Outreach Housing Navigator

COTS Outreach Navigators work directly with COTS guest staying in the emergency hotel program, and guest utilizing our Daystation to assist them in developing a housing plan for transition to and/or maintenance of stable housing. This position is funded through a state grant; current funding for this position is secured through June 2025.

Date Posted/Updated: 04/02/2024

No. of Positions: 1 Full-time

This position is funded through a state grant; current funding for this position is secured through June 2025.

The Outreach Housing Navigators work directly with individuals and families staying in emergency motel/hotel shelters, as well as individuals utilizing our Daystation, the daytime drop-in center for community members experiencing homelessness. They will provide direct assistance to assigned clients, supporting them in developing a housing plan for transition to stable housing. They also support clients in accessing additional services and supports in the local community, to help with retention of housing once it’s been obtained.

Primary responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:

Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, helping to overcome the many barriers clients may face.
Travel to client locations to meet with them, onsite at motels or in COTS buildings.
Directly assist clients with timely completion of Public Housing Authority applications for rental subsidies and all other relevant state/local housing assistance programs.
Navigation of benefits like 3Squares, Reach Up, SSI & SSDI.
Connecting individuals to available resources which may expedite their transition from emergency shelter into transitional or permanent housing.
Develop a housing support crisis plan that includes early prevention/intervention when housing is jeopardized.
Collaborate closely with referral agencies regarding eligibility determination and verification for clients.
Assist clients with accessing resources to ensure basic needs are met, such as hygiene products, connection to medical providers, harm reduction tools, and more.
Establish and maintain positive, collaborative relationships with the motel staff and owners, as well as other applicable community partners.
Provide retention services for clients that have obtained housing, which includes, facilitating communication with landlords, paperwork processing, and connection to community supports such as mental health resources.

This is a full-time position. This position's typical hours are Monday - Friday, 9 am - 5 pm. However, there is flexibility to adjust your schedule to meet the needs of you and your clients, even if outside of our typical office hours.

Requirements for this role are:

A minimum of a high school degree or equivalent is required; a bachelor’s degree in social work, Education, Human Services, Counseling, or a related field is preferred.
A minimum of one (1) year of prior experience in direct service work is required; two (2) years of experience plus relevant coursework is preferred. Specific experience with case management preferred.
Candidates with experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families preferred.
Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse, domestic and sexual violence experiences, and employment issues required.
Familiarity with the regulations, laws, and procedures of the Vermont Agency of Human Services is preferred.
Reliability, independent decision-making, and strong written and verbal communication skills are a must.
Must be able to travel locally within Chittenden County.

All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness and providing emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for Vermonters who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.

This is an hourly, full-time, benefits-eligible position. Hourly pay starts at $22.00/hour. If interested in applying, please submit your resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.

COTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.