Housing Placement Housing Navigator at St. Francis House in Boston, MA

Apply Description FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Hourly Range: $24.23 per hour - $26.66 per hour Schedule: In person, Full time, Monday-Friday 7:00 AM – 5:00 PM (An 8-hour Schedule between these times) Homelessness is a public health, social and racial justice issue! Since 1984, St. Francis House has committed itself to healing the wounds of those impacted by an inequitable society and breaking down the barriers, including systemic racism that prevent all people from living lives of dignity. St. Francis House is the State’s largest provider of day services supporting people who are at risk of or are experiencing homelessness. Located in the heart of downtown Boston, we compassionately welcome nearly 500+ adults through our doors every day who are seeking a safe and dignified refuge and opportunities to rebuild their lives. Our holistic approach allows us to deepen our impact by offering integrated programing that helps our guests achieve stability in the areas of housing, income, and behavioral health. Joining our team would provide you a dynamic opportunity to work with an interdisciplinary team of providers dedicated to solving this public health crisis. We offer an extensive Benefits package! Up to 90% of individual insurance premiums paid for Harvard Pilgrim Health Care health insurance & Altus dental insurance, 4 weeks of vacation and 13 holidays recognized per year, employer – paid life & disability insurance, a vested 403b retirement with 5% match, and much more! Job Summary The Housing Navigator serves as a key member of the Housing Department. The Navigator supports individuals who are experiencing homelessness with increasing housing motivation, overcoming financial barriers, housing search, and housing placement. The Housing Navigator works collaboratively with other departments to identify traditional and non-traditional housing opportunities as well as behavioral health resources and income maximization. The Housing Navigator is resilient and resourceful in advocating for guests, building relationships with government and community housing agencies and navigating the housing subsidy programs and process. Essential Duties/Responsibilities Triages guests to determine their immediate needs in order to ensure housing readiness including support with obtaining vital documents, benefits and entitlement eligibility, substance use, medical and mental health needs, etc. Works closely with Housing Assessor and CoC partners to ensure on-going communication about referrals, case assignments, and housing plans. Provides individualized support by helping each guest develop a plan to address their barriers to housing, increase their income, maintain, and sustain permanent housing. Networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintain a presence at community housing resource meetings. Builds strong relationships with community partners to broaden housing search opportunities. Maintains a relationship with existing property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those willing to house SFH guests. Establishes, updates, maintains and communicates a list of available housing opportunities on a regular basis. Acts as mediator with landlords, advocating on behalf of clients as needed to ensure successful partnership and lease compliance. Assists guests in their search for housing, filling out rental applications, interpreting leases, understanding tenant rights and responsibilities and supporting throughout lease up process including coordination of moving arrangements and establishing utilities. Hosts workshops for guests on topics such as roommate share, weekly rentals, sober housing, maintaining a unit, community integration, etc. Hosts information sessions for landlords regarding supportive services, incentive programs, and community partnership. Maintains timely and accurate documentation within the HMIS guest database system. Prepares related reports including but not limited to: outcomes, successes, etc. Remains up to date on landlord /tenant rights and all relevant local, state, and federal laws in order to appropriately advocate and intervene on behalf of clients. Consistently meets all agency and CoC assigned outcome goals with respect to housing efforts, number of people served, and exited to permanent housing. Works closely with guests, internal staff, as well as community providers, to ensure a realistic and manageable housing plan. Attend all required meetings with providers, potential guests and potential landlords both on-site at SFH and in the community. Adheres to agency code of conduct. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude and positive regard when working with individuals with complex needs. Creative problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting. Strong communication and advocacy skills: both verbal and writing. Proficiency in English. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills. Excellent organizational skills with attention to detail. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines. Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite or related software. Ability to function well in a fast-pace and stressful environment. Basic understanding of and commitment to taking a person-centered, recovery-oriented, and trauma-informed approach. Working knowledge of Social Security disability programs and other public benefits’ eligibility criteria, application processes and documentation requirements.
Education & Experiences High School Diploma or equivalent with 2 years of experience in human services required. Bachelor’s degree in human services field preferred. Experience in a Social Services setting with working knowledge of coordinated care planning/ housing case management service delivery required. Knowledge of housing resources, subsidy programs, and the Continuum of Care for homeless persons in Boston.
Familiarity with the homeless population and desire to work with vulnerable populations. Tech savvy around internet search, online applications, databases, online documentation. Work Environment & Activity Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. Up to 75% of time spent working in the community, traveling within the greater Boston area to engage with clients, landlords and attend meetings. Occasional standing and moving throughout multi-level building. If you are ready to make a lasting impact in the lives of others, please complete our application process. SFH is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer. We are committed to fair and equitable employment practices and to fostering a workplace where all employees are respected, supported, and able to grow. In support of our mission, we encourage individuals from all backgrounds to apply, including those with lived experience of homelessness or recovery and those who have faced barriers to employment. We value the range of experiences and perspectives that strengthen our work in the community. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these duties. This job description is subject to change and does not restrict management’s right to assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time.