General Description

 Under the direction of the Director of TCOOMMI Services/Connections/Supported Housing assists and advocates on behalf of Connections PSH enrolled participants to locate, secure, and retain affordable permanent housing options. The Navigator plans and coordinates services, identifies appropriate housing options, and interacts with landlords and other organizations on behalf of participants. The Navigator uses a comprehensive knowledge of housing and other supportive services to facilitate linkages before, during, and/or after permanent housing has been established, and works with participants to enhance their skills in utilizing these various resources. This position also serves as a general housing resource for households served in other DCMHMR Housing programs.

Education, Training, and Experience

•   Bachelor's degree in a human services/social services field or related field, and one-year experience in social services or administrative.
•   Previous housing navigation experience preferred.
•  English/Spanish bilingual preferred.

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

•   HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) training/licensure provided by program and required for position.
• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

•  Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

•   Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

•   Knowledge of local affordable housing resources and subsidies (i.e. Section 8, RRH/TH, PSH, Bridge Housing, VASH, etc.)
•   Ability to monitor program effectiveness, communicate effectively and collaborate with local housing agencies and organizations.
•   Comprehensive knowledge of state, county, city, and community resources including housing options, locations, and availability, as well as health, mental health, government benefits, employment, and transportation resources.
•  Moderate mathematics skills. Proficient reading, writing, interpersonal relations, and communicative skills; ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations. Highly effective in working objectively with a diverse group of people and must demonstrate communication, organizational, administrative and office managerial skills. Computer skills required both clinical and clerical programs. The ability to make decisions based on education preparation and/or clinical experience, which reflect consistency with Agency philosophy, policies and procedures and standards of care.
•   Auditory and visual skills; ability to bend, stoop, sit, stand, reach, ability to talk and hear with aid greater than 2/3 of the time, ability to have clear vision at 20 inches or less; color vision (ability to identify and distinguish colors); peripheral vision (ability to observe an area up/down or left/right) and ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust eye to bring into focus).
•   Ability to present training materials center staff employees and/or community programs.
•   Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
•   Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

1. Reviews HUD regulations and policies pertaining to the program; identifies and places participants of the Connections PSH Program into appropriate housing with the goal of housing participants in fewer than 90 days of acceptance into the program; addressing tenants on issues regarding eviction notices and/or lease violations; and locating affordable housing for individuals/families enrolled in program (if applicable).
2. Performs Rent Reasonableness for all inspected units prior to rental assistance and lease approval. Develops and maintains accurate and current housing portfolio. Provides participants with listings of potential housing options in alignment with their housing needs and geographic preferences. Helps participants to mitigate barriers/challenges with credit history, utility arrears, criminal history, unfavorable landlord references, and other issues which may impact participant's housing eligibility.
3. Assists participants in their housing search including applying for apartments, negotiating with potential landlords, making referrals to housing location services and accompanying participants to apartment viewings as needed.  Assists participants with completing housing applications including preparing/obtaining any required documentation and tracking application status. Advocates on behalf of participants to expedite their access to housing placement.
4.  Serves as an active member of unit and Connections Team; participates in problem solving and other team activities as directed. Serving as an active team member may include but is not limited to facilitating/co-facilitating new client intake sessions and helping with the overall intake process, attending collaborative meetings with Denton Homeless Coalition, DCMHMR Special Projects, representing the Center in a professional manner by acting a liaison between client and landlord for mediation purposes, supporting the program's fundraising efforts and representing the Center in a professional manner within the community. Additionally, an active member is expected to be flexible in adapting to the needs of the program by assisting Program Coordinator as needed to comply with HUD grant requirements and the Center's Trauma informed best practice approach. Finally, staff will be expected to adjust to the ongoing changes created by HUD each fiscal year and adjust to the changes set by the Center.
5.  Maintains all documentation and follows review procedures in accordance with grant requirements, agency policy and procedures and billing requirements; documents all contacts with or on behalf of the client in accordance to program policy and HUD requirements; ensures secondary records are maintained as outlined by program policy. Documentation that is specific to the Connections program, a Permanent Supportive Housing (PSH) program, include Annual Recertification documents, which is separate and distinct from the Center's standard forms. These documents, required by HUD, include: Habitability Quality Standards (HQS) home inspection form, client's lease agreement, 3rd party Rental Assistance Agreement, HUD Resident Rent and Income Calculation Worksheet, Denton Housing Authority Utility Allowance Worksheet, and Rent Reasonableness documentation.
6.  Maintains all required training; completes all staff development training and HUD training as required for position; updates training as specified under agency procedures or as directed by supervisor; acts as a liaison with all community providers in a professional manner and is a representative of the Center in all communications in the community.
7.  Maintains acceptable driving record as required for DCMHMR insurance; performs additional duties as deemed necessary by department supervisor within designated timeframes.
8.  Utilizes the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as needed for reporting data quality to HUD and the staff is responsible for reporting accurate and timely data within the system. Furthermore, the staff is expected to complete all trainings set by the Texas Homeless Network for the HMIS system and trainings are required by THN for compliance with Coordinated Entry.
9.  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

a.  Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

b.  Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

c.  Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.