Housing Navigator Outreach Specialist

Position Summary

Under the Housing First model the Housing Navigator & Outreach Specialist engages unsheltered individuals conducts needs and housing assessments develops individualized housing plans and navigates participants through community resources and housing programs. The role builds and maintains referral pathways with local partners provides client-centered advocacy coordinates transportation to housing-related appointments and maintains accurate data and documentation in agency systems.

Benefits:

• Health Insurance starting your first day
• 401k plan including employer match
• Competitive Time Off Benefits
• Pay rate: $18.06 per hour

Essential Job Responsibilities

1) Outreach & Engagement

• Identify and proactively engage unsheltered individuals across Lorain County; serve as a consistent point of contact and trusted advocate.
• Attend community-based events to promote access to services and share up-to-date information on shelter and housing options.
• Build rapport using trauma-informed culturally responsive and person-centered practices; perform de-escalation as needed.
• Communicate shelter news openings and eligibility requirements to unsheltered clients; facilitate shelter enrollment as needed.

2) Housing Navigation & Case Collaboration

• Complete coordinated entry/housing assessments; develop individualized housing plans with measurable goals and timelines.
• Create exit plans to promote housing stability; educate on tenant responsibilities housing success plans and basic housekeeping.
• Coordinate with shelter and case management teams for placement transfers and service linkages; model effective case management practices.
• Arrange or provide transportation to housing-related appointments in accordance with agency policy and safety standards.
• Assist with move-in coordination (e.g. essential items furniture referrals) and address common barriers to enrollment and retention.

3) Data Documentation & Compliance

• Maintain accurate and timely participant records assessments progress notes and service entries in Clarity HMIS and agency systems.
• Track outreach contacts demographics and outcomes; use data to inform service planning and program improvements.
• Prepare required reports for internal stakeholders and funders; protect confidential information consistent with HIPAA and applicable regulations.
• Follow agency policies professional boundaries and ethical standards; comply with all grant CoC and regulatory requirements.

4) Community Partnerships & Systems Navigation

• Develop and maintain relationships with local businesses hospitals behavioral health providers social service agencies and housing partners to streamline referrals.
• Maintain a current directory of referral contacts; share updates with shelter and coordinated entry teams to support efficient navigation.
• Participate in roster reviews case conferences and CE meetings to resolve barriers and expedite placements.
• Educate community stakeholders about program services and client needs in coordination with agency leadership.

5) Teamwork & Other Duties

• Contribute to a respectful inclusive and high-performance culture aligned with the mission vision and values of Catholic Charities Diocese of Cleveland.
• Actively participate in quality improvement activities and training; share resources that enhance service delivery.
• Perform other duties as assigned to meet operational needs.

Requirements:

• Associates degree in social work human services or related field; or a combination of education and equivalent experience (e.g. 2 years in relevant social services).
• Valid Ohio drivers license; insurable driving record under agency policy; ability to travel within service area. Must meet the insurers minimum age requirements for driving on agency business (currently 21).
• Demonstrated experience working with people experiencing homelessness and/or related populations (e.g. veterans individuals with substance use disorders reentry backgrounds).
• Understanding and support of the Housing First philosophy and harm-reduction principles.
• Ability to form effective professional and therapeutic relationships; strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Outlook and Excel; experience with HMIS/Clarity and/or electronic case management systems preferred.
• Ability to manage crises and perform de-escalation; maintain appropriate boundaries and confidentiality.
• Successful completion of required background checks including fingerprinting in accordance with agency policy and funder requirements.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelors degree in social work psychology public administration or related field.
• Experience with Coordinated Entry processes local CoC housing resources and Lorain County housing programs.
• Knowledge of regulations that may impact housing eligibility and safety planning (e.g. Ohio requirements related to registration/notification for individuals with certain offenses).
• Experience working with individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.
• Bilingual or multilingual skills relevant to the community served.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities

• Trauma-informed culturally responsive and person-centered practice; commitment to equity inclusion and belonging.
• Motivational interviewing problem-solving and advocacy to overcome system barriers.
• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prioritize follow through and meet deadlines in a field-based environment.
• Collaborative communication across multidisciplinary teams and external partners.
• Accurate documentation and data quality in HMIS and electronic records.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

This job operates in office shelter and community settings (including field-based outreach). While performing the duties of this job the employee will routinely:

• Sit stand walk bend reach and navigate stairs; use hands for keyboarding and documentation.
• Drive within the service area to meet clients and attend appointments/events.
• Communicate effectively in person and by phone; visually review documents and small text on screens.
• Respond to crises with quick whole-body movement and perform de-escalation in accordance with training.
• Occasionally lift/carry up to 30 lbs. unassisted (e.g. donations supplies).
• Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. This description reflects managements assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

Compliance Licensure and Policy Requirements

• Maintain a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) per agency standards; employees with an unacceptable MVR may not operate a vehicle on behalf of the agency.
• Adhere to all agency grant and regulatory requirements including confidentiality (e.g. HIPAA and 42 CFR Part 2 as applicable) professional boundaries and documentation standards.
• Complete required trainings (e.g. trauma-informed care de-escalation HMIS/Clarity) within established timeframes.

Required Experience:

IC