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RIver Valleys Continuum of Care - Coordinated Entry Housing Navigator
Job Title: Coordinated Entry Housing Navigator
Project Team: River Valleys Continuum of Care
Status: Full Time, Exempt
Location: Minnesota (southeast/south central)
Position Summary:
The purpose of the Coordinated Entry Housing Navigator role is to provide direct assistance to individuals and families experiencing housing instability or homelessness to access or maintain housing, document eligibility for housing or services, and maintain contact for anticipated housing referrals. The position is designed to provide targeted assistance that makes outcomes of the Coordinated Entry System (CES) more equitable and efficient.
The position is located with the Institute for Community Alliances (ICA), a nonprofit organization and a national leader in the administration of HMIS (Homelessness Management Information Systems). ICA acts as a host for several Continuum of Care teams, including River Valleys Continuum of Care (CoC). River Valleys CoC is a community-based coalition dedicated to preventing and ending homelessness through systems change in 20 counties of southern Minnesota, and is served by a small team of collaborative, thoughtful, and solutions-focused staff. For more information on River Valleys CoC, visit https://www.rivervalleyscoc.org/.
The ideal candidate for this role is self-motivated, trustworthy, client-focused, and committed to the goal of ending homelessness for everyone. If you are comfortable with electronic records, abide program rules, thrive in varied work environments, and find satisfaction in supporting others to take steps that resolve difficult situations, this could be the position for you.
The Coordinated Entry Navigator role is a full-time, remote position but the candidate is required to be located within or near the River Valleys CoC region as regular travel and activity within the region is expected. The geographic focus of this role will include the cities of Winona, Rochester, Red Wing, Owatonna, and Austin, Minnesota.
Salary range: $41,600 - $62,400 annually
To apply: Submit a résumé and cover letter describing your interest by November 22, 2024. For first consideration, apply by November 13, 2024. Interviews will begin November 18, 2024.
Tasks
Direct assistance to Coordinated Entry (CES) participants (70%)
Build positive relationships with participants in person and by phone to maintain contact for available housing/service referrals
Arrange for or assist with shelter access for participants without shelter
Assist participants to identify and apply for housing and mainstream benefits for more rapid exit from CES
Assist participants to collect participant eligibility documents to facilitate rapid referral for available CES housing/services
Determine preliminary eligibility or denial for housing/service openings and report determinations to the Performance and Support Manager
Referral support (15%)
Develop and maintain working knowledge of regional homeless housing and services programs
Facilitate handoff of participant, eligibility documents, and status of mainstream supports secured to the participants’ referred housing/service provider
Arrange for or identify move-in assistance for participants with known housing solution
Maintain regular communication with Performance and Support Manager, participants, and referred housing/service providers
Establish and maintain positive partnerships for CES with community service agencies, volunteer networks, and others for the purpose of serving individuals on the CES priority list
Referral quality improvement (15%)
Proactively maintain and update participant records in HMIS or alternate referral database
Complete timely, thorough, and accurate data entry for participants as required in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System)
Complete other administrative support for HMIS reporting requirements as necessary
Attend all required Coordinated Entry meetings and trainings
Other duties as assigned
Qualifications
Valued experiences:
Providing peer support, case management, service coordination, or non-profit customer service/intake
Using Coordinated Entry Systems and/or housing placement and referral systems
Using homeless response services in Minnesota
Familiar with homeless response resources in region and best practices in field, such as Housing First, trauma-informed care, and culturally responsive services
Working closely with people of many different backgrounds and experiences (age, race, language, ability, gender, sexual orientation, etc.)
Using computers, especially Excel, Outlook, Zoom, and HMIS, to conduct daily tasks
Communicating effectively in English and Spanish or another common language in the region
Critical skills and approaches:
Maintaining confidentiality and following CES policies and procedures
Focus on goals of CES and position’s role in finding housing solutions for more people
Assisting participants in a client-driven manner (responsive to the priorities and preferences of participants regarding time, location, and priorities)
Self-motivated, with ability to engage others creatively and positively to solve problems
Exhibiting capacity to operate effectively in a variety of work environments and engage with persons experiencing traumatic and stressful situations
Communicating clearly, consistently, and courteously with clients, coworkers, and external partners verbally and in writing
Valid driver’s license and reliable transportation to travel regularly within the region to provide services (60% travel and work outside primary office / 40% in office)
Physical Requirements
Standing – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time
Walking – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time
Sitting – Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time
Reaching with hands and arms – Approximately between 1/3 and 2/3 of on-the-job time
Stooping, kneeling, crouching, or crawling – Approximately less than 1/3 of on-the-job time
Talking or hearing – Approximately greater than 2/3 of on-the-job time
Weight lifted/force exerted – An average of approximately up to 10 pounds, non- continuously
Physical requirements listed are primarily applied to ability to lift and move paper supply, files, etc.
Vision – Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less)
Driving – Approximately between 1/3 and 2/3 of on-the-job time
Other Requirements
A valid driver’s license and proof of current automobile registration and insurance
Proof of COVID vaccination (Must be fully vaccinated in accordance with the CDC definition)
Reliable, non-public internet access
Expense Reimbursement
Direct and necessary expenses related to required job-related activities are eligible for reimbursement.