Housing Navigator, Shelter, Northampton

CSO is looking for a Housing Navigator.  

The Housing Navigator for shelter will provide case management services to clients through a collaborative process that assesses, plans and coordinates the options and services that will meet an individual's needs and support their success in obtaining and/or maintaining housing. Housing Navigators that work with Friends of the Homeless (FOH) shelter guests will develop housing plans with clients and assist in their housing search for safe, permanent housing.

As a Housing Navigator:

You Will:

  • Engage client and complete initial case management assessment and/or housing navigator checklist to determine eligibility and needs for services, supports and housing
  • Assist clients with developing a housing plan and action steps, from obtaining needed documents and benefits, to completing housing search
  • Continuously engage clients in their housing goals. Plan follow up steps with clients
  • Manage caseload by regularly reviewing caseload with checklist, to track client progress, address barriers, and follow up on next steps
  • Manage priorities with caseload, and utilize supports and services as needed for clients
  • Participate in workshops and other activities provided in the FOH Resource Center that pertain to client goals, such as budgeting, job search, employment search, how to be a good tenant, anger management, housemate pairing and other shared housing tools, and completing housing search
  • Participate in and prepare for all relevant meetings pertaining to clients, such as Coordinated Entry case conference meetings, as it pertains to prioritizing and referring eligible clients for permanent supportive housing
  • Participate in Youth and Young Adult (YYA) case conference meetings, and/or Veteran case conference meetings, if assigned to work with YYA and/or Veteran clients
  • Complete vulnerability assessments, as well as chronic verification and disabling condition verification, as needed with clients
  • Work collaboratively within the team and internally throughout FOH and CSO, and with a network of external providers
  • Assist clients with securing transportation if needed, and facilitate problem-solving around obstacles to achieving goals
  • Provide community-based services to support clients; transports clients as appropriate/directed.
  • Assist clients with transition to housing placement, and assure all supports are in place prior to placement
  • Complete Outcome Summaries and other documentation in a timely manner
  • Provide referrals and connection to community resources to support tenants, including internal referrals for mental health/addiction treatment, crisis services, and community support/RSN as appropriate
  • Utilize CSO's electronic health record or other electronic system to document assessments, tenant progress notes/contact notes, and all other applicable documentation needed. Ensure necessary HMIS documentation as required. Adhere to agency timeframes for documentation

Your Background:

  • College degree in relevant field (preferred)
  • Experience in the Human Services field
  • Computer proficiency
  • Valid driver's license and reliable transportation

Bilingual candidates are strongly encouraged to apply.

We also seek applicants who embody CSO's values by being:

  • Positive - maintaining resiliency and focusing on solutions
  • Respectful - collaborating and effectively communicating
  • Insightful - demonstrating self-awareness and effectively priority setting
  • Conscientious - taking accountability and applying feedback

What We Offer:

Competitive salaries, full health and dental coverage, free CEUs for in-house training, ample paid time off, a 403B retirement savings plan, employee referral bonuses, group rate supplemental insurances, a premier employee assistance program, personal cell phone plan discounts, and a flexible, supportive work environment fostering collaboration.

Our Agency:

Clinical & Support Options, Inc. is a dynamic behavioral health organization serving Western Massachusetts for over 50 years. With offices across Springfield, Northampton, Greenfield, and beyond, we're dedicated to providing comprehensive support to individuals and families. Join our team of over 650 multi-disciplinary staff and become part of a collaborative environment where excellence is fostered internally and partnerships are forged externally with community organizations. At CSO, you'll find a flexible and supportive work environment that encourages collaboration and growth. Join us and make a positive impact on thousands of lives in our communities!

CSO was voted a "Healthcare Industry Top Workplace" in 2023. We are the fastest-growing Behavioral Health agency in Western Massachusetts. CSO has consistently received high marks on their internal employee satisfaction survey, noting that over 90% of CSO staff would recommend CSO as a great place to work. We encourage you to check us out!

CSO offers Training in: Trauma Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, Cultural Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, Mindfulness Skills and more. 

EOE/AA