Job Title: Veteran Navigator
Reports To: Senior Manager of Coordinated Entry
FLSA Status: Exempt
Hiring Range: Commensurate with experience $40,000- $48,000 annually
APPLICATION DEADLINE: Applications must be received by 11:59 p.m. on August 12, 2026.
Summary: The Veteran Navigator works within the Pinellas Continuum of Care (CoC), partner agencies, homeless outreach teams, and the local Veterans Affairs team to build relationships with those experiencing homelessness, provide advocacy for participants in their housing search, and assist with connection to benefits and other resources. This position will be responsible for providing light-touch case management using a Progressive Engagement and Person-Centered Approach. Manages Coordinated Entry referrals and coordination of document-ready objectives for other Navigators. This Veteran Navigator will maintain engagement with literally homeless participants to access resources until shelter or permanent housing is obtained. The Veteran Navigator will also screen veterans at risk of homelessness and triage referrals accordingly. The primary area of responsibility will consist of administering the Pinellas County Coordinated Entry Assessment (VI-(F)SPDAT) and facilitating placement into temporary emergency housing programs and/or permanent housing destinations. This position maintains participant status updates with at-risk and/or literally homeless veterans active in the Homeless Crisis Response System. The Veteran Navigator will assist with veteran benchmark data cleanup and data quality maintenance.
Duties and Responsibilities:
Ø Works collaboratively with the Veteran System Specialist, Veteran Intake Specialist, and Coordinated Entry Senior Manager to promote Coordinated Entry in the community, emphasizing the focus on those who are most vulnerable.
Ø Coordination of Coordinated Entry referrals including veterans, individuals, and families in HMIS to providers.
Ø Assists and participates in all Veteran-related meetings, including the Veteran Prioritization List Meeting (Case Conferencing), Grant-Per-Diem (GPD) Meeting, and SSVF/VA Collaborative Meetings.
Ø Assists unsheltered Veterans in obtaining housing readiness documentation and accompanies them through the housing application process, as needed.
Ø Execute follow-ups with participants, in a timely manner, per the program workflow.
Ø Assists with prioritized veterans and Veteran families referred through Coordinated Entry (CE) for document readiness.
Ø Assists veterans, individuals, and family unsheltered participants with accessing community resources.
Ø Continues to engage unsheltered participants until shelter or enrollment into a permanent housing program is obtained.
Ø Provides advocacy for unsheltered participants, including veterans, individuals, and families, when they encounter barriers at housing providers and shelters.
Ø Assist other Navigators and case managers with troubleshooting of housing readiness documentation and collection for veterans, individuals, and families experiencing homelessness.
Ø Administer the Family Shelter Assessment (FSA) and enroll literally homeless veteran families into the Shelter Prioritization List Program Entry.
Ø Administer the Coordinated Entry Assessment for all homeless veterans, as needed.
Ø Provide light-touch case management to at-risk participants and/or participants experiencing Category 1 Literal Homelessness. Works with agency-based navigators and the outreach teams from other agencies in Pinellas County to locate and keep track of the location of the most vulnerable veterans, individuals, and families to allow for quicker entry into housing.
Ø Provides support and direction for veterans, individuals, and families as they transition from homelessness to housing.
Ø Maintains complete client records, daily activity logs, and other reports as directed.
Ø Assists with the maintenance including sorting, upkeep, and review of the housing priority list. Specifically including veteran by name list and updates from veteran providers.
Ø Participates and provides meaningful contributions when the team or agency explores ways to improve the program and/or its workflow.
Ø Participates in the program planning process, as needed and/or as requested by the Veteran Systems Specialist or Senior Manager of Coordinated Entry.
Ø Ensures that client records are maintained within compliance.
Ø Organizes work, establishes priorities, and exemplifies adaptability to change and creative thinking to improve quality, productivity, and customer service/satisfaction.
Ø Collaborates with community partners; keeps partners well informed and solicits input to appropriately improve the program and improve customer satisfaction.
Ø Independently or in collaboration with program staff, complete and maintain all HMIS records and documentation needed for program compliance and accountability following the Written Standards and funding source requirements.
Ø Use trauma-informed, strength-based, and housing-focused approaches during all interactions with participants and stakeholders.
Ø Adhere to ethical principles about confidentiality, informed consent, and compliance with relevant laws and agency policies such as, critical incident reporting and HIPAA.
Ø Engage in collateral duties as directed by program management as needed.
Ø Attend and participate in staff meetings and other aspects of the day-to-day operations and community life of the Agency. Work cooperatively with other staff to ensure the smooth and seamless delivery of supportive services to the Agency and the veterans it serves.
Ø Participate in Emergency Management activities as needed.
Ø Supports and aligns with the core values of the HLA, specifically our values. We believe in the inherent human dignity of all persons. The values that guide us are: Human Dignity, Compassion, Service, Leadership, Advocacy, Partnership, Restorative, Innovative, Accountable and Transparent
Ø Works collaboratively to promote best practices within Veteran Services, the collaborative, and the community.
Ø Individuals applying for the position must be able to occasionally work a non-traditional schedule to meet community residents when they are most available (including evenings and weekends).
Ø Responsible for other duties as assigned or required.
Ø Participates in the annual Pinellas Point In Time Count, as needed and assigned.
Language Ability:
Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of community partners and stakeholders.
Math Ability:
Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure, using whole numbers, common fractions, and decimals. Ability to compute rate, ratio, and percent and to draw and interpret bar graphs.
Reasoning Ability:
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.
Computer Skills:
Have a firm knowledge of Microsoft products, Zoom, and Adobe. Knowledge of HMIS is preferred.
Education/Experience:
· Preferred: Bachelor’s degree specializing in social, behavioral, or human services, or at least five years of experience serving individuals and families at risk or experiencing Category 1 unsheltered homelessness.
· Successful candidates with lived experience may be able to waive some of the education and experience requirements.
· Must have a working knowledge of Coordinated Entry, Diversion, Prevention, Rapid Re-Housing, Permanent Supportive Housing, and Trauma-Informed Care philosophies and practices.
· Veterans encouraged to apply.
Certificates and Licenses:
Reliable transportation is required. If utilizing a personal vehicle for business purposes, must provide proof of valid Florida Driver’s License and insurance. Must pass a Level II Background Screening.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities
Ø Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills including the use of motivational interviewing, and trauma-informed care.
Ø Knowledge of unsheltered communities and issues with an emphasis on unsheltered public policy and program evaluation.
Ø Strong oral/written communication and listening skills are required.
Ø Must be team-oriented, and self-directed, have good listening and communication skills, the ability to empathize and relate positively to a wide variety of people, and be dedicated to fulfilling the demands of the position.
Ø Proficient typing and computer skills, including Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, and Excel).
Ø Basic understanding of severe mental health, physical health, and substance abuse issues and symptoms.
Ø Ability to work effectively with people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, educational, age, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Ø Experience working in diverse settings with people across all socioeconomic spectrums.
Ø Professionalism.
Ø Knowledge of social service resource systems and self-help intervention strategies is preferred.
Ø Displays appropriate boundaries.
Ø Ability to work autonomously and think both critically and creatively.
Ø Understanding of safety concerns.
Ø Time management skills.
Ø Organizational skills.
Ø Ability to manage multiple cases efficiently and effectively.
Ø Ability to adapt to changing priorities and challenging individuals.
Ø Ability to motivate others.
Ø Ability to work flexible hours.
Ø Knowledge of housing focused models of service delivery.
Work Environment:
While performing this job's duties, the employee is frequently exposed to outdoor weather while conducting various levels of outreach to unsheltered participants in addition to working in a typical office environment. Works in areas inhabited by unsheltered persons and will be in diverse environments, dealing with challenging individuals.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $40,000.00 - $48,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Education:
Experience:
- homeless service: 5 years (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Saint Petersburg, FL 33701: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Saint Petersburg, FL 33701
