JOB TITLE: Youth Drop-In Navigator

DEPARTMENT: Youth Independent Housing Program

REPORTS TO: YIH Program Manager

SUMMARY:

The Youth Housing Drop-In Navigator is responsible for engaging with all clients who visit the drop-in center during designated hours, including evenings and weekends. This role provides direct case management services and connects clients to community resources to support their journey toward housing stability. The Navigator assists with basic needs, offers guidance on housing options, and ensures clients have access to appropriate services. Additionally, the position maintains the drop-in center’s inventory and fosters a welcoming, resource-rich environment for youth experiencing homelessness.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Participates in staff meetings, in-service training, and workshops deemed appropriate by the Program Manager.
• Screens all applicants and determines the eligibility of applicants; makes appropriate referrals as needed.
• Orients all clients on the program policies and procedures.
• Provides Case Management for youth clients including conducting needs assessments, connecting homeless youth participants to appropriate housing options, providing basic needs assistance (ie. Food, transportation, laundry facility, etc.), creating individualized service plans, financial counseling & budgeting to achieve self-sufficiency.
• Maintains professional relationship with clients and community partners and treats all information with the highest level of confidentiality.
• Increase client’s awareness of available community and agency resources and assist them in accessing these services; including but not limited to, employment, education, substance abuse and mental health services, etc.
• Maintain weekend and evening availability to ensure coverage during designated drop-in hours.
• Coordinate with internal agency programs to provide seamless support and referrals for clients.
• Network with external community resources to connect clients with housing, employment, education, and supportive services.
• Ensure compliance with file maintenance standards, including accurate documentation and timely updates in client records.
• Assist with maintaining inventory and supplies for the drop-in center to meet client needs.
• Support program compliance with funding and reporting requirements as directed by the Program Manager.
• Completes HMIS data collection, data entry, and reporting requirements for various funding sources.
• Performs other duties as assigned.
• Grant-funded position.
• Demonstrate a commitment to PQI and attend meetings as required.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• None

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services or related field and 2+ years of experience working with youth, mental health, substance abuse, disabled individuals, and/or diverse populations; preferred.
• Effective verbal and written communicator with all persons in a culturally competent manner.
• Ability to establish and maintain relationships with community partners.
• Familiarity with social service and state agency provided assistance programs.
• Familiarity with transitional housing and rapid rehousing.
• Skilled in documentation.
• Ability to work in high intensity and emotional atmospheres where youth seek assistance. Conflict resolution and verbal de-escalation training preferred.
• Must have a valid Driver’s license and current insurance.
• Proficiency in Microsoft applications including Word, Excel and Outlook, HMIS reporting systems.

COMPETENCIES:

• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; Educates others on the value of diversity; Promotes a harassment-free environment; Builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Dependability- Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Commits to long hours of work when necessary to reach goals; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Professionalism- Approaches others in a tactful manner; Reacts well under pressure; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments.
• Quality - Demonstrates accuracy and thoroughness; Looks for ways to improve and promote quality; Applies feedback to improve performance; Monitors own work to ensure quality.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS AND WORK ENVIORNMENT:

• Occasionally required to stand
• Occasionally required to walk
• Frequently required to sit
• Continually required to utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposed to outside weather conditions
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move more than 25 pounds / frequently lift and/or move up to 15pounds / continually lift and/or move up to 10 pounds
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include:
• Close vision; Distance vision; Color vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
• Frequently required to drive a personal vehicle.