Benefits Specialist-Navigation Center

ABOUT LIFEMOVES

LifeMoves is the largest and most effective provider of housing and services for neighbors experiencing homelessness in Silicon Valley since 1987. Our Mission is to end homelessness by providing interim housing supportive services and building collaborative partnerships. With 40 programs LifeMoves gives our neighbors experiencing homelessness a temporary place to call home while providing intensive customized case management through site-based programs and community outreach.

POSITION PURPOSE

The Navigation Center Benefit Specialist plays a key role in supporting people moving toward safe stable housing and greater self-sufficiency. This position provide case management services life skills support and resource connections. They work in partnership with clients to set goals celebrate progress and overcome challenges. Using a trauma-informed and strengths-based approach this position builds trust and respect making sure clients feel heard valued and supported throughout their journey.

Key responsibilities include supporting clients by connecting them to services building support networks facilitating groups and activities advocating for equitable access and providing crisis intervention when needed. Beyond working directly with clients this role may help to improve the overall program by sharing ideas identifying service gaps and helping strengthen community relationships. This role maintains clear documentation contributes to program planning and reporting and models professional ethical behavior and works closely with their teammates to provide high-quality coordinated care. Through their efforts staff empower clients to grow their strengths reach their goals and build a better future.

The Navigation Center Benefit Specialist reports to the Program Director and receives support from the Education and Specialized Services Team. This role supports clients and Case Managers by offering expert guidance on benefits employment and housing resources. The Specialist may work 1:1 with clients to check eligibility for programs and train Case Managers to stay current on new opportunities. They also monitor policy changes to make sure clients and staff get the most up-to-date information and resources. Specialists are experts in their field and ensure clients and staff are well prepared on the complexities of benefits employment and housing. This role supports daily program operations and helps keep the site safe and welcoming for everyone. They work closely with clients and staff to build a positive community. They help monitor the environment respond to client needs and ensure that all program rules are followed with fairness and respect. Additionally this role supports service delivery by helping with client check-ins group activities and site coordination.

LifeMoves Navigation Center provides interim supportive housing in Redwood City to 220 individuals and 20 couples. During their stay clients participate in holistic services tailored to each households unique needs and goals. Clients receive support to build self-sufficiency and return to housing stability. The team supports clients with employment housing benefits dental physical and behavioral health through case management workshops and connection to specialized resources.

ESSENTIAL JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Client Support and Case Management

• Develop implement and revise individual case plans with housing/employment/benefit/health and well being tasks based on client strengths and goals.
• Support clients with tasks including but not limited to housing searches employment preparation benefits access life skills development build resumes cover letters and navigate employment and housing resources.
• Support clients with enrollment into benefit programs including but not limited to General Assistance CalFresh and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.
• Coordinate with health care access to understand and support client phsyical and behavioral health needs. Assist clients by scheduling medical appointments arranging transportation and accompanying them to appointments as needed.
• Facilitate client-centered groups workshops or education sessions to build skills and confidence.

Resource Connection and Community Collaboration

• Serve as a liaison between LifeMoves and community partners by building strong relationships connecting clients to needed resources and services and educating the community on client needs and trauma-informed care.
• Coordinate with relevant public partners for example probation officers Veterans Affairs Adult Protective Serivces (APS) Child Protective Services (CPS) and city state and federal agencies to support client needs and program goals.

Client Advocacy Mediation and Conflict Resolution

• Serve as a liaison between clients and landlords employers or agencies to support successful outcomes. Provide mediation and conflict resolution support as needed.
• Advocate for client rights and reduce stigma around homelessness and mental health challenges. Advocate for clients needs and strengths when working with partners landlords employers and other agencies.

Data Tracking and Documentation

• Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records case notes reports and program data in line with agency standards and confidentiality laws utilizing Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and the LifeMoves internal client management system
• Track client progress program outcomes housing placements employment and learning successes and community partnerships.

Crisis Management and Safety

• Provide crisis intervention and make referrals to appropriate services when needed.

General Agency Responsibilities

• Participate in weekly case conferences monthly trainings and regular supervision to strengthen skills.
• Fully participate in all required trainings. This includes completing trainings by assigned deadlines actively engaging during sessions and applying what you learn to your daily work.
  • Training expectations in the first 90 days of employment include but are not limited to CPR Mental Health/First Aide (MHFA) Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Training HMIS and internal database training.
  • Additional required trainings through our online Learning Management System Relias include but are not limited to Clients Experience of Trauma-Informed Care Working with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness Overview of Serious Mental Illness for Paraprofessionals Working with Individuals Experiencing Homelessness and Substance Use Disorder An Overview of Substance Use Disorders Strategies for Preventing and De-escalating Hostile Situations Recognizing and Responding to a Person in Crisis Maintaining Professional Boundaries Overcoming Barriers to LGBTQ Affirming Behavioral Health Services Privacy and Confidentiality for Non-HIPAA Covered Entities Child/Elder/Dependent Abuse Prevention and Mandated Reporting Preventing Identifying and Responding to Abuse and Neglect Reporting Elder and Dependent Adult Abuse in California Identifying and Responding to Child Abuse and Neglect
• Attend continuing education opportunities to grow expertise and maintain best practices.
• Be available to work occasional evenings and weekends as needed or as schedule describes.
• Stay flexible and assist with additional duties as assigned by supervisors to meet program and client needs.

Operations and Site Responsibilities

• Participate in site maintenance tasks including but not limited to inspectiosn unit checks coordinating unit needs furniture requests and donation management.
• Assist the site as needed with daily program operations support including but not limited to maintaining living spaces inspections cleaning needs and operations coverage to ensure a safe and smooth-running facility.

Specialization Responsibilities

• Develop implement and update individual housing/employment/benefits plans and track client progress.

• Conduct outreach to build positive relationships with landlords property managers and housing providers including Sober Living Environments Board and Care homes and Skilled Nursing Facilities.

• Assist case managers and clients in finding housing leads attending unit viewings completing applications and moving through leasing processes.

• Support clients with job readiness employment searches and resume building through 1:1 counseling and group workshops. Help clients create strong resumes cover letters and professional development plans tailored to their goals. Educate clients on employment resources including online tools (e.g. Indeed Glassdoor Snagajob) and local job markets in San Mateo and Santa Clara Counties.

• Provide guidance on navigating public benefits like Social Security Income (SSI) Social Security Disability (SSDI) and Unemployment. Train Case Managers on benefits programs including but not limited to General Assistance CalFresh and Cash Assistance Program for Immigrants.

• Facilitate at least one employment or housing readiness workshop each month at various program locations.

• Participate in continuing education to stay knowledgeable in areas of housing/employment/benefits.

Provide supportive case management aligned with each clients housing/employment/benefits goals.

QUALIFICATIONS

Service Level Qualifications:

• Care Respect Empathy: Willingness and ability to work with people from all backgrounds with care respect and empathy. Understands and is committed to learning about diversity equity inclusion and belonging (DEIB) practices. Demonstrates radical hospitality by welcoming everyone with kindness respect and non-judgment.
• Emotional Regulation: Manages stress and emotions professionally remaining calm and supportive even under pressure. Understands and practices de-escalation techniques to support safety and positive client outcomes.
• Growth Mindset: Open to feedback asks questions and shows a strong growth mindset focused on continuous learning. Curious and motivated to learn about trauma-informed care crisis support and harm reduction practices.
• Team & Independence: Works well both independently and as part of a collaborative team. Follows directions communicates clearly and seeks help or clarification when needed.
• Documentation: Maintains clear unbiased and professional documentation and communication.
• Organization & Prioritization: Demonstrates organizational skills and attention to detail to support smooth daily operations. Shows initiative takes responsibility for tasks and engages actively with clients coworkers and community partners.
• Technology: Comfortable using basic technology including phone and messaging systems email Microsoft Word Excel and databases to complete administrative tasks and case management reporting and tracking outcomes.

Care Level Qualifications:

• Advocacy Skills: Actively advocates for clients particularly in navigating systems accessing benefits and ensuring equitable treatment. Demonstrates the ability to advocate on behalf of clients with various providers and agencies.

• Resource Identification: Able to identify and leverage community resources and services to meet clients diverse needs. Effectively directs clients to appropriate housing employment health and social service programs.

• Research Skills: Utilizes strong problem-solving skills to research issues track resources and find solutions for clients needs including housing employment and health & well being.

• Partnership Engagement: Builds and nurtures effective partnerships with community organizations service providers and external agencies. Demonstrates strong communication and collaboration skills to advocate for and serve clients.

• Group Facilitation Skills: Comfortable facilitating group discussions workshops or meetings to support clients growth education and empowerment. Uses group settings to foster learning collaboration and positive group dynamics.
• Specific Knowledge: Specialized demonstrated knowledge in the area of expertise benefits.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

N/A

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• This position requires limited travel between agency sites community partner locations client service events and external meetings. As such:
  • A valid State drivers license and reliable transportation are required.
  • Must be able to travel throughout Santa Clara and San Mateo Counties as part of regular duties.
  • Mileage reimbursement is provided in accordance with agency policy.
  • Occasional evening or weekend travel may be required to attend community events or support client services.
  • Must maintain vehicle insurance as required by law and agency policy.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here represent those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this position successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions. While performing the duties of this position the employee is regularly required to talk hear and communicate with others in the workplace. The employee must frequently use hands or fingers and handle or feel objects tools or controls. The employee must frequently stand walk sit and reach with hands and arms. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities this position requires include close vision distance vision and the ability to adjust focus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

This rewarding role offers a competitive annual base salary and an opportunity to participate in the LifeMoves benefits package.

LifeMoves is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) committed to building a culturally diverse staff representing the communities we serve. We provide equal employment opportunities to all individuals without regard to age race color religion sex national origin political affiliation marital status physical or mental disability (non-disqualifying) sexual orientation membership or non-membership in an employee organization personal favoritism lived experiences or any other non-merit-based factor. Candidates who are bilingual/bi-cultural of color Native/Indigenous with disabilities who identify as LGBTQIA or who are members of other marginalized groups are strongly encouraged to apply. We aim to create and sustain inclusive equitable and welcoming environments where everyone can thrive.

This job description is not intended to be a complete list of all responsibilities duties or skills required for the job and is subject to review and change at any time with or without notice in accordance with the needs of LifeMoves. Since no job description can detail all the duties and responsibilities that may be required from time to time in the performance of a job duties and responsibilities that may be inherent in a job reasonably required for its performance or required due to the changing nature of the job shall also be considered part of the job holders responsibility.

If you require a disability accommodation during the application process please contact the Human Resources Department at .