Outreach / Housing Navigator

Essential Functions

• Meet clients where they are to work on getting them into housing.
• Refers clients to other agencies and programs for basic and specialized needs.
• Prepare and maintain required documentation, including housing and person documents and reports.

Primary Responsibilities

• Support the mission and vision of Goodwill Industries of Northern Michigan.
• Work in a safe manner by observing all Goodwill safety policies and procedures.
• Interact with all Goodwill team members, clients, and customers in a professional manner.
• 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.
• Ensure the confidentiality of all persons served.

Requirements

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

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

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

Physical Requirements

• Lifting to 20 pounds, stairs, walking on uneven surfaces, and bending.

Grant writing and reporting as assigned.

Other duties as assigned by manager.