Outreach / Housing Navigator

Goodwill Northern Michigan; Garfield Township (MI); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Northern Michigan is seeking an Outreach / Housing Navigator to serve individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Grand Traverse Area. The role integrates within the Homelessness Crisis Response system to identify, engage, and connect clients to resources and permanent housing as quickly as possible.

The position requires strong engagement skills, data quality in HMIS, and the ability to work with diverse populations, often in partnership with local agencies.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Two years in case management with housing/homeless populations preferred.
• CPR/First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s license with clean driving record.
• Chauffeur’s license or ability to obtain within 30 days.

Responsibilities

• Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Link clients with crisis housing and resources; assist with housing applications.
• Complete data entries and HMIS records with high quality.
• Collaborate with clients to develop individualized housing and budget plans.
• Drive company vehicle to appointments and community events when needed.

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or Human Services

Licensed social worker (preferred)

Two years in case management or homeless services

Familiarity with Trauma-Informed Care

Motivational Interviewing

Tools

HMIS

Job description

Description

The Outreach / Housing Navigator serves as a housing advocate for individuals experiencing homelessness across the Greater Grand Traverse Region. The Outreach/Housing Navigator works within the community’s Homelessness Crisis Response system to Identify and Engage individuals, link them with resources, and assist them in securing permanent housing as quickly as possible.

Essential Functions:

1. Meet clients where they are to work on getting them into housing.
2. Refers clients to other agencies and programs for basic and specialized needs.
3. Prepare and maintains require documentation, including housing and person documents and reports.

Primary Responsibilities:

1. Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
2. Perform work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
3. Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
4. Respect the diversity of others, including but not limited to, those with cultural, ethnic, and gender differences, individuals experiencing homelessness, and persons with visible and non-visible disabilities.
5. Ensure the confidentiality of all persons served.
6. Provide outreach and engagement services to individuals experiencing homelessness in the Greater Grand Traverse Area.
7. Practice Diversion away from homeless services as appropriate.
8. Assess client’s immediate housing needs (VI-SPDAT, TAY-VI-SPDAT or F-VI-SPDAT).
9. Link clients with crisis housing (emergency shelter) as appropriate.
10. Understand all processes and procedures of the homeless response system, including Coordinated Entry, Homeless Prevention, IST/Prioritization of Supports, Chronic Homelessness, Housing Choice Vouchers (HCV), Project Based Vouchers (PBV), Domestic Violence, Veteran’s Services, Youth Services, etc.
11. When appropriate, complete in-depth assessment (SPDAT or F-SPDAT) to help determine housing and rental assistance interventions.
12. Collaborate with clients to develop individualized housing and budget plans.
13. Link clients with appropriate resource referrals (e.g. Mental Health, employment, etc.) and assist client in engaging services.
14. Complete client related data tracking information, including case notes and complete HMIS entries. Maintain a 95% Data Quality standard on all HMIS entries.
15. May be required to drive company vehicle for purposes of:
16. transporting clients to various appointments, such as medical visits, job interviews, or social service agencies.
17. running errands on behalf of clients or the organization.
18. traveling to different neighborhoods or communities to provide information about available services, conduct workshops, or engage with community members.
19. transporting supplies, equipment, or materials between different locations, such as offices, shelters, or community centers.
20. Must adhere to all driving policies and regulations, including maintaining a valid driver's license, following safety protocols, and keeping accurate records of mileage and expenses.
21. Continually seek ways to improve program practices, policies and procedures.
22. Adhere to all Goodwill Northern Michigan and Goodwill Housing Department policies and procedures.
23. Grant writing and reporting as assigned.
24. Other duties as assigned by manager.

Requirements

Education, Licenses, Certifications and Experience:

1. Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or other Human Services field preferred; or equivalent combination of education and experience.
2. Licensed social worker preferred.
3. Two years in related experience with case management services, housing, and homeless populations preferred.
4. CPR/First Aid certification.
5. Valid Driver’s License with clean, safe driving record.
6. Chauffeur’s License, or ability obtain within 30 days.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

1. Familiarity with local human service providers and other community resources and agencies
2. Effective communications skills, including both verbal and non-verbal, as well as active listening.
3. Ability to engage and build trust and rapport with difficult to serve and/or resistant populations.
4. Ability to work with diverse communities and exercise mature judgment.
5. Highly motivated self-starter and ability to prioritize and coordinate multiple projects/tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment.
6. Demonstrate an ability to work independently and/or as part of a team.
7. Strong problem solving and conflict de-escalation/resolution skills.
8. Understand the relationship between income and housing to build a realistic housing plan.
9. Computer skills and experience, with proficiency in online data management systems.
10. Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with disabilities or who are disadvantaged.
11. Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons with substance abuse disorders and mental illness.
12. Knowledge of and sensitivity to persons who are survivors of domestic violence.
13. Previous experience working with the homeless population is preferred.
14. Familiarity with providing Trauma-Informed Care.
15. Familiarity with Motivational Interviewing.

Physical Requirements:

• Lifting to 20 pounds, stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, and bending.
• This position is considered a Safety Sensitive position and is subject to zero tolerance under the Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan Drug Free Workplace Policy.