Housing Navigator Success Specialist

GENERAL SUMMARY

In keeping with the Mission Statement and Principles of Covenant House New Orleans the Housing Navigator Success Specialist supports CHNOs housing stability and aftercare efforts by providing intensive trauma informed case management and housing navigation services to youth experiencing homelessness

This position is responsible for engaging youth in a supportive youth centered manner to identify barriers develop individualized housing and success plans and connect youth to safe stable and sustainable housing options The Housing Navigator Success Specialist works collaboratively across programs and with community partners to ensure continuity of care and successful transitions into permanent housing

This role includes direct service delivery housing placement support landlord engagement care coordination documentation advocacy and crisis response Due to the nature of housing and case management work the position may require flexibility including some evenings weekends and field based work

This role includes field based engagement care coordination advocacy documentation oversight and partnership development Due to the nature of work the position requires flexibility and may include some evenings weekends and holidays as needed

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Key Responsibilities

HOUSING NAVIGATION AND CASE MANAGEMENT

• Manage a caseload of youth providing individualized trauma informed and goal oriented case management services
• Conduct comprehensive assessments within program timelines to identify housing needs barriers credit legal income etc and long term success goals
• Develop and maintain individualized Housing and Success Plans that incorporate housing stability education employment financial literacy and life skills development
• Help participants to mitigate issues with credit reports utility arrears criminal records unfavorable landlord references and other issues which may impact housing eligibility
• Apply a two generation approach when applicable by supporting parenting youth family reconnection and intergenerational stability planning
• Meet regularly with youth to review goals update plans and track progress toward long term independence
• Perform intakes and discharge planning in line with CHNO timeline and program model requirements utilizing a client centered approach that emphasizes youth choice
• Have weekly meetings with assigned youth to collaborate on their Success Plans and assist in goal attainment Revise and update the success plan as necessary
• Ensure Coordinated Entry Assessment is current updating as necessary
• Perform trafficking screenings Quick Youth Indicators for Trafficking Assist youth in safety planning around a variety of vulnerabilities coordinate with the criminal justice and youth protection systems as required by law due to youth age under 18 youth vulnerability APS standards or at the request of the youth ages 18 to 24
• Complete Social Emotional Wellbeing Resiliency and other identified assessments
• Assist participants in their housing search including applying for apartments making referrals to other housing location services and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed
• Support youth in building independent living skills including budgeting tenancy employment readiness and community integration
• Explain and review the lease agreement with the youth
• Collaborate with other CHNO staff and community partners including case managers and programmatic support staff to ensure that youth receive comprehensive and coordinated services
• Assist youth with moving plans for example help locating affordable moving companies locating storage units acquiring furniture and other move in essentials etc
• Conduct regular in person post placement visits mitigates risks and helps improve the likelihood of housing retention
• Participate in citywide outreach coordination systems such as UNITY joint operations and youth homelessness coalitions

LANDLORD ENGAGEMENT AND RETENTION

• Conducts outreach and expands access to housing by cultivating relationships with property owners and management companies and connecting with landlords via neighborhood outreach Internet search and networking events
• Maintain a working knowledge of available housing inventory subsidies and affordable housing programs
• Act as the primary liaison between youth and landlords through housing placement and lease up processes
• Assist youth with housing search applications documentation preparation and apartment viewings
• Advocate for youth with landlords and housing providers to reduce barriers and secure housing placements
• Support move in coordination including furnishings utilities and logistics
• Arrange for timely inspections and landlord corrective actions
• Conduct follow up visits and ongoing engagement to support housing retention and stability
• Address lease issues landlord concerns and housing crises proactively to prevent eviction
• Participate in community events and partnerships as scheduled

YOUTH ENGAGEMENT ADVOCACY AND SUPPORT SERVICES

• Build consistent trusting relationships through regular engagement across shelter community and housing settings
• Assess risks and develop safety plans in collaboration with youth for example relational mental health substance use immigration concerns and coordinate proactive risk mitigation strategies with the CHNO success management team
• Provide crisis intervention safety planning and emotional support using trauma informed care and de escalation techniques
• Connect youth to comprehensive wraparound services including healthcare mental health education employment benefits and transportation
• Advocate across systems housing legal employment education to remove barriers and increase access to opportunities
• Promote youth voice choice and self determination in all service planning and delivery

COLLABORATION AND SYSTEMS COORDINATION

• Collaborate with CHNO teams Outreach Residential Behavioral Health Aftercare to ensure continuity of care
• Participate in coordinated entry case conferencing and housing placement meetings
• Build and maintain partnerships with landlords housing authorities service providers and community organizations
• Coordinate services to ensure youth receive comprehensive and integrated support
• Contribute to system level advocacy to improve housing access and outcomes for youth

DOCUMENTATION DATA AND COMPLIANCE

• Maintain accurate timely documentation of all client interactions housing placements and service outcomes in HMIS ETO and other systems
• Document all critical incidents including disruptions safety concerns and emergency situations in a clear and timely manner
• Complete detailed reports on security activities incidents and interventions ensuring that information is accurately logged for future reference or review
• Follow up on incidents to ensure that appropriate actions are taken and that necessary resources are provided for youth or staff
• Maintain confidentiality and professionalism in all documentation and communication
• Ensure compliance with agency policies funding requirements and regulatory standards
• Track program outcomes including housing placements retention rates and service engagement
• Maintain confidentiality and uphold professional documentation standards
• Ensure accurate HMIS ETO entries for outreach contacts case notes referrals and incidents
• Support audits quality assurance and continuous improvement
• Prepare and submit regular reports to the CHNO Senior Leadership and Transitional Housing Manager as required

CRISIS RESPONSE AND TRAUMA INFORMED CARE

• Respond effectively to crises including housing instability conflict safety concerns and mental health emergencies
• Utilize trauma informed solution focused interventions to stabilize situations
• Conduct home visits and field based support as required to maintain engagement and stability
• Model compassionate high stress situations ensuring youth feel supported and respected by employing trauma informed de escalation techniques and ensuring that youths immediate needs are addressed with compassion and professionalism
• Set the tone for trauma informed care by modeling empathetic patient and respectful interactions with youth staff and community partners
• Ensure that all activities are conducted with sensitivity to the impact of trauma fostering a safe and supportive environment
• Encourage and facilitate an environment where youth feel empowered valued and respected and where they are supported in developing the skills and confidence to achieve their goals
• Maintain a calm non confrontational demeanor when addressing challenging behaviors de escalating situations without resorting to force or punitive measures
• Respect youth privacy autonomy and personal boundaries while ensuring safety protocols are followed
• Recognize and respond to signs of trauma or distress in youth and intervene in a way that promotes emotional safety and stability
• Use effective CPI de escalation techniques to manage conflicts or behavioral concerns ensuring a safe resolution for all involved
• Work collaboratively with Care Center staff mental health staff and case managers to address behavioral or emotional issues ensuring that any actions taken are in line with trauma informed care principles
• Assist in managing challenging situations in a way that supports youths emotional needs and minimizes further trauma or distress
• Respond swiftly and appropriately to emergency situations such as medical emergencies fires or physical altercations while maintaining a trauma sensitive approach

Qualifications

Education and Experience

• Bachelors degree in Social Work Public Health Psychology Counseling Nonprofit Management Human Services Education or related field or equivalent experience below required
• The following equivalencies are acceptable in lieu of the abovementioned undergraduate or graduate degree and or years of professional experience requirements
  • Associates degree or two 2 years sixty 60 hours of college completed AND six 6 years of experience in case management or social services OR
  • One 1 year thirty 30 credits of college completed AND eight 8 years of experience in case management or social services OR
  • Ten 10 years of experience in case management or social services
  • Two 2 years of experience in youth homelessness services case management or related social services field
  • Extensive knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies for example Section 8 Rapid Rehousing PSH Bridge Housing VASH
• Comprehensive knowledge of state city and community resources including housing options locations and availability as well as health mental health government benefits employment and transportation resources among others
• Strong understanding of trauma informed care and its application to working with youth who have experienced homelessness abuse or other forms of trauma
• Proven experience in managing and mentoring staff providing constructive feedback and fostering professional development
• Knowledge of youth development crisis intervention and behavioral management strategies
• Excellent communication skills including the ability to engage youth families and staff in open respectful dialogue
• Ability to work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team as well as external partners and community resources
• Experience with case management software for example HMIS ETO and proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to handle multiple priorities in a fast paced environment
• Ability to work with individuals from diverse backgrounds and provide culturally competent services
• Ability to work flexible hours including evenings and weekends as required
• Valid drivers license is required

Skills and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to interact with youth staff and visitors in a respectful and compassionate manner
• Ability to remain calm and composed in high pressure or emergency situations
• Knowledge of trauma informed care practices and a commitment to supporting the emotional wellbeing of youth
• Strong conflict resolution and de escalation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Ability to patrol the premises and respond quickly to emergencies when necessary

Physical Requirements

Must be able to perform all job duties with reasonable accommodation

Working Conditions

• Full time position with shifts that may include holidays evenings weekends and overnight hours
• Work in both indoor and outdoor environments including various weather conditions
• Includes field based duties requiring mobility across the New Orleans metro area
• Exposure to potentially challenging situations involving youth with complex needs requiring the ability to respond with patience empathy and professionalism
• Non traditional hours will be involved

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY

Covenant House New Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer We base all employment decisions on qualifications and business needs without regard to race gender sexual orientation religion disability or protected status