Community Navigator

About the role

The Midtown Community Justice Center seeks a Community Navigator for the Community First program. The Community Navigator will engage community members in the Times Square and Midtown Manhattan area who are experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness and often have co-occurring behavioral health challenges. The role involves building trusting relationships, facilitating linkages to social services, and providing support and case management.

Responsibilities

• Perform community outreach in the Times Square area and broader Midtown community
• Identify and build relationships with individuals experiencing homelessness or housing insecurity, substance use disorders, mental health crises, or needing other supportive services
• Work with a diverse population in a mutually respectful manner, using a strengths-based and client-centered approach
• Develop and maintain working knowledge of local resources for health and wellness as well as public benefits
• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses that can provide additional support (e.g., employment opportunities, access to bathrooms, access to free food and supplies)
• Provide clients with support and linkages to programs and opportunities in the community (e.g., benefits, job programs, health, housing, and treatment services)
• Provide mobile case management and accompany clients to appointments and external service providers
• Provide peer support and case management to court-involved clients struggling with housing insecurity or other behavioral health challenges
• Know how to properly administer Naloxone and train community members how to use harm reduction tools including Naloxone and drug test strips
• Adhere to policies and procedures of the Community First program and Midtown Community Justice Center
• Accurately and efficiently document client interactions and assigned tasks
• Contribute to data collection, documenting case management efforts and adding to the monthly report due to stakeholders
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with Midtown staff to provide client updates
• Attend weekly supervision, trainings, and staff meetings, and keep supervisor informed of all work-related activities
• Participate in community engagement projects, meetings, and events, including during evenings and weekends, as needed
• Support Midtown Community Justice Center's initiatives more broadly, as needed
• and Additional relevant tasks, as needed.

Qualifications

• A high school diploma and at least 2 years of relevant experience is required
• Certified Recovery Peer Advocate (CRPA) or Recovery Coach certificate a plus
• Candidates must have experience working with a diverse population, including individuals with a history of substance abuse and/or mental illness, using a strengths-based and trauma-informed approach
• Bilingual (English-Spanish) preferred
• Able to walk 30 blocks or more on a regular basis
• Knowledge of community-based resources throughout New York City, especially Midtown Manhattan
• Knowledge of the principles and practices of harm reduction
• Ability to motivate clients in a courteous, empathic, and professional manner
• Commitment to working as part of a collaborative team to ensure coordination of care for participants
• Strong communication skills to convey information clearly, accurately, and completely
• Ability to maintain professional demeanor when handling difficult contacts
• Experience using Microsoft Office and Google Suite programs such as Outlook and Gmail (email), Slack, and case management systems
• Strong work ethic, particularly in a team setting
• Commitment to creating, promoting, and maintaining a respectful, inclusive, and anti-racist work environment