Housing Navigator

St. Patrick Center provides opportunities for self-sufficiency and dignity to people who are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless. Individuals and families build permanent, positive change in their lives through safe and affordable housing, sound mental and physical health, and employment and financial stability.

Working collaboratively with individuals, businesses, government and other service providers, St. Patrick Center will end chronic homelessness in the St. Louis region through Housing First, an evidence-based practice that tells us to remove barriers, do intake and assessment early, move people into housing and offer them support to achieve their goals.

Job Summary

St. Patrick Center, a ministry of Catholic Charities, is hiring a Housing Navigator. The case manager, working in our Support Services for Veteran Families (SSVF) program, will ensure best practices to find affordable market rate housing for veterans who are at risk of losing housing or are currently unhoused. The case manager will maintain a housing list of landlords and property managers that work with the SSVF program. This position is also responsible for maintaining positive relationships with those currently on the housing list, as well as developing relationships with new landlords and property managers. This position will also be required to maintain a small client caseload and assist other case managers as needed. The core working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM-4:30 PM. The hourly range is between $20 and $25.

Job Responsibilities

• Keep an organized housing resource list that includes contact information, housing location and application criteria.
• Maintain regular contact with landlords and property managers on current list to stay updated on rental openings and application criteria.
• Identify new housing opportunities for clients and develop positive relationships with those landlords and property managers.
• Determine if identified housing meets SSVF criteria and housing inspection guidelines.
• Conduct housing inspections as needed.
• Maintain a client caseload of 5-8 clients. Range may vary based on program need.
• Assigned a day of the week to perform program intake assessments with walk-in clients.
• Determine client’s program eligibility at initial program intake.
• Assess the client’s strengths, desires, and immediate/long term needs.
• Assist with stably housing clients on caseload within 30 days of enrollment.
• Make in-home visits to observe indicators of the clients’ progress.
• Assist clients with their transportation, clothing, furniture, and food needs.
• Assist clients with monthly budgeting and goals.
• Contribute to the ideas and processes of the ICM team.
• Collaborate with SSVF Peer Support and Healthcare Navigator as needed.
• Responsible for meeting goal indicators as outlined in the SSVF grant.
• Update and maintain electronic housing list.
• Maintain organized and accurate assessment files.
• Enter case notes for services provided to clients within 24-48 hours of service.
• Create and maintain an organized hard copy file for each client.
• Refer clients to additional resources to address other service needs such as substance abuse, mental health, and legal assistance.
• Make referrals to other SPC Programs as appropriate.
• Refer clients to local VA medical centers for potential health and financial benefits assistance.
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Requirements

• College degree required.
• Knowledge of housing and other supportive service resources.
• Ability to perform effective case management.
• Ability to follow, understand and meet grant requirements including paperwork.
• Ability to communicate well with others and be team oriented.
• Ability to work well with a wide range of people in various settings.
• Excellent computer skills and the ability to process large amounts of data.
• Ability to handle confidential information.
• Ability to remain calm in stressful situations.
• Works with other veteran services programs within the community.
• Works with the staff in other SPC programs.
• Networks with federal, state, and local agencies.

REQUIRED

• Requires driver’s license (MO residents require Class E)
• Requires reliable vehicle.
• Requires valid and current auto insurance.
• Work a minimum of 37.5 hours a week.

PREFERRED

• 1-2 years of experience working with the unhoused population preferred