The Neighborhood Navigator conducts street-based outreach to engage individuals experiencing homelessness, build trust, and provide emotional and practical support. They assess immediate needs, help participants connect with essential services, including healthcare, housing, and behavioral health resources, and often accompany them to initial appointments. Navigators collaborate with local organizations, develop short-term, person-centered plans, and advocate for participants as they navigate barriers such as stigma and systemic challenges. The role also includes documenting participant progress, attending team meetings and trainings, and supporting community integration efforts through ongoing engagement.

Essential Position Functions :

Conduct outreach in targeted neighborhoods, including streets, parks, soup kitchens, drop-in centers, and other locations where individuals experiencing homelessness may be found. Engage individuals encountered during outreach or referred by partner agencies. Complete Immediate Needs Assessments to identify areas in which participants require assistance or support. Provide intensive emotional and practical support as participants take initial steps toward stability and positive change. Build collaborative relationships with local community-based organizations to connect or reconnect participants with needed services. Link participants to providers for behavioral health, substance use treatment, primary care, entitlements, housing, and other essential services. Accompany participants to initial appointments to help overcome barriers and support meaningful engagement. Advocate for participants as they work toward their goals and navigate challenges such as fear, stigma, and communication barriers with service providers. Participate in ongoing training, team meetings, and supervision. Develop short-term, person-centered treatment plans based on participants' goals and preferences. Monitor and document participant progress, adjusting plans as needed. Conduct ongoing assessments to support sustained community integration. Ensure timely and accurate documentation in the electronic health record system. Perform other related duties as assigned.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Demonstrated ability to effectively use one's personal story and model recovery in ways that promote personal growth and empowerment. Knowledge of community resources in the neighborhoods served. Ability to manage multiple tasks and seek assistance when needed. Strong team player with the ability to work collaboratively toward shared goals and responsibilities. Serve as a positive role model for participants, staff, and community stakeholders. Ability to engage respectfully and compassionately with all community stakeholders—including participants, families, network partners, and government staff—while remaining mindful of cultural differences. Understanding of treatment, rehabilitation, and community support services relevant to participants and their families. Knowledge of risk identification strategies, including crisis management techniques. This is an in-person position that requires travel throughout Manhattan. Proficiency in Spanish, Mandarin, or Cantonese is highly preferred. The Bridge Inc. is an Affirmative Action /

Equal Opportunity Employer Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

$45,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Dental insurance Employee assistance program Flexible spending account Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Parental leave Referral program Retirement plan Tuition reimbursement Application Question(s): Are you a Certified Peer Specialist?

Education:

High school or equivalent (Required) Ability to

Commute:

New York, NY 10027 (Required)

Work Location:

In person