General Description
The Orange County Housing Department has an opening for a Peer Support Navigator. This is a time-limited, fully benefited position. This position works with persons living unsheltered to connect them with housing and other services. Work involves building relationships and providing case management, advocacy, support, and making appropriate referrals to agencies.
Work is performed under the general supervision of the Homeless Programs Coordinator with leeway to exercise independent judgment in making decisions regarding client needs and requests within the framework of the Street Outreach program model. Work is performed both inside and outside of general business hours, and requires travel throughout Orange County. Does related work as required.
* This is a safety sensitive position and participation in the Drug and Alcohol Program is required. Background Check is required.
Examples of Essential Functions
Following are examples of typical work activities and responsibilities. The incumbent may be responsible for performing other related duties and responsibilities as required or assigned. A position may not include all the work examples given, nor does the list include all that may be assigned.
Makes contact and builds relationships with people living unsheltered using person-centered, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive methods.
Using the relationship-based model, engage people living unsheltered with housing programs and other services as needed.
Provides direct client support, including spending time with people in common gathering places, and visiting campsites, hospitals and jail.
Conducts non-clinical assessments for intake, and evaluates the need for other services to people living unsheltered based on knowledge of all community resources and social services programs; provides connections to permanent housing, food and supplies, medical care for physical and behavioral health needs, therapeutic treatment and services, mainstream resources like SNAP, WIC, etc., employment and training programs, and SOAR for people with disabilities to connect with SSI/SSDI disability benefits.
Provides assistance or makes referrals to resources for harm reduction, crisis counseling, conflict resolution and mediation services, as needed and assists in developing plans for integrated care and care coordination.
Assists clients with completing applications, obtaining personal identification on documents, and provides transportation as needed.
Works with clients to develop a housing plan.
Provides critical, life-saving resources such as food, water, clothing, blankets, and other necessities for harm reduction.
Provides information and supplies to increase safety promoting harm reduction.
Provides advocacy for clients as needed.
Coordinates as a part of the housing-focused system and within the Street Outreach and Harm Reduction Deflection program of the Orange County Criminal Justice Resource Department and Partnership to End Homelessness. This includes deep collaboration with community partners, attending meetings on a regular basis, and taking referrals from partner agencies.
Works in close collaboration with the Harm Reduction Clinical Coordinator to ensure access to clinical assessments, interventions and to provide case management consistency.
Completes forms and reports required for accountability of local, state and federal funds and in accordance with existing law, rules and regulations, including timely data entry into the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) database; documents program eligibility and homeless status and retains information and client files per HUD recordkeeping requirements.
Ensures strict client confidentiality is maintained at all times.
Works with the Coordinated Entry Housing Specialist and Housing Access Coordinator to connect people to appropriate state, federal, and/or local resources for housing; uses OC Connect to identify appropriate and available resources for clients and OC Opportunity Finder to locate available affordable housing.
Serves as a point of contact for downtown businesses and other community stakeholders interested in unsheltered homelessness.
Follows established protocols to ensure the safety of all individuals seeking assistance including but not limited to fleeing domestic violence, dating violence, sexual assault, trafficking, or stalking.
Adheres to the department’s safety rules and regulations.
Uses computer applications or other automated systems such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software in performing work assignments.
Performs other tasks as required.
Full Performance of Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
FULL PERFORMANCE KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS AND ABILITIES
Thorough knowledge of federal, state and local laws, codes and policies concerning the provision of public assistance programs and their eligibility requirements, especially as they relate to housing and supportive services needed for stability.
Thorough knowledge of County ordinances, department policies and procedures.
Thorough knowledge of interviewing procedures and practices.
Thorough knowledge of confidentiality guidelines and the ability to apply these guidelines to client records and in collaboration with other agencies.
Demonstrated knowledge of trauma-informed care.
Preferred knowledge of motivational interviewing.
Good knowledge of current housing-focused practices and the work to end homelessness.
Good knowledge of community resources, and the ability to make appropriate referrals.
Good knowledge and understanding of the principles of advocacy and empowerment.
Skill in being customer-focused, adept at problem solving and working collaboratively with others.
Skill in gathering and documenting information.
Skill at prioritizing work activities and multi-task while under pressure.
Ability to demonstrate sound judgment, integrity, resourcefulness, accuracy, thoroughness and the physical condition commensurate with the demands of the position, while maintaining an ethical standard of care.
Ability to effectively problem solve and handle difficult situations and complex decision-making, and react calmly and quickly in emergency situations.
Ability to manage and meet multiple deadlines, while being flexible in a complex, changing environment with competing demands.
Ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, and deal with culturally diverse populations.
Ability and willingness to reach out to diverse communities and socio economic groups.
Ability to establish and maintain effective professional relationships with County staff, clients, outside agencies, community organizations, neighborhood associations, professional or student associations, and members of the general public.
Ability to organize, consolidate and evaluate information, maintain records, prepare reports, and complete assignments accurately and timely.
Ability to read and understand moderately complex written information.
Ability to work with people who may exhibit challenging or hostile behavior.
Ability to work outside of traditional business hours, and serve clients throughout Orange County.
Ability to effectively use computer applications such as spreadsheets, word processing, calendar, e-mail and database software to maintain records, prepare reports, and conduct correspondence related to the work.
