Community Services Counselor-Resource Navigator

Snohomish County; Everett (WA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 68,000; Full time

Job summary

Snohomish County's Housing and Community Services is hiring a Community Services Counselor/Resource Navigator to support households experiencing homelessness. The role collaborates with staff and community agencies to help clients resolve housing crises and access services.

The ideal candidate has experience with low income or homeless populations, a commitment to equitable systems, and the ability to build relationships with clients and agencies. Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance or closely related field.
• Plus, one year of experience working with homeless clients or at-risk populations.

Responsibilities

• Interviews clients, reviews records, and consults sources to identify problems and assess needs.
• Assists clients in accessing services and makes referrals; monitors progress.
• Provides guidance and emotional support to help clients resolve housing barriers.
• Maintains contacts with community agencies and keeps informed about services.
• Maintains detailed case records and prepares reports and documents.
• Responds to information requests from clients, government agencies, and the public.

Skills

Interviewing

Case management

Rapport building

Crisis intervention

Education

Bachelor's degree required

Tools

MS Office

Word processing

Job description

Join our Snohomish County Human Services Team!

The office of Housing and Community Services is hiring one (1) Community Services Counselor Resource Navigator position. Resource Navigators work in a supportive team environment collaborating with colleagues and community agency staff, to support households experiencing homelessness to resolve their housing crisis.

An ideal candidate for this position:

• Has experience working with low income, indigent or homeless populations;
• Has a desire to assist clients with accessing services and achieving self-sufficiency;
• Demonstrates a commitment to equitable systems and processes;
• Will be able to establish and maintain effective relationships with clients, social service program staff, other county staff, and the public.

Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

About Human Services:

Human Service Department mission is to help all persons meet their basic needs and develop their potential by providing timely, effective human services and building community.

The Human Services Department includes 350+ diverse, friendly and dedicated employees who benefit from outstanding benefits and competitive wages. Employees are appreciated and have the opportunity to make a real difference in our community. Snohomish County is thriving and is a great place to live, work, play, and raise a family. We strive to not only provide a meaningful job, but a life-long career at Snohomish County.

Job Offers are contingent on successful completion of reference and background checks. Snohomish County will not sponsor or take over sponsorship of an employment visa for this opportunity. In compliance with federal law, all persons hired will be required to verify identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

Snohomish County Human Services strives to be an equitable and trauma-informed department. Our department believes every interaction, procedure, and policy provides an opportunity to build a pathway toward a more resilient and restorative Snohomish County.

Please reach out to [e-mail] with any questions regarding this job posting.

BASIC FUNCTION

To provide responsible service delivery to homeless clients and/or those at risk of becoming homeless or other low-income persons.

STATEMENT OF ESSENTIAL JOB DUTIES

1. Interviews clients, reviews records and consults other professional sources in order to identify problems, assess client needs, gather information regarding eligibility for various programs and become acquainted with the clients.
2. Assists clients in accessing needed services and/or programs available through community agencies; makes referrals as appropriate; monitors and measure' client progress.
3. Provides guidance and emotional support to assist clients in understanding and overcoming barriers to housing; assists clients in resolving housing problems and crisis situations.
4. Maintains contacts with area social and health service agencies to keep informed of services available and develop new resources; keeps informed about new developments and techniques in counseling, guidance, and housing.
5. Maintains detailed case records; prepares required reports, forms, documents and grant requests; operates personal computer to record data, write reports, and prepare other written materials
6. Responds to telephone and written requests for information from potential clients, government agencies, other county departments, human service providers, and the general public

STATEMENT OF OTHER JOB DUTIES

1. May serve as liaison between the County and program subcontractors, other affected agencies, and various community groups as required; coordinates program activities with other Human Services divisions and programs and with other agencies and groups as necessary.
2. May manage computerized service data and reporting systems using databases and spreadsheets to generate reports and tracking program information as necessary.
3. Performs related duties as required.

A Bachelor's degree in psychology, sociology, social work, social welfare, counseling and guidance or closely related field; PLUS, one (1) year of experience working with and supporting direct services with homeless clients and those at risk of becoming homeless; OR, any equivalent combination of training and/or experience that provides the required knowledge and abilities.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENT

A valid Washington State Driver's License, unrestricted except as to vision, will be required prior to appointment.

KNOWLEDGE AND ABILITIES

Knowledge of:

• housing homelessness and low incomeissues and resources
• functions and resources of social and health service agencies

Ability to:

• effectively interview clients, prepare action plans, determine courses of action and evaluate individual progress
• establish and maintain rapport with clients, guide them toward positive goals and communicate with them in both supportive and confront modes
• communicate effectively with people regardless of age, sex or social, economic, or cultural background including persons with social or behavioral issues
• respond effectively in crisis and emergency situations
• express ideas and recommendations clearly and effectively both orally and in writing
• establish and maintain effective work relationships with social service system officials, community organizations and agency staff, associates, other county employees, and the public
• follow oral and written instructions
• maintain detailed records and prepare clear, concise written reports
• exercise initiative and judgment and make decisions within the scope of assigned authority
• read, interpret, and apply work related laws, rules, and other regulations
• operate a personal computer for data entry, word processing, and to develop job related materials

SUPERVISION

The employee reports to an administrative superior as assigned. Work is performed with considerable independence and is reviewed for quality, adequacy of professional judgment, and compliance with established goals and policies through conferences, case record narratives, reports and appraisal of results obtained.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Work is performed in the usual office environment and in a variety of community settings.

Snohomish County is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer.

Accommodations for individuals with disabilities are provided upon request.

EEO policy and ADA notice