First Hug Community Navigator

About Us:

• If you're looking for an opportunity to transform the lives of poor and homeless men, women, and children in your community, we may have a job for you.
• Since 1972, Metropolitan Ministries has been providing life-changing solutions for those who are homeless and at risk of becoming homeless in Tampa Bay.
• We are a grassroots, donor, and volunteer-fueled community nonprofit. At Metropolitan Ministries, we serve families in Hillsborough, Pinellas, Pasco, Polk and Hernando counties with compassion, practical help, and a willingness to make a huge difference.

What we offer:

* Salary: $44,000

* Group health, vision, and dental coverage at affordable rates, along with family coverage if you choose to purchase it.

* Preventative care is 100% covered (free) on all plans.

* PTO is offered to full-time and part-time employees.

* 11 days of PTO and 10 paid holidays annually.

* Option to participate in the 401K plan with employer match.

* $15,000 in employee Life Insurance paid for by Metropolitan Ministries.

* Employee Assistance Program

* Option to participate in supplemental group insurance plans at affordable rates.

* Tuition reimbursement program

* Training and career development.

* Discounted membership at the YMCA.

Job Functions:

The First Hug Community Navigator administers client assessments through the communities of need in Hillsborough County; evaluates and assesses immediate needs of the homeless and at-risk populations. Ensuring clients are assessed according to the First Hug Policies and Procedures with an additional focus on screening clients in need of Employment and Housing Assistance, Prevention Diversions and Case Management in a timely and efficient manner. Additionally, this position is also responsible for providing community navigation and resources for clients in while properly utilizing HMIS real time data entry. This is a hybrid, mobile/virtual direct services position, operating in communities within Hillsborough County.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Works closely and collaboratively with cross-departmental teams to provide services to the homeless and at-risk population.
• Works closely and collaboratively with new and existing partners to provide direct community navigation in Hillsborough County.
• Maintains weekly scheduled on-site representation of First Hug at community partner sites.
• Maintains weekly contact with families both in-person and virtual as needed.
• Provides Prevention and Diversion services as necessary to families ensuring that all services are in line with data collection and the reporting is timely and accurate.
• Takes an active role in ensuring data collection is being performed based on program guidelines and reporting of data is timely and accurate. Ensures services are offered with a smooth and timely client flow exercising good stewardship and ensures Mission statement is fulfilled with each client interaction.
• Prescreens applicants to determine services needed. Provides community resource information regarding other agencies, organizations, and ministries to meet varying needs of clients.
• Completes First Hug contracts, program assessments and all program consent forms as required by the program.
• Completes detailed client notes in real time.
• Ensures services are offered with budgetary restraints.
• Handles all client information in a professional manner, exemplifying all professional confidentiality standards. Ensures all data and documentation is being entered accurately.
• Participates in Metropolitan Ministries' events and holiday efforts and other fundraising events when needed and for all other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience:

A minimum of an AA degree in the Human Services Field and 2 years of experience working with individuals/families who are homeless, at risk or have mental health/substance abuse issues or a high school diploma and 3 years of experience working with individuals/families who are homeless, at risk or have mental health/substance abuse issues is required. An equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered. Bilingual in english and spanish preferred. Must be willing to continue education on homeless population and continue enhancing professional skills by attending appropriate job-related seminars, conferences, and workshops.

Skills Requirements:

Requires heart for ministry and comfort working with struggling and homeless families and individuals. Requires understanding of poverty, a high degree of maturity, strong inter-personal skills and the ability to work with low socio-economic and diverse populations facing crisis situations in a professional and diplomatic manner. Ability to deescalate clients on the edge of verbal or physical violence is preferred. Ability to work as part of a team within a multi-disciplinary framework. Ability to manage other employees and volunteers. Demonstrates computer literacy with knowledge of Microsoft Office and client databases. Requires customer service and oral and written communication skills. Bi-lingual a plus, but not required.

Physical Requirements:

Must have adequate hearing and speaking ability. Must be capable of working outdoors in sunlight and higher temperatures on occasion. Must have the physical, emotional, and spiritual stamina to handle job-related issues and stress. Preferred to be able to lift 20 lbs. or more.

Other:

Must demonstrate legal authorization to work in the United States. Must pass required background pre-employment screening. Must be able to communicate effectively in English. Must have a valid Florida Driver's License, insurance coverage and reliable daily transportation. Travel is fully reimbursed, but the responsibility of the employee.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.

We are committed to creating a diverse and welcoming workplace that includes partners with diverse backgrounds and experiences. We believe that enables us to better meet our mission and values while serving individuals throughout our local communities. People of color, women, LGBTQIA+, Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Qualified applicants with criminal histories will be considered for employment in a manner consistent with all federal state and local ordinances.

Metropolitan Ministries is committed to offering reasonable accommodation to job applicants with disabilities. If you need assistance or an accommodation due to a disability, please contact us at 813-209-1083 or via email at Daryl.Belluccia@Metromin.org