Rapid Rehousing Housing Navigator at St. Francis House in Boston, MA

Apply Description Salary Range: $24.23 - $26.66 per hour FLSA Status: Non-Exempt Schedule: Full-time; Monday through Friday; 8-hour shift scheduled between 7:00AM - 4:00PM 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 for 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 Rapid Rehousing Housing Navigator is responsible for gathering information from guests interested in enrolling in the Rapid Rehousing Program (RRH), conducting comprehensive housing assessments, and developing individualized housing plans. They will facilitate client-driven housing searches, tailored to meet the specific needs of each client, in order to secure appropriate housing placements. The Housing Navigator will collaborate closely with internal departments and external partners to identify both traditional and non-traditional housing opportunities, as well as connect clients to behavioral health resources and income maximization services. The Housing Navigator must be resilient and resourceful, advocating for clients and fostering relationships with government agencies, community housing organizations, and landlords. They will also navigate housing subsidy programs and processes to ensure clients' success. Additionally, the Housing Navigator will play a key role in locating suitable rental units for clients, completing all necessary enrollment tasks, and conducting orientations with both landlords and clients. Essential Duties/Responsibilities Triage all new Rapid Re-Housing (RRH) referrals and walk-in guests to determine which financial assistance program may be available to rapidly re-house the individual. Complete intakes with each guest and work with the guest and case management team to develop and carry out a rehousing plan. Complete an initial Coordinated Entry Pathways assessment for each guest enrolled in RRH. Complete assessments to determine the support needed to address barriers, increase income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. Provide individualized support by helping each guest develop a plan to address barriers, increase income, and maintain and sustain permanent housing. Identify and provide participants with listings of potential housing options that align with their needs and geographic preferences. Help participants mitigate issues related to credit reports, utility arrears, criminal records, unfavorable landlord references, and other barriers that may impact housing eligibility. Assists participants in their housing search, including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to other housing location services, and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed. Assists participants with housing applications, including preparing and obtaining any needed documentation and tracking application status. Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing. Arranges for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions to ensure a unit is move-in ready. Determines rent reasonableness for inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval. Explains and reviews the lease and sublease agreement with incoming participants/sub-tenants. Works with case managers to address any emerging issues related to housing and community adjustment. Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach, internet searches, and networking events. Develops expertise in available affordable housing sites and housing subsidies. Assists clients with moving, including helping locate affordable moving companies, acquiring furniture, and obtaining other move-in essentials. Networks and collaborates with area housing resources and maintains a presence at community housing resource meetings. Builds strong relationships with community partners to broaden housing search opportunities. Maintains relationships with existing property managers/owners and establishes new relationships with those willing to house RRH clients. Updates, maintains, and communicates a list of available housing opportunities on a regular basis. Works collaboratively with case managers to allocate available financial assistance for clients. Hosts workshops for guests on topics such as roommate sharing, weekly rentals, and sober housing. Hosts orientation sessions for landlords to educate them about the RRH program and their responsibilities. Maintains timely and accurate documentation within the HMIS client database system and prepares related reports, including outcomes and successes. Consistently meets all agency-assigned outcome goals with respect to housing efforts, number of people served, and exits to permanent housing. Adheres to agency code of conduct. Performs other duties as assigned. Requirements Passion for ending homelessness.
Ability to maintain a non-judgmental attitude and positive regards when working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
An ability to maintain a positive attitude when working with challenging individuals.
Creative problem-solving skills. Ability to work independently and effectively within a team setting.
Strong communication and advocacy skills: both verbal and written.
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-paced 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 required, further education in Human Services a plus.
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.
Experience providing direct service to homeless individuals, Preferred:
Lived experience of homelessness and/or recovery a plus.
Bilingual (Spanish), preferred.
Work Environment & Activity Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer. 70% of the work is field-based, and a valid driver's license is required. 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.