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Linkage and Connection Navigator (haight ashbury)
compensation:
$28.00, DOE
employment type:
part-time
experience level:
mid level
job title:
Linkage and Connection Navigator
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While many of our programs have existed in one form or another for decades, in 2006 these various programs coalesced under the umbrella of a single, stand-alone organization, Homeless Youth Alliance, making it the city’s only grassroots, harm reduction coalition designed for youth by young people experiencing homelessness. The majority of our services consist of youth peer-based outreach, case management, medical and mental health services, workshops, and advocacy to ensure the overall health and well-being of our participants. Our robust evening programming (syringe access, hygiene and practical supplies, overdose prevention and education, medical and mental health care, food access, onsite treatment care and service navigation) is open to people of all ages who use drugs or who are connected to our mission.
Located in San Francisco’s Haight-Ashbury district, HYA’s robust Syringe Access and Health Services for People Who Use Drugs (PWUD) and Alcohol is one of oldest syringe access and disposal, overdose prevention, and health engagement programs in the city. HYA’s programs provide evidence-based care and interventions to improve the lives, self-esteem and health outcomes for PWUD. On average, HYA serves between 40-250 individuals per day, through our various programs. Annually, we conduct more than 1,000 case management sessions, have 1,200 therapeutic contacts with 510 youth, broker 1,400 medical appointments, and connect approximately 370 young people to housing, drug treatment, and residential treatment programs.
**ALL APPLICANTS MUST SEND A COVER LETTER, RESUME, AND ANSWER THE QUESTIONS AT THE END OF THIS DESCRIPTION IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED!
Position Overview:
The Linkage and Connection Navigator (LCN) works with people of all ages, solely within the evening based Syringe Access and Clinic programming. The LCN’s overall role is to build rapport with program participants and understand their self-identified goals. The LCN is then responsible to connect individuals, with internal and external resources and support necessary to improve their health and well-being and to achieve those goals. Specifically this role will connect and accompany participants with various support including medical and mental health care, drug and alcohol treatment including Medication for Opioid Use Disorder (MOUD), crisis care, shelter and HIV/HCV/STI testing and care. The LCN often works within the broader system of care, collaborating with case managers and other providers and professionals.The LCN is a part-time (20 hour per week) position that requires most shifts during evenings, as well as holidays.
Responsibilities and Essential Duties:
Engaging with and building rapport and ongoing relationships with HYA participants
Creating warm, welcoming and consistent environment for participants
Uphold and maintain HYA’ s ethos, confidentiality and boundary agreements
Provide on-site support and education, working with individuals in a non-judgmental and supportive way, that respects their choices, and provides them options.
Provide information focused on overdose prevention, HIV and HCV prevention, and other high-risk activities
Connect eligible participants with resources - The navigator will assist participants to find appropriate care and treatment options that will support their overall well-being. Including:
Provide referral, connection and linkage to HYA’s internal and on-site services; substance use disorder treatment, MOUD, medical care, mental health care, HIV, HCV and STI testing, and other eligible services
Link participants to external providers including: outpatient /inpatient treatment for Substance Use Disorders
Link participants with HIV/HCV treatment and care
Refer, link and support participants to enroll in benefits, the ONE
Refer, link and support participants to external medical and mental health care providers and programs
Accompany participants to appointments with providers
Participant advocacy - The Navigator will work with various systems and provider networks to ensure participants receive the services they need
Provide de-escalation, conflict resolution, and crisis interventions.
Provide syringe access & safe disposal services, providing overdose prevention, recognition and response training with naloxone distribution as needed
Complete all required documentation and data collection per program protocol.
Maintain up-to-date Resource and Flyer information sheets and pamphlets
Maintain and uphold Confidentiality including PHI
Other Responsibilities:
All Syringe Access and Clinic team members may provide shift coverage for other direct services and logistics activities to cover vacations, sick days, and special events.
Essential Qualifications:
Ability to work in a fast-paced and at times chaotic environment
Knowledge of substance use and health concerns of people who use drugs (PWUD)
Knowledge of health, treatment and social services throughout the city of San Francisco.
Awareness and sensitivity to diverse and marginalized populations.
Knowledge of harm reduction, recovery, trauma informed care and self care.
Ability to speak candidly and knowledgeably about drug use and sexual risk.
Ability to implement de-escalation techniques, assert boundaries, follow safety protocols, enforce space agreements and use sound judgment in making independent decisions.
Comfortable working around all the (mostly adorable) animals that we get to engage with everyday
Keeps at the forefront that HYA welcomes a diverse group of people who: use drugs, are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed, have untreated mental health concerns, histories and realities that include trauma, incarceration, violence and abuse.
Good organizational skills, data entry skills, ability to use Microsoft office and the Google suite of programs including Excel, google doc, google sheet, etc
Key Skills and Qualities:
Compassion and Empathy: Staff need to be able to connect with individuals who have experienced trauma and/or have complex needs.
Non-Judgmental Attitude: It's essential to approach individuals with respect and understanding, even if they may at times struggle to do the same.
Communication Skills: Staff need to be able to effectively and respectfully communicate with participants, providers, community members and other professionals.
Knowledge of Harm Reduction Principles: Understanding the principles of harm reduction is essential for providing effective support.
Resourcefulness: Staff need to be able to find & connect participants with the appropriate resources they need.
Humility and Ease: Staff must be able to remain teachable, interested to continue to grow and learn and to allow people grace in their unskillful and challenging moments
Physical Requirements:
Ability to stand up to 3 hours per day
Ability to climb stairs (unfortunately the clinic site is located up multiple flights of stairs)
Flexibility to meet with people both inside and outside the building depending on participant preference
Skill in operating and trouble-shooting office equipment such as a tablets, phone and copy machine
Ability to perform routine bending, lifting, carrying, twisting, and reaching.
Education and Experience:
One to three years of experience working with people who use drugs, highly marginalized groups, or people experiencing homelessness required.
Experience using motivational interviewing, and strong understanding of harm reduction practices and principles, experience doing health education, service navigation or case management.
Understanding of overdose prevention recognition and response, HIV/HCV disease prevention and treatment required.
Professional experience and knowledge of San Francisco’s vast network of providers with an emphasis on treatment and medical and mental healthcare
The statements herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed by employees assigned to this classification. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for personnel so classified.
Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
Homeless Youth Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We actively seek applications from people whose life experiences mirror those of the people we are honored to work with everyday; living with HIV/AIDS, people with histories of homelessness, drug-use, LGBTQ individuals, and people of color.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $28.00 per hour, DOE
Expected hours: 20 per week
Benefits:
Paid sick time
Paid time off
APPLICANTS MUST ANSWER THE FOLLOWING QUESTIONS IN ORDER TO BE CONSIDERED:
1. What specifically interests you in working for HYA? Do you have a personal connection to our mission?
2. This is our first linkage position. What do you feel might be some obstacles navigating people's individual goals?
3. What qualities do you see as important to work with this population?
4. Can you tell us how your previous work experience prepares you for this specific role?
5. This position works with a wide range of people some of whom struggle with traditional, linear and respectful communication style. How do you think you will deal with this?
- Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.