Housing Navigator and Shelter Case Manager

Pillars is looking for a full-time employee who will work part of the time providing case management to clients from both the Adult Shelter and the Resource Center, and part of the time recruiting and retaining landlords, attending community events, and connecting clients with appropriate housing opportunities while partnering with all client services case managers.

SUMMARY:   From homelessness to coming home, Pillars provides shelter, support, and solutions to address the housing needs in our community. The Housing Navigator and Shelter Case Manager is responsible for building relationships with landlords and property owners with the goal of increasing the number of housing units available for Pillars clients and program participants, and also for providing case management to individuals experiencing homelessness to identify client needs, establish individual case plans, and monitor client progress towards program goals of housing and income stability.  In this dual function role, the employee in this position will work part of the time providing case management to clients from both the Adult Shelter and the Resource Center, and part of the time recruiting and retaining landlords, attending community events, and connecting clients with appropriate housing opportunities while partnering with all client services case managers.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Has passion for the mission of Pillars and displays agency values: Respect, Collaboration, Empowerment and Grit.

Housing Navigator

• Develop and maintain a database of rental units and landlords with an emphasis on housing for program participants.
• Create and implement a landlord recruitment and retention plan with an emphasis on fair housing for program participants. Maintain ongoing relationships with landlords and other housing providers.
• Educate landlords, property managers, and community members on the housing needs of program participants and provide the appropriate advocacy. Attend local meetings and community events to promote safe and affordable housing and community awareness of homelessness issues.
• Remain informed about changes to laws affecting tenants and leasing processes and apply knowledge of residential lease contracts to educate program participants of their rights and responsibilities.
• Assist participants to locate secure housing of their choice, including accompanying them to apartment showings, and assist with housing applications when appropriate.
• Coordinate and/or conduct HQS (Housing Quality Standards) inspections as appropriate.
• Participate in the lease-up process with landlords and program participants as appropriate. Provide conflict resolution and problem-solving assistance for issues that arise between tenants, neighbors, and landlords as appropraite.

Case Manager

• Builds and maintains a strong connection with clients using a strength based, trauma informed approach.
• Completes thorough assessments to mutually establish goals for a client’s tenure.
• Serves as an advocate for participants across systems when the need arises.
• Refers clients to appropriate community resources and serves as a broker between resources.
• Manages records, both paper and electronic, as well as grant documentation for those that are utilizing Pillars services.
• Manages participant’s funded accommodation and services, including the preparation of correspondence and statistical data.
• Represents agency in community or in interagency activities and other community events.
• Other duties as assigned.

CORE COMPETENCIES:

• Building Relationships – Demonstrates exceptional relationship-building ability with volunteers, clients and consumers, tenants, agency partners, donors and potential donors, board and committee members.
• Communication – Strong verbal and written communication skills at multiple levels: with volunteers, coworkers, board members, other community agencies, and vendors. 
• Confidentiality – Ability to maintain confidential information and safeguard the security of information of Pillars and our clients. Keep private information from unauthorized individuals, either within Pillars or others outside the organization.
• Conflict Management – Reacts and responds to complaints and solves problems.  Helps consumers and staff come to agreement and de-escalates charged situations.  Reacts quickly to assess the conflict and determine appropriate steps to resolve.  Remains calm and professional during high stress situations. 

• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity – to those you are serving. Is mindful or conscious of similarities and differences between people from different groups. Is respectful and accepting of the differences and strives to understand them.
• Flexibility – Ability to flex schedule to occasionally respond to needs outside of normal working hours.
• Self-Management – Takes initiative to seek out what needs to be done; responsible for attaining goals and following guidelines/procedures with minimal supervision or direction; strong sense of accountability and pride in work.  Demonstrates flexibility and the ability to adapt to changing situations/expectations. 

• Problem-Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.  Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.  Develops alternative solutions.  Works well in group problem-solving situation; remains calm when dealing with emotional topics.

• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; able to read and interpret written information and use a tablet or smartphone.  

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Bachelor’s in Human Services related field OR High School Diploma (or equivalent) with 5 or more years relevant experience
• Minimum 2 years relevant experience preferred
• Relevant experience could include:
  • A strong understanding of barriers specific to persons experiencing homelessness
  • Experience working with survivors of domestic violence
  • Experience working with people facing mental health struggles and/or challenges with addictions
  • Knowledge of community resources available to families who are low income and/or experiencing homelessness
  • Experience with the Wisconsin Homeless Management Information System, Clarity
• Possess and maintain a valid Wisconsin driver’s license
• Ability to travel locally, with access to a reliable vehicle and personal auto insurance which meets Pillars minimum requirements for liability (100/300/100)

This position is expected to work inclusively and respectfully within a diverse community and practice civility in the workplace. In addition, this position requires strong oral, written, interpersonal, and organizational skills, demonstrated integrity, and the willingness to work independently and as part of a collaborative team. This position requires knowledge of Microsoft Office suite and related technologies.

COMPLIANCE ACCOUNTABILITIES:  The Housing Navigator and Shelter Case Manager must act in accordance with Pillars’ policies and procedures, complete all required compliance training/continuing education within specified timeframe, and maintain a thorough knowledge of all internal operating procedures, as well as applicable laws and regulations.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:  The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds and frequently travel locally. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

COMPENSATION and BENEFITS:

The compensation for this position is a $44,200 annual salary.  Benefits include health insurance, dental insurance, vision insurance, vacation, holidays, sick leave, short & long term disability, life insurance, 401k retirement account and an Employee Assistance Plan.

To Apply                                 

Apply through our Career Portal or send resume and cover letter to Careers@pillarsinc.org or mail to:

Tracy Melzl, Human Resources Coordinator, Pillars, Inc., 605 E Hancock Street, Appleton, WI 54911

Pillars is an Affirmative Action Equal Employment Opportunity employer committed to achieving a diverse workforce and to maintaining a community which welcomes and values a climate supporting equal opportunity and difference among its members. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, sex, pregnancy status, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, disability, physical condition, genetic information, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.