Client Navigator

This position is an integral member in the operations of the Third Avenue Resource & Navigation Center (3RNC), a day navigation and resource center for people experiencing homelessness. 

The Navigation Center operates eight hours per day, five days a week serving up to one hundred clients seeking services.  This position provides navigation services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness, including: accessing the Anchorage Coordinated Entry System, connecting individuals to CSS provided or other supportive services, and liaising with community organizations that serve low income Alaskans.

CSS is a Catholic human and social services agency and behavioral health care provider that welcomes people of all faiths through its programs and employment. We provide help for our Alaskan neighbors through a variety of supportive service programs, including emergency shelter, food stability, housing, case management, and refugee assistance. CSS empowers individuals and families on their path to permanent stability, creating thriving communities for all. Located in Anchorage, Alaska, CSS is a nationally accredited organization through the Council on Accreditation (COA), which recognizes that CSS provides high quality services that meet best practice standards in the social service field. 

Mission: To promote the physical, spiritual and mental welfare of persons in need in the community. This mission is achieved by:

• Offering charitable assistance to those in need, especially persons who are poor
• Developing and conducting programs to strengthen and support families and the dignity of the human spirit
• Administering the Corporal Works of Mercy and Gospel of Jesus Christ as defined by the magisterium of the Roman Catholic Church and envisioned by the traditional concepts of Catholic Social Teaching and Action through the laity
• And advocating for social justice for the common good of all

The 3^rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center is part of a campus with Brother Francis which provides Adult Homeless Services. 3RNC operates eight hours per day, five days a week serving up to one hundred clients seeking services. This position provides services to individuals experiencing homelessness or at risk of homelessness within the Anchorage Bowl. Please go to 3rd Avenue Resource & Navigation Center - Catholic Social Services - Alaska (cssalaska.org) for more information about 3RNC.

Competencies: Demonstrate dependability, maturity and initiative.  Ability to handle crisis situations and accomplish tasks assigned with minimal supervision.  Excellent interpersonal skills.  Must be able to maintain program/resident/agency confidentiality and treat everyone with dignity and respect.  Ability to set and observe appropriate personal limits and boundaries, especially with respect to shelter residents.  Ability to relate positively to supervisor, fellow employees and all shelter residents.  Flexibility to deal effectively with a variety of people, situations, problems and changes.

Skills: Basic understanding of homelessness and various characteristics of homeless adult populations. Understanding of information and referral principles and ability to work with adults experiencing homelessness.   Ability to work well with people in crisis and to assess and prioritize needs. Understanding of and ability to work with, a variety of community resources and partners; Ability to advocate effectively for services and those in need. Ability to accurately use Alaska Homeless Management Information System (AKHMIS), other database programs and MS Office software; Must have excellent written and oral communication skills; time management skills; ability to write clear, accurate case management notes; Ability to complete paperwork thoroughly and accurately. Ability to communicate and work effectively with staff from various backgrounds and disciplines. Ability to work effectively with clients displaying a wide range of behaviors. Subscribe to philosophy of cooperation and continuity across programs.

Work with individuals seeking services to complete assessments to be placed on the Anchorage Coordinated Entry System (CES) prioritization list.

Identify appropriate community resources and provide in-depth referrals to services, including but not limited to shelter, housing, medical and mental health services.

Assist individuals in applying for mainstream benefits, including Medicaid, food security applications, and Social Security disability.

Maintain client records including progress notes, incident reports, service transactions and referrals in accordance with standards. 

Provide in-person assistance and facilitate smooth transitions (“warm handoffs”) to intra-agency service providers.

Participate in crisis intervention as needed.

Initiate and maintain appropriate social interactions with clients while communicating/enforcing agency rules and policies. 

Monitor work and meeting areas to maintain safety and security of clients and premises. 

Actively participate in staff meetings and in-service trainings.  

Work scheduled hours at shelter or center stations and/or milieu coverage and perform all duties of those areas. 

Other duties as assigned. 

Minimum Education Requirement: Associate’s degree in human services or a relevant field. Two (2) years of experience may be substituted for the required education. 

Minimum Experience Requirement: One (1) year experience in human services, customer service, or related field. 

A relevant combination of education and experience may be considered.  

Work environment: Work is performed in a resource center for people experiencing homelessness.  Frequently required to sit or stand at a desk for several hours at a time.  Occasional lifting of up to 25 pounds.  

Travel: Rare travel within Anchorage for training purposes.

Location: 1101 E 3^rd Ave, Anchorage, AK.