Navigator

POSITION SUMMARY:

Person in this position will be responsible for working with the HUD-VASH Team at San Joaquin Valley Veterans (SJVV) and Veterans Administration (VA) providing ongoing support in identifying housing needs and working alongside Veteran participants and SSVF staff in locating suitable housing. Will work together with HUD-VASH and SSVF to put together regular inventory of available housing in community. The HUD-VASH Navigator will build relationships with property owners and managers to expedite the process of getting into housing and possibly be the point of contact for concerns. Essential Job Functions include those listed below.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Schedule, coordinate, and facilitate housing opportunities for HUD-VASH participants through housing development activities.
• Actively assist and coach VASH participants with completing applications for various rental assistance resources, advocate for participants, and provide active follow-up during the application process.
• Recruit and engage housing providers/landlords, assess and address landlord and participant's housing needs, cultivate relationships with community partners, and support veteran families.
• Screen landlords and assess units for appropriateness via pre-inspections or unit walk-throughs and completion of Habitability checklist.
• Interact and collaborate with the HUD-VASH Case Managers, Veterans, and other staff in order to secure placements expeditiously once the Veteran has received a voucher.
• Act as a liaison between the SSVF grantee, VASH and the Landlord/or community providers, coordinating linkage and referral for a population of Veterans and their families who require assistance accessing and obtaining housing.
• Participation in case staffing and team meetings as required.
• Prepare materials to mail out/hand out in order to educate prospective landlords of the HUD-VASH Program and maintain good public relations with landlords and developers in the community that may be willing to rent to a Veteran with a HUD-VASH voucher.
• Prepare reports, maintain records and database, as well as perform other related work in conjunction with HUD-VASH Case Managers and the Veterans who are enrolled in the program.
• Must embrace and embody the mission, vision, guiding principles, clinical vision, and goals of WestCare Foundation.
• Other relevant duties as assigned.

ESSENTIAL QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform the duties and responsibilities satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required.

• Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.
• Ability to work well in a team environment.
• Adherence to the highest standard of ethical conduct, especially to standards governing confidentiality.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Must be culturally/linguistically sensitive to populations served.
• Military/Veteran preferred.
• Must be able to successfully obtain and maintain a criminal background clearance
• Valid driver's license and ability to obtain and maintain WestCare's vehicle insurance is required; and
• CPR Certification, First Aid Certification, and an annual Tuberculosis test.
• During your tenure with WestCare there may be new requirements, including, but not limited to vaccinations that are issued by local, State, Federal, and/or Funders that WestCare may have to comply with. Should this occur Human Resources or appropriate personnel will inform you.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

• Experience consisting of two (2) years of providing direct outreach services in an intensive setting is preferred.
• Two-year college degree in Human Services, Psychology, or Health Administration is preferred.
• GED or High School Diploma is required.

LICENSURE/CERTIFICATION:

• Not applicable for this position.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Work is primarily performed in an office or treatment setting.
• Some outdoor activities may be required.
• Professional appearance and demeanor.
• Work varied shifts, including weekends and holidays.
• Transportation of clients in company vehicle.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Occasional lifting of more than 10 pounds.
• Sitting, standing, walking, reaching are performed in the normal course of the position.
• The normal work routine involves no exposure to blood, body fluids, or tissues, BUT exposure or potential exposure may be required as a condition of employment. Appropriate personal protective equipment will be readily available to every employee engaged in Category II tasks.