Way Finders 1780 Main Street SPRINGFIELD, MA 01103 Company Description: Everyone deserves a home. Way Finders confronts homelessness head on in communities throughout western Massachusetts, including Hampden and Hampshire counties. We have developed targeted services that help people lift themselves up and out of homelessness with a focus on Housing, Real Estate, Employment Support and Community Services. Salary Range: Location: 21.59-$25.91 Per Hour SPRINGFIELD MA Job Type: Category: Full Time Human Services Education Level: Work Experience: Bachelor's Degree Preference: Nice to have 3+ Preference: Preferred Skills/Certifications/Licences: Description: System Navigator At Way Finders, we are passionately invested in lifting up the region’s people, places, and systems. Though our team performs a wide variety of functions, we are united by our shared mission: to build and advocate for a thriving and equitable region; to improve the stability and economic mobility of families and individuals; and to develop and manage a robust range of safe, affordable housing options. Every day, our team helps people facing real challenges—with housing, jobs, personal finances, and other cornerstones of daily stability—to find real solutions. And we help communities and systems to grow in positive, strategic ways. We know that the right help at the right time can make all the difference; Way Finders provides transformative help to tens of thousands of people each year. Always with respect, always with compassion. Interested in joining our team of dedicated professionals? Way Finders is currently seeking four System Navigators. The System Navigator acts as an on-demand expert on service availability and eligibility through key partnerships within the local and state systems, and works to remove or lessen the duplication of efforts in connecting to resources. The candidate will work in a hybrid-remote capacity but must live within commutable distance to the main office in Springfield, MA. In-office work and local in-person meetings are occasionally expected. Responsibilities include: -Aid case managers in identifying available services and navigating eligibility requirements for families with complex service needs with a focus on identifying connections that can be maintained post-placement; aid Housing staff in identifying specialized housing programs as needed -Liaise for program staff with state agencies, providing timely and expert service and knowledge -Maintain linkages with local, state, and other service entities to ensure effective connections to services; report opportunities to expand connections to the System Navigation Program Manager (SNPM) -Participate in trainings and knowledge-sharing facilitated by the Department of Housing and Community Development (DHCD); proactively share knowledge on areas where coordination can be improved and service gaps exist -Provide trainings to shelter staff on community and other resources, equity-building, and fostering an environment that actively engages in promoting the organization’s core values; in conjunction with the SNPM, assist with orientation, training, and team development of case managers and volunteers -Collaborate with housing search workers to develop, implement, and review service plans that maximize self-sufficiency, identifying needs and barriers; assist in coordinating resources and services to support appropriate housing -Coordinate support services, initiate referrals, provide advocacy, crisis intervention, and support to case managers, program managers, and other client-focused staff as appropriate; act as a resource for anyone working in client needs -Facilitate quarterly reviews of complex client files, identifying efficient, professional, and achievable next steps -Maintain complete, accurate, and timely case notes in database/systems; report performance and findings on a monthly, quarterly, yearly, and as-needed basis to management, auditors, and funding sources; assist SNPM with monthly program reports, statistics, and other administrative duties as requested -Establish and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with staff (including across departments), owners, landlords, community groups, funding sources, constituents, and stakeholders -Proactively identify and inform leadership of any significant issues that may adversely affect the organization -Attend in-person meetings, trainings, and appointments throughout the region -On-call duties as necessary Supervisory Responsibilities: -Provides guidance, training, and mentoring to program staff Requirements include: -Bachelor’s degree in social/human services; commensurate experience may be a substitute for a degree -3 years’ experience in domestic violence, mental health, and/or addiction/recovery services; or in case management; related experience may be a substitute -Demonstrated ability with Microsoft Office, and comfort learning new technologies -Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills across all levels of an organization and with constituents and stakeholders, with the ability to work with diverse populations -Experience developing and leading effective trainings -Ability to work both independently and as a member of a team -Excellent organizational skills with a high degree of accuracy and attention to detail, plus the ability to reprioritize -Valid driver’s license and acceptable driving record; reliable vehicle -Bilingual (English/Spanish) skills preferred, but not required -CORI Benefits include: Generous paid time-off | 12+ holidays annually | Health, dental, and vision insurance options | Educational assistance | Medical Reimbursement Account | Dependent Care Account | 403(b) retirement plan with employer match | Life insurance | Short-term and long-term disability insurance | Transportation benefits | Employee Assistance Program | Annual staff picnic! Wage between $21.59 and $25.91 per hour depending on qualifications. Interested applicants must submit a cover letter and resume; applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Way Finders is an Equal Opportunity Employer that seeks a diverse staff in order to reflect our community and those we serve. Qualified individuals from diverse backgrounds are strongly encouraged to apply. This position is available to all without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, disability, age, gender or gender identity, sexual orientation, political affiliation, or veteran status. We provide reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals. Requirements: