Community Navigator - Homeless Outreach

Community Navigator-Outreach
Kansas City, Kansas
 
Job Summary:
The Outreach Navigator is a key member of the Cross-Lines Housing Stabilization team. The Outreach Navigator is responsible for identifying and engaging individuals experiencing homelessness in Wyandotte County through both direct street outreach and in-person engagement at the Cross-Lines campus. This role centers on building trust, conducting assessments, identifying housing barriers, and developing personalized housing plans in partnership with clients. The Outreach Navigator connects individuals to housing and supportive services while fostering strong relationships with community providers and landlords. Success in this role requires adaptability, clear communication, and close collaboration with the Cross-Lines Housing Stabilization team in order to provide coordinated, client-centered care.

Primary Responsibilities:
Client Engagement & Direct Support

• Serve as a first point of contact for walk-in inquiries, providing immediate assistance and helping to connect individuals to housing and supportive services.
• Participate in and help lead weekly off-site outreach to homeless encampments in coordination with community partners.
• Support clients in enrolling in mainstream benefits and accessing mental and physical health services, including scheduling appointments and providing transportation on a case-by-case basis.
• Conduct thorough screenings and assessments to determine eligibility for coordinated entry assessments.
• Develop individualized housing plans and assist clients in working toward stable housing goals.

• Participate in case conferencing to coordinate care and enhance service delivery.
• Collaborate closely with the Cross-Lines Housing Stabilization team to provide seamless support across shared clients.

• Maintain accurate and timely documentation of daily interactions, case notes, and assessments in relevant databases, including HMIS.
• Support the achievement of program goals and performance benchmarks established by the Senior Manager of Housing Stabilization.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work or any other human services degree preferred.
• At least 2 years of experience working with homeless population.
• Must understand the challenges connected to homelessness and demonstrate a genuine commitment to supporting low-income individuals and families, specifically those currently experiencing homelessness or at risk of experiencing homelessness.
• Demonstrated problem-solving and decision-making skills, with a proactive and solution-oriented mindset.
• Strong interpersonal skills with a focus on active listening, cultural humility, and the ability to navigate sensitive situations with professionalism and care.
• Understanding of CoC Homeless Services, especially HMIS, and a willingness to learn and use new software as needed.
• Adept at keeping clear, detailed, and timely records.
• Strong attention to detail with ability to prioritize tasks and self-manage time effectively.
• Proficiency with Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Ability to demonstrate sensitivity to diverse cultural backgrounds, mental health needs, substance use, and other individual circumstances affecting homeless populations in order to engage program participants with respect and compassion.
• Ability to remain calm and composed in challenging situations involving client interactions, medical emergencies, and incidents requiring law enforcement intervention.