If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community-minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! For 40 years, COTS has been working in Chittenden County to creatively find solutions to end homelessness; we aren’t afraid to try new things. We are looking for team members with a passion for doing good and creative thinking. COTS offers a competitive benefits package, including access to healthcare, retirement savings, and robust time off, as well as benefits focused on supporting human services professionals with mental and emotional well-being.
COTS strives to create a supportive, collaborative, and fun work environment…consider joining us on our mission to end homelessness!
COTS Housing Navigators work directly with COTS clients staying in our Emergency Adult Shelter program, and our Emergency Family Shelter Program to assist them in developing a housing plan for transition to and/or maintenance of stable housing. They also support clients in accessing additional services and support in the local community, to help with retention of housing once it’s been obtained. This role is a critical component of our services and directly impacts our mission of ending homelessness.
We are currently looking for a team member who will primarily work with families, though working with individual adults may also be required.
Primary responsibilities of this role include but are not limited to:
- Build and maintain professional relationships with clients, helping to overcome the many barriers clients may face.
- Directly assist clients with timely completion of Public Housing Authority applications for rental subsidies and all other relevant state/local housing assistance programs.
- Navigation of benefits like 3Squares, Reach Up, SSI, and SSDI.
- Connecting individuals and families to available resources which may expedite their transition from emergency shelter into transitional or permanent housing.
- Develop a housing support crisis plan that includes early prevention/intervention when housing is jeopardized.
- Collaborate closely with referral agencies regarding eligibility determination and verification for clients.
Requirements for this role are:
- Minimum of high school degree or equivalent; Bachelor’s Degree in Social Work, Education, Human Services, Counseling or a related field preferred.
- At least one year of related case management experience required.
- Candidates with experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness and crisis intervention, as well as knowledge of resources and services for individuals and families preferred.
- Ability to work with individuals with mental health, medical, substance abuse, domestic and sexual violence experiences, and employment issues required.
- Knowledge of resources in the community, along with the ability to teach simple life skills, including budgeting, healthy eating, and personal safety skills, is required.
- Familiarity with the regulations, laws, and procedures of the Vermont Agency of Human Services is preferred.
All positions at COTS require a commitment to our mission: Advocating for long-term solutions to end homelessness and provide emergency shelter, services, and long-term housing for Vermonters who are experiencing homelessness or are marginally housed.
This is an hourly, full-time, benefits-eligible position. The typical schedule Monday through Friday 9 to 5. Hourly pay starting at $21.00/hour.
If you are interested in applying, submit resume and cover letter to jobs@cotsonline.org.
COTS is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate based upon race, religion, color, national origin, gender (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, age, status as a protected veteran, status as an individual with a disability, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. We embrace diversity and encourage all to apply.
People with lived experience are encouraged to apply.
If you’re looking for an opportunity to do meaningful work in your community, join the passionate, community minded team at the Committee on Temporary Shelter! For 40 years COTS has been working in Chittenden County to creatively find solutions to end homelessness; we aren’t afraid to try new things. We are looking for team members with a passion for doing good and creative thinking. COTS offers a competitive benefits package including access to healthcare, retirement savings, and robust time off, as well as benefits focused on supporting human services professionals with mental and emotional wellbeing.
COTS strives to create a supportive, collaborative and fun work environment...consider joining us on our mission to end homelessness!