cross-trained in other job duties, such as SOAR, to act as a support person to co-workers on the outreach team.
   6. Completes all other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Sociology, Social Work or related field; or equivalent experience in social services field; or deep understanding and appreciation for how social inequities impact health and housing outcomes.
• Strong ability to work within a team with flexibility to help with coverage.
• Strong time management skills and ability to independently meet deadlines.
• Strong communication skills and ability to foster partnerships with other providers.
• Ability to work in a professional and ethical manner.
• Must have proven written and verbal communication skills and computer literacy.
• Must have a valid drivers’ license
• Must be able to show proof of personal automobile insurance.
• Must be insurable under Park Center’s automobile insurance.

 

Additional Information

Benefits

How to Apply

Please send Resume to resume@parkcenternashville.org

Please complete an application at our website: www.parkcenternashville.org

Details

• Date Posted: September 22, 2020
• Type: Full-Time
• Job Function: Programs and Service Delivery
• Service Area: Housing
• Start Date: 10/12/2020
• Salary Range: $15-$17/hour
• Working Hours: Day time M-F