POSITION SUMMARY
The Family Navigator for the Day One Families Program provides trauma-informed case management and navigation services to families who are experiencing or at risk of homelessness.
The Family Navigator’s primary role is to connect families and individuals to community resources and services using evidence-based case management approaches such as motivational interviewing, strengths-based engagement, and trauma-informed practices.
The Family Navigator works with families to identify barriers to housing stability and coordinate services that promote safe, stable housing and long-term well-being. Services include intake and assessment, individualized service planning, housing navigation, and coordination of supportive services through partnerships with community agencies. The role supports the program’s mission to help families regain safe, stable housing and achieve well-being.
Using a housing stabilization and resource navigation approach, the Family Navigator helps families rapidly connect to housing and supportive services while empowering participants to achieve financial security and long-term independence.
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Client Engagement and Resource Navigation
- Provide trauma-informed, family-centered navigation and case management services to families enrolled in the Day One Families Program.
- Utilize case management models, including motivational interviewing, to assess family needs, identify barriers, and support participants in achieving their goals.
- Conduct intake, screening, and eligibility determination for referred participants within required program timelines.
- Develop individualized service and housing stabilization plans with participants to support long-term stability.
- Maintain regular contact with participants and provide ongoing support throughout program participation.
- Conduct reassessments of participant needs and progress throughout their time in the program.
- Provide crisis intervention, advocacy, and referrals as needed.
Housing Navigation and Stabilization
- Assist participants in locating safe and affordable housing opportunities.
- Support families in completing housing applications and communicating with landlords.
- Educate participants on tenant rights, lease agreements, and housing responsibilities.
- Assist with housing search, move-in coordination, and strategies for maintaining housing stability.
- Provide mediation and support between participants and landlords when needed to prevent eviction.
Supportive Services Coordination
- Connect participants to community resources including employment services, healthcare providers, childcare services, schools, counseling services, and financial assistance programs.
- Coordinate referrals to community partners and ensure participants are connected to mainstream benefits such as SNAP, SSI, Medicaid, and workforce programs.
- Provide guidance and resources related to financial literacy, budgeting, and life skills.
- Ensure families receive coordinated services that support the entire household, including children and caregivers.
Documentation and Compliance
- Maintain accurate and timely documentation of participant services and interactions in HMIS or other program databases.
- Complete case notes, assessments, and required documentation in compliance with program policies and grant requirements.
- Maintain participant files in accordance with confidentiality standards and program guidelines.
- Assist with documentation related to financial assistance such as rent, deposits, utilities, and emergency housing.
Program Coordination and Community Collaboration
- Collaborate with internal staff including housing specialists, case managers, and counselors to coordinate participant services.
- Participate in Coordinated Entry System (CES) processes and collaborate with community partners to facilitate referrals and housing placements.
- Maintain relationships with landlords, service providers, and community organizations to expand resource opportunities for families.
- Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program improvement initiatives.
QUALIFICATIONS AND KEY COMPETENCIES
- Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work or related field (preferred), or Associate’s degree with minimum of two (2) years case management experience. Experience working with the homeless or impoverished populations is helpful.
- As the work spans a number of counties in MUTEH’s coverage area, this position requires regular travel in personal and/or agency vehicles. Family Navigators must have a valid driver’s license, their own personal vehicle and proof of personal vehicle insurance.
- Ability to work with diverse populations and be able to meet clients in their homes.
- Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
- Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and ability to meet deadlines consistently.
- Ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
- Demonstrate maturity and professionalism even in stressful situations.
- Commitment to an empowering, client-centered approach to case management.
- Compassion for people who are struggling with a variety of challenges, including homelessness, mental health, and/or substance abuse.
- Act with integrity; exercise appropriate discretion and maintain confidentiality of information.
- Ability to manage competing priorities effectively.
PHYSICAL DEMAND
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is:
- Regularly required to sit and talk or hear.
- Frequently required to walk.
- Regularly required to stand, walk up and down steps, and drive significant distances on a weekly basis.
- Regularly lifts and/or moves up to 5-10 pounds and on occasion up to 70 pounds.
- Frequently uses equipment such as telephones, computers and printers.
Pay: $16.38 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Parental leave
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person
