Housing Navigator (3232)

• Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Pay: $22.00/hour
• Schedule #1: Sunday-Thursday
• Monday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Schedule #2: Tuesday-Saturday

• Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 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:
• 100% employer-paid medical insurance at base tier
• Voluntary dental and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Employee referral program
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

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

• Maintain a caseload of 22–30 individuals
• Meet with participants as needed or as instructed by your supervisor
• Conduct navigation assessment within seven days of client entering shelter
• Determine eligibility and enter assessment into Central Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing provider
• Assist clients in obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., valid ID, birth certificate, income verification, Social Security benefits, etc.)
• Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement
• Conduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short- and long-term goals
• Enroll clients in the CalAIM program if eligible and interested
• Participate in all stages of client service: assessment, service planning, engagement, and delivery
• Provide employment linkage, benefits establishment, and referrals to community providers for substance use, primary and mental health care, and other services to help clients reach housing goals
• Utilize harm reduction interventions and client-centered methodologies
• Provide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing clients' ability to independently problem-solve, cope effectively, and manage their care
• Practice trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing in client interactions
• Provide strength-based case management and service coordination to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housing
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management team
• Provide warm hand-off to selected housing provider to ensure a smooth transition from shelter to housing
• Work collaboratively with community support providers, outreach teams, healthcare networks, housing authorities, landlords, social workers, and leasing teams
• Attend and support clients during voucher briefings, match meetings, and Coordinated Entry System (CES) engagements
• Attend training to enhance knowledge of co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence
• Assist with housing search; complete applications, reasonable accommodation requests, and ensure living environment is safe and move-in ready
• Input accurate and complete data into HMIS and update client snapshots to reflect progress

Team/Staff Relations

• Collaborate with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of Mercy House
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Participate in team planning and development of resident programs
• Work effectively in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations

Administration

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation on all clients, including housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
• Support data collection efforts
• Meet all assigned deadlines
• Demonstrate willingness to gain knowledge of adult rehabilitative mental health services and substance use treatment
• Use computers and software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and systems relevant to the role
• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner
• Work independently and prioritize tasks
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned

Miscellaneous

• Attend staff meetings and training workshops
• Provide logistical support to shelter operations staff as needed (e.g., serving food, answering phones, client inquiries, cleaning, etc.)
• Complete ad hoc projects as requested by the Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager

Knowledge Of

• Confidentiality, legal, and ethical considerations in case management
• Effective documentation practices and related guidelines

• Requirements:
• Education and Experience
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field
• At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health
• 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

• 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

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.

• E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)
• E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.