Housing Navigator (4260)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt Payrate: $22.50/Hour Schedule: Tues-Sat: 10:00 am - 6:30 pm (Off: Sun-Mon)

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

Benefits Offered:

• 100% medical coverage of base tier monthly premium
• Voluntary dental and vision 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 participants
• Conduct navigation assessments within 7 days of shelter entry and enter data into CES for housing prioritization
• Determine eligibility and assist clients with documentation needed for housing and benefits
• Complete comprehensive assessments and develop Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goals
• Provide case management through all stages: assessment, planning, engagement, and service delivery
• Enroll eligible clients in CalAIM and coordinate services
• Deliver referrals, crisis intervention, and housing placement support
• Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches
• Coordinate employment, benefits, healthcare, substance use treatment, and community resources
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments in collaboration with supervisors and team
• Facilitate warm handoffs to housing providers and support transitions into housing
• Assist with housing searches, applications, reasonable accommodations, and move-in readiness
• Collaborate with community partners, housing authorities, landlords, outreach teams, and care networks
• Support clients at voucher briefings, CES match meetings, and related appointments
• Attend trainings related to client needs, including co-occurring disorders and cultural competence

Team/Staff Relations

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support Mercy House's mission and values
• Participate in internal and external meetings and team-based program planning
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, reliability, empathy, and effective communication with diverse populations

Administration

• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation, case notes, and data in HMIS
• Meet deadlines and support data collection systems
• Use required software and systems efficiently
• Respond promptly to calls and emails; prioritize and manage workload independently
• Gain knowledge of adult mental health and substance use treatment services
• Perform additional duties and projects as assigned

Miscellaneous

• Attend staff meetings and trainings
• Provide logistical support to shelter operations as needed
• Complete ad hoc tasks assigned by the 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