SSVF VASH Housing Navigator

We are looking for an SSVF VASH Housing Navigator who can make a lasting impact on serving our veterans. This program position, reporting to the SSVF Senior Program Manager, is responsible for housing navigation services offered to clients in the SSVF Program per SSVF Grant standards and requirements in collaboration with the Hines Veteran Affairs HUD-VASH team. The SSVF VASH Housing Navigator should represent MSHV’s core values - emphasizing compassion and individualized care. Working closely with the SSVF Senior Program Manager and team, this will be accomplished by the position’s responsibility for leading and developing support for the following areas: individualized case planning, housing identification and stability, diligence to adhering to the SSVF Program Guide and local written agreements and serve as the liaison between MSHV and the Hines VA HUD-VASH program (which will require some travel to Hines VA location)., * SSVF Client Services. Conduct screening and assessment for literally homeless veterans and their families.

• Conduct regular outreach to emergency shelters, Veterans Assistance Commissions, VSO’s, VA Medical Centers, etc. to identify and engage literally homeless veterans.
• Provide assessment, outreach, case planning, housing advocacy, eligibility-determination, tenant education, and case management/housing stabilization services to families accepted into the SSVF and HUD-VASH programs.
• Provide aftercare services as needed to families who have become stabilized in housing and have exited the SSVF program.
• Work towards empowering clients to be productive members of the community, focusing on their unique skills.
• Collaborate and serve as the liaison between Hines VA and the MSHV SSVF Team.
• Participate in all meetings (team meetings, case conferences, all-staff, etc.) with both MSHV and the Hines HUD-VASH teams.
• Cultivate relationships with current and potential landlords as required to maximize units available to families.
• Understand the full range of MSHV’s services and demonstrate the ability to assess client(s) needs to access services as appropriate.
• Demonstrate ability to effectively manage multiple tasks at the same time due to the often-urgent needs of clients served and the multi-tasking nature of the job.
• Respond to emergencies with immediacy using appropriate crisis intervention techniques.
• Must be able to accurately enter client data and information into an established HMIS system.
• Prepare and maintain accurate confidential case records, paperwork, and fiscal recording as required.
• Represent MSHV to local, state, and national organizations as assigned.
• Network, when appropriate, with the community at large, depending on client needs. Advocate for clients and make appropriate professional contacts.
• Participate in Continuums of Care and By-Name List meetings as assigned.
• Compose and disseminate information about the program, including but not limited to the success stories of clients, drafting final proofs of success stories, and program description for funders and social media.
• Creating and tracking best practice measurements in the SSVF and Housing First space.
• Stay abreast of leading topics in the field of veteran housing services to provide training to staff and generate new content in community forums.
• Seek ways to represent MSHV at community organizations to raise awareness regarding the program.
• Assist MSHV in five-year strategic goals to expand services throughout Illinois, Indiana and the Midwest.
• SSVF Client Services. Conduct screening and assessment for literally homeless veterans and their families.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or related Human Services field; master’s degree preferred
• At least 1 of year experience working in the “field”
• Housing First/Harm Reduction approach experience.
• Exceptional communication and problem-solving skills; adept at taking initiative to seek out resources and solutions.
• Excellent assessment and decision-making skills. Excellent organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects in a high-pressure and time-sensitive environment. Ability to handle confidential information appropriately.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
• Competent in Microsoft Office: including Word, Excel, Outlook, and PowerPoint
• Must be available for occasional evening/weekend hours as needed.
• Certificates, Licenses, Registrations: Valid Illinois driver’s license.

DESIRED

• Veteran status a plus.
• Previous experience working with homeless individuals and families, particularly chronic a plus.
• At least one year of working in a program serving veterans is preferred.
• Knowledge of HMIS client databases is preferred.

• The ability to directly support an important cause - our Veterans who have served us and our Country
• A united, optimistic team working together in a respectful culture to serve our mission
• Competitive pay and benefits. (Our philosophy is to be an employer of choice)

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans embraces diversity and equal opportunity. We do not discriminate in recruitment, hiring, training, promotion or any other employment practices for reasons of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran, disability status, or any other legally protected status.

Pay: $52,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year, * 401(k)

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Mileage reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Compassionate. Responsible. Dedicated. A place to serve and grow together as a team. Our “can-do” attitude is core. Optimism and responsibility are infused in all we do to help our clients obtain goals they may have never thought possible - becoming self-sufficient. We offer caring, comprehensive support in this positive, structured military-type culture.

Midwest Shelter for Homeless Veterans, Inc. (MSHV) is a non-profit agency that serves over 1,000 homeless and at-risk veterans and their families annually. MSHV is dedicated to ending veteran homelessness and restoring hope. Through housing, employment support, and essential wraparound services, we equip at-risk veterans and their resilient families to rebuild stable, independent lives.