Housing Navigator

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Pay: $22.00/hour

Schedule: Sunday-Thursday

• Sunday 7:00 a.m. - 3:30 p.m.
• Monday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
• Tuesday 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
• Wednesday 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.
• Thursday 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 supports individuals in Mercy House shelters by conducting needs assessments, creating individualized housing plans, providing referrals, and advocating for housing stability. This position involves trauma-informed care, harm reduction strategies, crisis intervention, and collaboration with external partners to help clients secure and maintain stable housing.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Client Services

• Maintain a caseload of 22–30 clients
• Conduct intake assessments within 7 days of shelter entry and input into CES for housing prioritization
• Assist clients in obtaining essential documents (ID, birth certificate, income verification, benefits)
• Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and permanent housing support
• Perform comprehensive assessments to develop individualized service plans with short- and long-term goals
• Enroll eligible clients in CalAIM; support employment, benefits, and health linkages
• Apply trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing techniques
• Deliver strength-based case management and support in problem-solving and self-care
• Collaborate with community partners including health networks, landlords, and housing authorities
• Attend voucher briefings, match meetings, and CES coordination efforts
• Assist with housing searches, applications, accommodations, and move-in preparations
• Input accurate data into HMIS and maintain updated client records

Team Collaboration

• Actively participate in internal/external meetings and trainings
• Work collaboratively with staff, volunteers, and service providers
• Demonstrate flexibility, empathy, and effective communication with diverse populations

Administration

• Maintain accurate documentation (case notes, plans, assessments)
• Support data collection efforts and meet reporting deadlines
• Use Microsoft Office and other relevant software systems
• Respond promptly to communication and manage workload independently

Additional Duties

• Provide occasional logistical shelter support (e.g., phones, food service, cleaning)
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

• Strong understanding of confidentiality and ethical case management
• Ability to document clearly and follow procedural guidelines
• Effective communication (written and verbal)
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment

Qualifications:

Education & Experience

• Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with homeless and/or mentally ill populations
• Candidates without a degree but with 2+ years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply

General Requirements

• High tolerance and empathy for clients with complex needs
• Ability to establish professional relationships and maintain a safe environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged computer use and desk work
• Reliable transportation required

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-)

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-)

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.