PROGRAM NAVIGATOR

 JOB POSITION DESCRIPTION

JOB TITLE: Program Navigator 

REPORTS TO: Program Manager - Logistics

FLSA STATUS: Non-Exempt

This document is intended to describe the general duties required for this position. It is not intended to serve as an exhaustive list of duties, skills and responsibilities.

About the AHA

Founded in 1991 to address the overwhelming need for affordable housing in Monmouth County, the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) has grown from a small $25,000 grant into a multi million dollar annual operation and powerhouse non-profit. In our decades of service, we've developed over 600 affordable housing units with a strong pipeline fueling future growth. Our passionate team of difference-makers guides residents through every step of the housing journey - from homelessness prevention and rental assistance, to homebuyer education and foreclosure counseling.

At the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA), we believe that safe, decent and affordable housing is a fundamental human right. Everyone deserves to feel secure, comfortable and supported in the place they call home. As a catalyst for change in our community, the AHA strives to uphold this right by providing comprehensive housing services and solutions for all who need it most.

 Our Core Values

• Integrity - We demonstrate honesty and unwavering ethical conduct in all of our actions. At the AHA, we build trust through transparency and hold ourselves accountable to the highest standards.
• Hope - We meet each person where they are in their unique journey with genuine understanding. By offering tangible assistance, we nurture hope and empower individuals to build their path forward.
• Adaptability - We embrace change as an opportunity to innovate and grow stronger. At the AHA, we respond dynamically to evolving community needs, turning challenges into possibilities for those we serve.
• Community Service - We dedicate ourselves to uplifting others and improving lives through meaningful action. At the AHA, we create positive change by empowering individuals, fostering independence, and building a more vibrant community for all.

Job Summary:

The Program Navigator plays a vital role within the Affordable Housing Alliance (AHA) by serving as a primary point of entry for clients seeking access to the agency’s various programs and services. This role involves describing available services, screening applicants, identifying community resources that may assist clients, connecting individuals to the appropriate services based on their needs, providing onboarding instructions and materials, and collecting and processing the documentation required for program participation.

This position is funded in part through a Medicaid-funded initiative that supports pre-tenancy and tenancy-sustaining services for eligible members. As a result, the Program Navigator frequently manages sensitive, HIPAA-protected participant information and must exercise absolute discretion while maintaining strict compliance with all applicable privacy requirements and AHA policies and procedures. The role also requires accurate and timely documentation within AHA’s Electronic Health Record (EHR) and other case management systems.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS/DUTIES:

• Conduct intake and assessment of all client caller needs during initial contact with our agency.
• Provide resource information and referrals; distribute applications for all programs within the various departments based on client eligibility. Assist with their completion if necessary. Assess client’s needs and eligibility for programs offered by utilizing income guidelines for each respective program.
• Attend agency and community outreach events as assigned to represent the agency by speaking about and/or providing information and resource materials regarding all programs and services.
• Provide information to clients as needed
• Process client counseling packets and maintain online intake databases 
• Utilizing platforms such as Allco, FootHold, EmpowOR, HomeKeeper, and other systems required by agency grant-funded programs 
• Accurately entering all relevant information to forms and web-based platforms for both phone and walk-in client intakes 
• Managing the switchboard and routing calls to the appropriate person, announcing the name and nature of calls and/or recording accurate messages, etc. (when applicable)
• Participate in staff meetings and attend other meetings, as assigned. 
• Promote understanding and development of the skills necessary to work with individuals experiencing a housing crisis, issues of poverty, and inequity. 
• Other duties as assigned.

Key Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• Associate's Degree preferred.
• Two (2) years of experience in Social Service/Customer Service/Call Center in a direct service role.
• Familiarity with Google Workspace (Mail, Calendar, Drive, Chat, Meet)
• Strong computer skills (Word, Excel, etc.)
• Ability to communicate clearly while responding to clients in need.
• Strong interpersonal and time management skills.
• Strong organizational skills and vast knowledge of clerical procedures and ability to multi-task
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus

We encourage applications who:

• Have lived experience with homelessness or housing insecurity, with insight into both the barriers and opportunities that come from these circumstances.
• Demonstrate a passion for using personal experience to support others and advocate for meaningful change.
• Offer a firsthand understanding of systemic challenges connected to poverty and economic insecurity.

 Full Time Employees

 At AHA, we believe in empowering our team with a comprehensive benefits package that evolves to meet changing needs. The AHA is a dynamic organization committed to making a difference, we offer a diverse array of perks designed to support your personal and professional growth. Here's a sneak peek at what awaits you:

• Generous Time Off
  • 13 full paid holidays and 5 half-day paid holidays (details in personnel policies)
  • Paid Time Off (PTO) accrued every pay period for vacations and personal time
  • 2 floating holidays for your discretionary use
  • Up to 40 sick hours per year, accrued pay period by pay period
  • 3 days of paid bereavement leave for immediate family or close relationships
• Comprehensive Health Coverage
  • Health insurance through Aetna
    • Eligible from the first of the month after 30 days of employment
    • Significant discount on premiums
    • Choice of 4 plan options
  •  HSA plan with a generous company contribution 
    • Coverage available for employee, family, and dependents with options that are fully paid by the AHA
    • For full-time employees working at least 30 hours a week
  • Dental insurance via Guardian Dental
  • Vision care from VSP Vision Care
• Financial Security and Planning
  • Life and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance
    • Provided by MetLife and paid by AHA
  • Voluntary buy-up option available
  • Long-Term Disability insurance through MetLife
  • 401(k) plan administered by Mutual of America; employer contributions begin after 1 year of service
    • Immediate enrollment option for payroll deferral and rollovers
    • Company base contribution of 3.5% of your base salary after 1 year
    • Company match up to 3.5% of your contributions after 1 year
    • Automatic 1% enrollment if no action taken within 30 days of hire
    • Safe Harbor plan: 3.5% base contribution is immediately vested upon eligibility; no employee deferral required
• Professional Development
  • Opportunities for training, certification, and continuing education
  • Costs covered by AHA for pre-approved programs
  • Tuition reimbursement up to $1,500 per year
    • Courses must relate to current position and be pre-approved
    • Reimbursement for grades B or better
• Work-Life Balance and Support
  • Employee Assistance Program through Preferred Behavioral Health
    • Counseling for various personal and family issues
    • Support for domestic violence, parenting, family disputes, substance abuse, relationship concerns, and more

This comprehensive package is designed to support your health, wealth, and personal growth while working at the AHA. Each benefit is carefully chosen to enhance your work experience and provide security for you and your family. As you settle into your new role, we encourage you to explore these benefits fully and take advantage of the opportunities they present for your professional and personal development.