Youth Care Navigator

Job Title : Youth Care Navigator

Job Type : Direct Care Staff

Position Reports to : Housing Supervisor

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES :

• Responsible to provide comprehensive case management services to clients, assist clients in development and implementation of a plan for housing; monitor progress; and revise plan as needed.
• Assist clients with building their money management skills by developing financial budgets, ensuring monthly bills are paid, providing assistance with savings plans, and teaching participants how to maintain their own money management accounts.
• Effectively motivate participants towards participation in weekly individual counseling sessions and monthly council meetings.
• Ensure that clients are consistently working towards their goal of permanent housing by acquiring adequate job skills, income and community connectivity to promote greater success in living independently.
• Develop and manage a working relationship with landlords and outside agencies, assisting participants with stabilizing their residency, and preparing them to live independently.
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment and exercise mature judgment.
• Ensure clients understanding of rental agreements, housing policies and procedures.
• Provide weekly monitoring of participant's apartments for optimal maintenance, cleanliness, safety, and security.
• Maintain contact with apartment complex managers to address any issues or concerns regarding the clients and / or apartment issues.
• Assist in facilitating life skills sessions in both individual and group settings to help clients develop and reinforce awareness of safe living, cooking and housekeeping practices.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and thorough documentation of Housing Project activities and services to ensure compliance with agency policies, procedures, and licensing / grant requirements.
• Develop monthly budgets, coordinate entitlements and provide housing assistance to shelter youth who are provisionally accepted or on wait list status for transitional housing.
• Supervise residents, maintain order and exercise appropriate judgment at all times (i.e. at mealtimes, on the residential floors, in common areas, on recreations, and during escorts).
• Assist youth in emergencies as directed by supervisor. Defuse physical and verbal confrontation with youth, using appropriate verbal de-escalation techniques.
• Drive company vehicles to escort youth to and from activities, hospital visits, school, and various other appointments, etc.
• Must be able to occasionally exert up to 15-20 pounds of force to lift or carry. Must frequently move about both indoors and outdoors.

JOB REQUIREMENTS :

EDUCATION : Associate degree in human services, psychology, counseling, criminal justice, or social work required.

EXPERIENCE : Minimum of two years' work history preferably in case management working with youth who are at-risk including who have a history involving substance abuse, and / or are served within the behavioral healthcare system.

SCHEDULE : Tuesday 11a - 9pm; Wednesday and Thursday 9am -7pm; Saturday 11am - 9pm.Requires flexibility with weekly work schedule to meet needs of youth.

SKILLS : Must be a self-starter and team player with the ability to work well with others. Must have demonstrated ability to maintain order and exercise appropriate judgement in crisis situations including the physical ability to intervene in critical or emergency situations. Excellent communication skills as demonstrated by concise, timely and professional correspondence, both written and verbal. Demonstrated understanding of conflict resolution skills and sensitivity to culturally diverse populations and computer literacy is required. Knowledge of Broward County social service systems.

TRANSPORTATION : Must have a valid FL driver's license and good driving record. May need to transport clients / staff if required using agency transportation.

WORKING CONDITIONS : The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will frequently move about both indoors and outdoors. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate to loud. Must be able to lift, carry or push up to 20lbs. on occasion, bend, sit and stand for prolonged periods of time. Some weekend / holiday work may be required.

SUPERVISORY DUTIES : This position does not perform supervisory duties.

EQUIPMENT USED : Must be able to utilize basic word processing, email, and internet programs. Must be able to communicate effectively both orally and in written form.

Due to licensing requirements, Covenant House Florida applicants will not be permitted to begin employment service until they have been cleared by a Florida and national criminal background search. All applicants for employment will be responsible for the cost associated with instituting background checks and will be eligible for reimbursement after 90 days of service.

Equal employment opportunity and having a diverse staff are fundamental principles at Covenant House Florida. Employment and promotional opportunities are based upon individual capabilities and qualifications without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, marital / parental status, political affiliation, citizenship, disability, genetic information, veteran / military status, or any other protected characteristic as established under law.