Homeless Services Navigator

Action Inc.; Gloucester (MA); On-site; USD 52,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Action Inc. in Gloucester, MA is seeking a Homeless Services Navigator to complete intakes and assessments, provide referrals, and serve as the CE program specialist and agency contact.

This role requires coordination of shelter guests with available resources and a commitment to data entry and confidentiality. Responsibilities include coordinating benefits, assisting with applications (Section 8, SNAP, public housing), handling documentation, and collaborating across Housing and Community

Qualifications

• BS degree in Human Services or related field or 3 years of relevant work experience.
• Experience in non-profit settings is a plus.
• Ability to undergo CORI background check prior to start.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary navigator for shelter guests and households experiencing homelessness.
• Complete shelter assessments for new guests and enter data into the internal system.
• Assist clients with coordinating public benefits and help with applications (Section 8, SNAP, public housing).
• Gather core documents and ID (birth certificate, license/ID, SSN).
• Attend shelter meetings to coordinate services between shelter and office.

Skills

Organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Communication skills

Confidentiality

Microsoft Office

CORI background check

Driver's license

Reliable transportation

US work authorization

Education

BS degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Want to be part of a team that provides help, hope, and support when people need it most? If so, read on! Action Inc. is seeking passionate candidates to join our Housing Services team as our Homeless Services Navigator.

About Action Inc.

The mission of Action Inc. is to advance economic equity and foster a thriving community on Cape Ann and beyond.

Role Overview

The Homeless Services Navigator (HSN) will complete intakes, assessments, provide referrals to ensure complete access to available resources for shelter guests and unhoused households. The HSN will serve as the Coordinated Entry (CE) program specialist and agency point of contact.

Position Details

• Full-time, non-exempt position | Gloucester, MA
• Monday–Friday, 9:00 AM–5:00 PM | 35 hours per week
• Pay: $28.30–$31.65 per hour | Estimated annual equivalent: approximately $51,506–$57,603 based on a 35-hour workweek

Duties/Responsibilities:

• Serve as the primary navigator for guests of the emergency shelter and households experiencing unsheltered homelessness.
• Complete shelter assessments for new guests of the emergency shelter and enter into internal database.
• Assist clients with coordination of available public benefits and assist with the application processes for such benefit- including but not limited to public housing, Section 8 and SNAP.
• Assist clients with gathering core documents and identification (birth certificate, license/ID, Social Security Card), as needed.
• Attend shelter staff meetings to ensure service coordination for guests between the shelter and main office in addition to working collaboratively between the Housing and Community Services departments.
• Meet with households in person or over the phone to discuss the CE entry prioritization and waitlist system and conduct CE assessments with those interested in participating. Record CE assessment in VESTA.
• Obtain a signed data confidentiality agreement from each client whose information is entered into VESTA.
• Receive and respond to calls from housing providers to assist in connecting with clients selected through the CE process.
• Participate in the CE subcommittee in addition to maintaining contact with the CE program administrative staff when requested to discuss concerns and issues.
• Provide outreach services to unhoused individuals to attempt to engage them in services.
• Enter and update information on clients served in internal databases in a timely fashion, meeting all mandatory deadlines.
• Attend and participate in departmental, organization-wide, and other meetings.
• Act in the best interest of the organization, reflecting the values of teamwork, collaboration and mutual respect.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Skills/Abilities:

• Excellent organizational, interpersonal, and communication skills.
• Reliable, responsible, highly organized and willing to take initiative.
• Able to multi-task, prioritize, and meet deadlines.
• Must possess a high degree of confidentiality and sensitivity to client health care status.
• Must also possess a high degree of skill using Microsoft Office products and internet resources.
• Ability to comply with and successfully complete a CORI background check before the start of employment.
• Compliance with Action Inc.'s Driver Safety and Insurance Policy, including pre-employment and annual MVR screenings, as well as proof of required auto insurance.
• Drivers' license required and reliable daily transportation.
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. Employment eligibility will be verified through E-Verify upon hire.
• Attend agency-sponsored CPR and AED Certificate course

Experience & Education:

• BS degree in Human Services or related field or 3 years of relevant work experience
• Experience in non-profit a plus

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift, move and carry up to 15 lbs.

Massachusetts Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI).

Name-based criminal record check (CORI) returns information on available Massachusetts arraignments.