Coordinated Access Network Navigator

Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Navigator

Full-Time, Non-Exempt position

$20.00 per hour/40 hours per week

8am to 5pm with a one hour lunch

The Coordinated Access Network (CAN) Navigator will respond to and assist clients on the Shelter Stand-by list who are awaiting shelter placement. Navigator will provide client education on CAN process and encourage clients to utilize their Housing Stabilization Plans.

Responsibilities:

Perform CAN assessments via phone both scheduled and warm-transferred for those who have no phone; divert clients from emergency shelter when possible. Responds to and assists clients through assessment, referral and direct services to address barriers to stable housing including linkages to benefit assistance programs, and internal/external community resources. Engages participants in identification of housing opportunities and potential properties and assists with the placement process including landlord dialogue and engagement. Advocates for shelter clients with landlords and explain available supports to increase landlords willingness to rent to our clients. Works in support of Meriden, Middlesex county and Wallingford CAN identified goals related to entry/exit strategies and housing placement. Inputs client data into Homeless Management Information System (HMIS). Works to ensure clients are "document ready" in a timely manner and without delay. Attends Meriden, Middlesex County/Wallingford CAN meetings as needed. Cross-training to support By-Name List (BNL) management. Other related duties as assigned.

Requirements:

B.A. Degree plus one years experience administering case management services, or an A.S. degree in human services plus three years experience in community based case management services. Bilingual ability (English/Spanish) a plus.

Experience:

Familiarity of the CT Homelessness Management Information System (CT HMIS), Previous experience working with families and individuals experiencing homeless, Knowledge of the various CT housing programs (i.e. Rapid Rehousing, Shelter Plus Care, Permanent Supportive Housing, Rental Assistance Program), Familiarity of CT benefit assistance programs.

Benefits Include:

• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Life Insurance
• 401(k) with matching contributions
• Vacation Time
• Personal Time
• Sick Time
• Holiday Pay

New Opportunities' mission is to improve the quality of life for economically disadvantaged individuals by providing the necessary resources to increase their standard of living, foster self-improvement, and maximize self-empowerment.

New Opportunities Inc. is the community action agency that serves Waterbury, Meriden, Torrington and 27 surrounding Connecticut towns. We offer a variety of social service programs designed to eliminate poverty and assist people in need.

Headquartered in Waterbury and the cities fourth largest employer, New Opportunities has additional offices in Meriden, Torrington, Danbury and Thomaston for the convenience of those they serve. Annually, more than 61,000 individuals benefit from programs offered at this agency, guided by the New Opportunities staff who helped them find the way to meet their needs.

In accordance with the mission of New Opportunities, the Agency aims to increase the self-sufficiency of its customers and support their move out of poverty toward a more middle-class lifestyle.

In 1964, the Agency incorporated as a private non-profit corporation in the State of Connecticut and is a tax-exempt 501 (c) (3) organization. With an annual budget for 2014 in excess of $41 million dollars, New Opportunities administers more than 50 social service programs targeted to the low-income, elderly and disabled communities.

While the range of programs is broad, they fall into one or more of the following categories:

• Energy Assistance
• Fatherhood Initiative
• Employment Education and Training
• Child Welfare and Family Development Services
• Early Childhood Education Programs
• Elderly Services
• Homeless Shelter and Transitional Housing
• Ex-Offender Programs and Re-entry Services

EOE AA M/F/Vets/Disability