System Navigator

The System Navigator assists individuals and families experiencing homelessness in identifying housing needs and navigating complex service systems throughout Waukesha County. Services include needs assessments, case management, outreach, transportation support (as needed), and referrals to community resources. This position also supports and oversees a Youth Action Group, where youth experiencing homelessness identify barriers within homeless services and advocate for system improvements at both the local and Continuum of Care (CoC) levels, with support from CoC staff.

Responsibilities

· Complete pre-screening forms to determine eligibility for further assessment.

· Complete appropriate assessments for all eligible individuals seeking homeless services and programming.

· Serve as the primary point of contact for Waukesha County school districts and designated homeless liaisons to ensure Coordinated Entry assessments are offered and conducted, while facilitating access to supportive services.

· Enroll clients into Coordinated Entry and conduct follow-up contacts every 30 days.

· Conduct regular reviews of participant files to ensure compliance with BOS, HUD, and EHH requirements.

· Conduct outreach and serve as a liaison with community resources and service providers.

· Maintain professional communication and collaborative relationships with community agencies.

· Respect and maintain the confidentiality of participants, families, and partner agencies.

· Adhere to all organizational policies and ensure compliance with local, state, and federal regulations.

· Follow workplace safety standards and maintain departmental housekeeping expectations.

· Identify encampments and other locations where individuals experiencing homelessness sleep or congregate.

· Connect individuals living in places not meant for habitation with resources, shelter, and Coordinated Entry services.

· Provide follow-up support to individuals exiting shelter and housing programs.

· Conduct scheduled street outreach, including occasional evening and early morning hours.

· Conduct scheduled in-reach activities at service sites.

· Assist with Point-in-Time (PIT) Count planning and implementation.

· Promote and market services to youth and families through social media, flyers, community education, and relationship-building with providers serving individuals at risk of or experiencing homelessness.

· Develop and maintain comprehensive resource guides that are accessible to youth and families.

· Facilitate training sessions and discussions with stakeholders and community partners regarding the unique needs and barriers faced by youth experiencing homelessness.

· Communicate regularly with CoC staff regarding barriers youth face when accessing resources and services.

· Advocate for system improvements at both the local coalition and CoC levels, with support from CoC staff.

· Support the local Youth Advisory Board (YAB) by facilitating meetings, recruiting youth participants, identifying leadership opportunities, and serving as a liaison between local YABs and CoC staff, including the Project Coordinator.

· Attend YHDP System Navigator meetings facilitated by the CoC Project Coordinator.

· Collaborate with the local homeless coalition to ensure authentic youth voice is incorporated into decision-making processes.

· Perform other duties as assigned by the Operations Manager or Executive Director.

Preferred Qualifications:

· Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field.

· Knowledge of HMIS databases.

· Experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness.

· Two to three years of social services experience working with youth ages 18-24.

· Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, mental health, and substance use.

· Experience in crisis intervention and trauma-informed care practices.

· Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.

Minimum Qualifications:

· A combination of relevant education and equivalent work experience. Minimum 2-year degree in Social Work, Human Services, or another related field.

· Excellent communication skills, Written and oral - talking and writing effectively to convey information appropriately to the audience’s needs.

· Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

· Ability and willingness to work individually and as part of a team with other staff to provide services to clients.

· Excellent time management skills.

· Strong sense of logic and reason. Can adequately identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

· Good oral and written communication skills.

· Good organizational skills

· Good conflict management and crisis intervention skills

· Strong professional boundaries.

· Good leadership skills.

· Strong ability to perform tasks with minimal supervision or oversight.

· Follows through with commitments and meets deadlines.

Language Skills:

· Ability to read, write, and communicate effectively in English.

· Bilingual skills are strongly preferred.

Certificates, Licenses, Registration:

Requires a valid Wisconsin Driver’s license and proof of insurance.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This is a largely sedentary role; however, some handling of displays/signs/supplies/donations is necessary. This would require the ability to lift up to 40 pounds.

Pulled from the full job description

• Mileage reimbursement
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Dental insurance, Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform these functions.
• Work is primarily performed indoors, with occasional travel between buildings and outdoor locations.
• Some work-related travel is required.
• The typical noise level is moderate.

Schedule:

This is a full-time, hourly, non-exempt position requiring a 40-hour work week. The standard schedule is Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Occasional evening, early morning, and weekend hours are required to meet program and outreach needs.

Pay: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off