Housing Navigator
St Louis, MO, US, 63101-1114
St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.
Working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers, St. Patrick Center will end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that tells us to remove barriers, do intake and assessment early, move people into housing and offer them support to achieve their goals.
Position Summay
St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is hiring a Housing Navigator to join our team. You will play a vital role in supporting clients at risk of or experiencing homelessness. In this position, you will screen clients for prevention or diversion, provide essential referrals, and assist them in accessing financial assistance programs such as security deposits, rental arrears, and utility assistance. Your ability to establish and maintain excellent working relationships with housing resource providers, landlords, and related agencies will be crucial for success. You will create and manage a comprehensive database of landlords and rental properties while conducting HUD Housing Inspections and visiting available units as needed. Collaboration with program case managers will be key as you help clients locate suitable housing and attend weekly housing meetings to ensure support. Familiarity with Missouri tenant rights and housing application processes will enhance your effectiveness in this role. You will assist CE Intake specialists in completing assessments and maintain all documentation within the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Efficiently managing client flow will be important, as will staying updated on services provided by SPC programs and partner organizations. Your strong communication skills will enable you to respond to inquiries from potential clients and case workers effectively. The core working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
Overview and Responsibilities
- Screen clients for prevention or diversion and provide appropriate referrals.
- Assist clients in accessing financial assistance programs offered through SPC or community programs including assistance with security deposit, rental arrears, utility assistance, etc.
- Establish and maintain excellent working relationships with area housing resource providers, landlords, and related services/agencies.
- Create and maintain a database of landlords and rental properties.
- Ability to conduct HUD Housing Inspections and visit available units.
- Collaborate with program case managers to assist clients with locating appropriate housing
- Attend Weekly Housing and Matching Meetings as needed.
- Familiar with Missouri tenant rights and laws and application processes for housing.
- Work with SPC Community Housing Developer and attend landlord engagement events.
- Assist CE Intake specialist with completing intakes for individuals and families at-risk of or experiencing homelessness as needed.
- Ensure all documentation is completed and maintained in the appropriate Homeless Management Information System (HMIS).
- Screen clients for prevention or diversion and provide appropriate referrals.
- Ensure clients understand CE process and have received appropriate resources and referrals at the time of intake.
- Maintain an “A” on the Data Quality Report Card.
- Work with Reception and Client Services Monitors to ensure that client flow is maintained and runs smoothly.
- Maintain up-to-date information on services provided by each SPC program, partner ministries, and agencies.
- Answer and/or direct incoming calls from potential clients and case workers from other agencies regarding services that SPC provides.
- Participate fully and positively in a minimum of one bi-monthly training.
- Complete intakes and assessments as needed.
- Other duties as assigned.
Knowledge and Experience Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human services, counseling, social work or related field and/or 4 to 6 years equivalent professional experience required.
- Experience working with socially/economically disadvantaged persons preferred.
- Experience assisting with job placement and development activities preferred.
- Knowledge of Microsoft Office and data entry.
- Driver’s License (MO Residents require Class E)
Skills and Competencies
- Maintains confidential information.
- Maintain accurate financial documentation for financial assistance programs.
- Exhibits excellent verbal, written and interpersonal communication skills.
- Exhibit commitment to work ethic through punctuality and preparedness.
- Ability to build and maintain community partnerships.
- Ability to work with a diverse population.
- Ability to communicate and interact professionally and positively with all clients, coworkers, colleagues, and others.
- Ability to collaborate with colleagues, volunteers, and community providers while exemplifying the values of Catholic Charities.
- Ability to de-escalate situations with clients.
- Ability to set strong personal boundaries and contribute to team building.
Resources for Which Accountable
- None
St. Patrick Center does not discriminate on the basis of handicapped status in the admission or access to, or treatment or employment in, its federally assisted programs and activities. St. Patrick Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, national origin, or disability.
Pre-Employment Screening
All candidates receiving an employment offer must submit a pre-employment screening. The screenings will include criminal background check and other background checks (as needed), Family Care Safety Registration, drug screen, and an employment and education or licensure/certification verification. Various positions will require physical examination, Tuberculosis screening and Hepatitis A. All offers are contingent upon successful completion of required screening.