River Valleys Continuum of Care - Coordinated Entry Navigator

Job Title: Coordinated Entry Navigator  

Status: Full Time, Exempt  

Location: Minnesota (southeast/south central)  

Position Summary 

The Institute for Community Alliances (ICA) is nonprofit organization and a national leader in the administration of HMIS. ICA is 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. The River Valleys CoC team is collaborative, thoughtful, and solutions-focused. For more information on River Valleys CoC, visit https://www.rivervalleyscoc.org/.  

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 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 Owatonna, Faribault, Austin, Albert Lea, Mankato, and Waseca, Minnesota.  

Salary/wage range: $41,600 - $62,400 annually 

To Be Considered: A cover letter and resume must be submitted no later than May 24, 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:  

• Maintains confidentiality and follows CES policies and procedures 

• Focuses on goals of CES and position’s role in finding housing solutions for more people  

• Assists participants in a client-driven manner (responsive to the priorities and preferences of participants regarding time, location, and priorities)   

• Is Self-motivated, with ability to engage others creatively and positively to solve problems 

• Exhibits capacity to operate effectively in a variety of work environments and engage with persons experiencing traumatic and stressful situations 

• Communicates clearly, consistently, and courteously with clients, coworkers, and external partners verbally and in writing  

• Has 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) 

• Internet access 

Expense Reimbursement 

• Direct and necessary expenses related to required job-related activities are eligible for reimbursement.  

COVID-19 Considerations 

• Proof of COVID vaccination (Must be fully vaccinated in accordance with the CDC definition