SUMMARY

The Systems Navigator- Re-Housing works closely with the Family Emergency Services (FES) Rehousing Specialist staff. This Navigator position specializes in developing and identifying housing opportunities, including housing lotteries, housing voucher opportunities, transitional housing openings, low-barrier landlords, etc. Their role is to act as in-house consultants and support systems to rehousing specialists and stabilization workers. The Navigator helps manage challenges or crises and is an active problem-solver.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Assist rehousing specialists in identifying available housing opportunities, focusing on making connections to permanent housing options.

• Develop connections with landlords with a focus on developing new relationships with new landlords, particularly low-barrier landlords, and maintain an active listing of landlords/properties.

• Provide ongoing trainings and support to rehousing specialist staff regarding the Common Housing Application for Massachusetts Programs (CHAMP), how to complete a HomeBASE application, landlord/tenant rights and responsibilities, how to appeal a housing rejection, and effective housing advocacy.

• Establish a thorough list of housing resources across different regions of the state where the families may have ties and supports in place.

• Work collaboratively with collateral providers including the Department of Transitional Assistance (DTA), the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD), the Department of Children and Families (DCF), the Department of Youth Services (DYS), Early Intervention, Legal Services, Behavioral Health Services (BHS), etc. to ensure coordination of services.

• Participate as a member of the Family Emergency Services Team and attend regular team meetings and DHCD trainings.

• Assist the Stabilization Team with services needed to ensure the successful tenancy of clients once they exit shelter with a focus on housing stabilization resources across our service area.

• Engage all clients by understanding and addressing their needs whether within or outside the scope of work.

• Maintain confidentiality of client, employee and agency information in accordance with federal and state laws and funder requirements.

• Ensure compliance with program/department, agency and/or funder requirements, as well as, SMOC policies & procedures.

• Other duties as assigned.

KNOWLEDGE AND SKILL REQUIREMENTS

• Bachelor’s degree preferred and/or three years relevant work experience in social services with low-income, minority and disabled individuals.

• Bi-lingual preferred (Spanish, Haitian Creole and Portuguese are high needs)

• Must be willing to work a flexible schedule

• Sensitivity to low income people of diverse backgrounds

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

ORGANIZATIONAL RELATIONSHIP

• Directly reports to Director, EA Shelters and Navigators.

• Indirectly reports to Director, EA Shelter and Facilities.

  PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Must be able to sit or stand for a prolonged period.

• Must be able to operate a computer and complete extensive paperwork.

WORKING CONDITIONS

As part of the responsibilities of this position, the Systems Navigator Case Manager will have direct or incidental contact with clients served by SMOC in various programs funded or administered through the Executive Office of Health and Human Services. A successful background check is required.

Monday - Friday 8:00a - 4:00pm

35 hours per week