Job description

Location
Homeless Solutions Main Shelter

Description
Homeless Solutions, Inc. has been the leader in its field in Morris County for 40 years and we value our staff as the most important part of our continued success. The Housing Navigation Specialist at HSI plays a vital role in helping our shelter guests and program participants end their homelessness and reach their goals of self-sufficiency. More specifically, the Housing Navigation Specialist works directly with guests in our Main Shelter and participants in our Transitional Housing Program who are eligible for or are receiving housing subsidies or other imminent permanent housing opportunities by helping them compile necessary documentation, transporting them to briefings, apartment viewings, lease signings and other relevant housing events, and negotiating on their behalf and advocating for them to landlords, property managers, housing authorities and other housing entities. This position offers the rewarding experience of ending the long, difficult battle of homelessness for countless individuals each year and celebrating the start of their journey in their new homes.
This role is a full time exempt onsite position, with opportunity for flexible scheduling based on experience and at management discretion. This role may be offered with the opportunity for alternative work scheduling of either a 4 day work week (onsite) or a 5 day work week with one day of remote work, in accordance with current organizational policy. Applicable candidates may be eligible for employer funded LCSW supervision as part of their employment and subject to availability.
HSI is seeking a confident and goal driven individual with a minimum baseline housing resource knowledge to advocate for and assist shelter and transitional housing clients as they move forward into appropriate permanent housing. This role will be responsible for navigating the housing subsidy system for our clients. We encourage applicants with lived experience to apply.
Responsibilities relating to Transitional Housing Program include:

• Assess the housing needs and barriers of program participants and meet with participants as needed to assist them in working towards their permanent housing goals. Phase III participants - meet twice per month until housing is secured.
• Identify voucher and permanent housing opportunities for which participants are eligible and acquire necessary application and other relevant information.
• Work collaboratively with other staff and agency volunteers in order to ensure program participants have applied to all open affordable housing waitlists for which they are eligible. This may include: overseeing/maintaining a directory of applications and contacts, database of eligibility criteria, and documentation related to application tracking. This will also involve training/supporting volunteers and other staff who are assisting with this process
• Follow up on referrals until housing is secured, meeting with guests as needed.
• Provide direction and communication to program volunteers conducting market rate housing searches and ensure all housing leads are accessible to guests.
• Coordinate transportation for consumers with respect to housing-related activities including apartment viewings, meetings with Housing Authorities and affordable housing opportunities.

Responsibilities relating to other HSI programs:

• Meet with housing-ready guests to conduct housing assessments.
• Collaborate with staff to develop appropriate service plan housing goals and realistic target dates.
• Assist guests with permanent housing opportunities and successful placement into safe, affordable and sustainable housing.
• Contact landlords/property managers on behalf of clients; advocate for clients.
• Maintain current knowledge of service providers including local housing authorities, affordable housing property managers, agencies that administer housing voucher and other shelter/Transitional Housing programs.
• Assess furniture needs and coordinate with external partners for permanent housing placements.
• Provide clients with appropriate referrals in order to obtain security and first month assistance upon transitioning to permanent housing
• Assist housing-ready consumers with housing applications and provide information for current/upcoming housing opportunities
• Maintain housing application lists and client housing trackers
• Attend applicable staff/team meetings and provide content/materials and updates related to client housing progress
• Coordinate with all applicable Programs & Services staff to ensure wrap-around coordination related to housing.
• Obtain security deposits and first month rent assistance through collaboration with staff and partner agencies
• Assist clients in compilation of all applicable supporting documentation and fees.
• Maintain organization and content level of housing application files and client housing trackers.
• Attend applicable staff meetings and provide content/materials and updates related to participant housing searches.
• Coordinate with all applicable Programs & Services staff to ensure wrap-around coordination related to housing.

Other responsibilities:

• Participate in all staff meetings and assigned trainings
• Document all client interactions in HMIS in a timely and efficient manner
• Maintain clear, concise and complete reports and files.
• Perform other work in support of the agency as assigned.
• Exhibit strong personal accountability for, awareness of and adherence to company standards, policies, procedures and process in all aspects of employment with HSI.

Requirements

• Bachelor's Degree or relevant experience working with the homeless and/or underserved population (Preferred)
• Knowledge of housing resource systems in NJ and ability to navigate the housing subsidy system effectively to the benefit of clients.
• Valid driver’s license with a clean driving record.
• Satisfactory results of regular periodic background checks.
• Basic knowledge of applicable software and technology including Microsoft Office Suite products including TEAMS.
• Strong demonstrated interpersonal and communication skills. Ability to communicate clearly both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to prioritize tasks
• Knowledge of fair housing laws
• Accuracy and organizational skills
• Regular and predictable onsite attendance is an essential function of this role.
• Ability to remain in a stationary position at an office desk and constantly operate a computer and other office productivity machinery
• Clarity of vision at a range of 20 inches or less.
• Ability to occasionally move about inside the office to access materials and work spaces.
• Ability to participate in offsite functions and meetings as required by the position

Additional Information
Full time permanent staff of Homeless Solutions are eligible to enroll in fully paid medical, dental and life insurance coverage plans in accordance with HSI policies. In addition, all staff are eligible immediately upon hiring to participate in a 401k retirement savings plan, including up to a 6% company paid match. Generous PTO plans include paid personal, vacation and sick leave as well as 10 floating holidays annually.
HSI is an equal opportunity employer, and we appreciate and celebrate the diversity of our staff. We believe that diversity not only includes race and gender, but also age, disability status, veteran status, sexual orientation, religion and many other parts of an individual’s identity. HSI recruits, hires, trains, promotes, compensates and administers all policy and actions with equal opportunity for all employees and applicants. The points of view of all of our staff are important, and supporting a culture of inclusion is everyone’s responsibility.
HSI values the safety and holistic well being of our staff as a priority. To that end, we have implemented multi layered safety protocols, including wellness checks, provision of PPE as required, and ensuring a safe working environment through structural adjustments and stringent cleaning and emergency response protocols. Qualified candidates will meet all current employment policies including those related to COVID19 vaccinations.
The Housing Navigation Specialist will have the opportunity to be part of positive change in the lives of the guests, participants and tenants in our communities. Salary starts at $40,000 annually.

Location Description

540 West Hanover Ave Suite 100
Morristown, NJ 07960
Our main shelter houses:

• Men's and Women's Programs
• Family Programs
• Safe Haven

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $40,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance

Schedule:

• 10 hour shift
• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Morristown, NJ 07960

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