Housing Navigator

Description

Position Title: Housing Navigator

Job Type Full-Time

Reports To:  Program Coordinator

Classification: Regular Full-Time (Exempt) 

Location:  Washington, DC 20009

Hours: Flexible schedule, Monday through Friday.

About Us: 

Friendship Place is a nonprofit organization serving the Washington, D.C. region, empowering individuals and families experiencing or at risk of homelessness to rebuild their lives through community involvement.  Friendship Place offers the most effective model for addressing homelessness, with innovative, customized programs that have positive, demonstrable results and a lasting impact on the community and beyond.  Our programs are person-centered and individualized to meet the needs and goals of individuals, families, youth, young adults, and Veterans experiencing homelessness. We provide outreach, hospitality, health care, case management, housing, job placement services, and advocacy. We have established a national presence and are known for sharing best practices in the field.

Our Core Values: 

• Friendship Place is a Person First Organization that believes in promoting transparency and ethical practices among our team and those we serve. All individuals in our organization are expected to perform their job tasks in a manner consistent with our core values.  This includes the following: 
• Excellence and Innovation 
• Finding Ways to Say “Yes”  
• Caring at the Core  
• Agents of Change  
• Support, Empowerment, and Development  
• Integrity and Accountability

Summary:   

The Housing Navigator assists Veterans being placed into permanent housing quickly throughout the CoC’s served by the program. The Housing Navigator will work in tandem with the VA to assist many Veterans receiving the HUD-VASH subsidy for permanent supportive housing. The Housing Navigator will provide support to SSVF case managers, HUD-VASH case managers, Veteran participants, and community providers. The Housing Navigator serves as a resource to case managers, assisting them with housing-related needs for the following jurisdictions: DC, Arlington, Alexandria, Loudoun, Fairfax, Prince William, Montgomery, Prince George’s, and Frederick. 

Responsibilities:

• Coordination and communication about services to housing partners, including HUD-VASH
•  General case management support in partnership with HUD-VASH, including tenancy preparation and non-clinical service interventions.
• HUD-VASH voucher coordination:

-Document collection required by the PHA for HUD-VASH enrollment

-Work with the PHA to ensure that all HUD-VASH standards are met and to address any concerns that are presented during the    vouchering process.

-Connection to PHA for HUD-VASH voucher application, including assistance in completing and submitting applications and follow-up activities

-Review unit compliance with household composition and Fair Market Rent (FMR) requirements.

-Preparation of HUD-VASH packet

-Ensuring the voucher briefing is conducted, and the Veteran receives the voucher when PHA issues it.

• Transportation assistance to appointments, including medical appointments
• Assistance with food and personal needs while homeless, and coordination of service provision with HUD-VASH
• Securing income through employment or benefits
• Document all participant interactions in HMIS 
• Collaborate with external agencies that provide services to participants, including community organizations, government agencies, and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).
• Complete all appropriate monthly and annual reports  
• Assist with new staff development 
• Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and regular supervision
• Demonstrate empathy and flexibility in responding to participants’ needs and requests 
• Attend professional trainings and conferences as needed. 
• Perform all other duties as assigned. 

Requirements

Background & Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree and 2+ years’ experience in a similar setting preferred 
• Strong commitment to mission and organizational core values.
• Valid driver’s license and ability to operate a motor vehicle 
• CPR Certification (Must be from an approved training that includes a hands-on skills testing component), or able to obtain.
• Understanding and/or experience working with Veterans 
• Experience with HMIS data entry preferred 
• Strong written and verbal skills 
• Strong clinical skills and crisis management skills 
• Ability to work in a cultur