Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter (5927)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Payrate: $25.00/hour Schedule: Sunday - Thursday 10:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

Benefits Offered:

• Flexible medical coverage options
• Voluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career growth

Job Summary: The Housing Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals in the shelter system through ongoing needs assessments, housing plans, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House shelters to help them achieve housing stability. The role requires creating individualized service plans, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. This position involves managing a caseload, keeping clear and accurate files, and providing crisis intervention and housing support services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client/Service Delivery

• Manage a caseload of 22-30 individuals experiencing homelessness, providing comprehensive case management and housing navigation services
• Conduct client assessments, develop individualized service plans, and coordinate services to support housing stability and self-sufficiency
• Determine CES eligibility, complete housing assessments, and connect clients to permanent housing resources and providers
• Assist clients with obtaining identification, benefits, income verification, and other documentation required for housing placement
• Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and linkage to healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and community support services
• Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches to support client engagement and goal achievement
• Coordinate housing searches, applications, voucher processes, reasonable accommodations, and move-in preparation activities
• Collaborate with housing authorities, landlords, healthcare networks, outreach teams, social workers, and community partners to facilitate successful housing placements
• Maintain accurate HMIS and CES records, monitor client progress, and ensure compliance with program requirements
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, and program development initiatives while serving diverse populations in a fast-paced environment

Team/Staff Relations

• Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
• Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
• Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations

Administration

• Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
• Assist with all data collection systems
• Assure deadlines are met
• Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
• Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to position
• Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner
• Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
• Other duties or projects as assigned

Miscellaneous

• Attend staff meetings and training workshops
• Provide logistical support to shelter operations staff on as needed basis (e.g. servicing food, answering the front desk phone, client inquiries, cleaning, etc.)
• Perform other ad hoc projects as requested by Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
• At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health preferred
• Individuals with less than a BA/BS degree but with at least 2 years of direct life experience working with long-term homeless, low income, and diverse populations and have a working knowledge of mental health and recovery are welcome to apply
• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health need
• Possesses confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
• Effective documentation and guidelines

General

• Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
• Maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Reliable transportation

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer