Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter (5512)

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $22.50-$23.00/hour
Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

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.

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% employer-paid medical insurance at base tier
• Voluntary dental and vision insurance
• Paid Time Off
• 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 program
• Opportunities for career advancement

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client/Service Delivery

• Manage a caseload of 22-30 individuals and meet with clients as needed or directed
• Complete navigation assessments within 7 days of shelter entry and enter data into CES for housing prioritization
• Help clients obtain necessary documents (e.g., ID, birth certificate, income verification, Social Security benefits)
• Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support with permanent housing placement
• Conduct comprehensive assessments to develop Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goals
• Support clients throughout all service stages: assessment, planning, engagement, and delivery
• Connect clients with employment, benefits, healthcare, and community services
• Use trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing to provide client-centered services
• Assist clients in developing coping skills, problem-solving, and self-management
• Deliver strength-based case management focused on housing stability
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments with supervisor and team
• Facilitate warm handoffs to housing providers for smooth transitions
• Collaborate with external partners (e.g., landlords, housing authorities, social workers, outreach teams)
• Attend voucher briefings, match meetings, and support CES connections
• Participate in training to build knowledge in areas such as co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence
• Assist with housing searches, applications, reasonable accommodations, and move-in readiness
• Maintain complete and accurate client data in HMIS

Team/Staff Relations

• Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to fulfill Mercy House's mission and values
• Attend agency meetings and assist in resident program planning
• Thrive in a fast-paced team environment with flexibility, empathy, and effective communication

Administration

• Maintain thorough, up-to-date documentation, including housing plans, case notes, and assessments
• Support data collection efforts and meet reporting deadlines
• Learn and understand mental health and substance abuse treatment models
• Use required software and respond to communication promptly
• Work independently and manage priorities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge of

• Confidentiality and legal/ethical standards in case management
• Effective documentation practices

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field is preferred
• At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health is 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 needs

General

• Bilingual in Spanish is highly preferred
• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
• Reliable transportation