Housing and Employment Navigator

POSITION OVERVIEW:

The Housing and Employment Navigator plays a key role in the Southern Alameda County Job Linkages Program—a collaborative effort among five emergency shelters across Alameda County. This program is designed to support families experiencing or at risk of homelessness by connecting them with housing and employment opportunities to foster long-term stability.

Reporting to the FESCO Program Manager, the Housing and Employment Navigator will provide direct support to referred/assigned families participating in a FESCO transitional or permanent supportive housing program (Shelter+Care, Banyan House, and 3rd St Apartments) by facilitating access to critical services such as move-in assistance, short-term rental subsidies, job search and placement support, and wraparound resources including childcare, counseling, and healthcare. This position requires a client-centered, trauma-informed approach, strong coordination skills, and the ability to build and maintain relationships with participants, landlords, service providers, and partner agencies.

The Housing and Employment Navigator is responsible for guiding families through the transition from homelessness to permanent housing, while also addressing barriers to employment, supporting long-term housing retention, and tracking progress toward program goals.

This role will uphold and champion the agency’s mission, vision, and values and contribute to a collaborative and inclusive work culture.

Essential Job Functions and Responsibilities: 

Administrative Duties: 

• Maintain accurate and timely case notes and documentation in internal databases and HMIS in compliance with program, agency, and funder requirements
• Develop individualized service plans for participants focused on housing and employment goals
• Track participant progress and update records regularly to reflect service milestones and outcomes
• Complete required reporting and data entry tasks for program compliance and evaluation
• Schedule and document regular participant check-ins and home visits
• Maintain confidentiality and ensure secure handling of participant records

Other 

• Provide direct case management and navigation support to families experiencing or at risk of homelessness
• Assist with housing search, landlord engagement, move-in support, and short-term rental assistance
• Support job readiness, search, and placement efforts in coordination with workforce development partners
• Connect families to wraparound services including childcare, mental health support, and public benefits
• Build and maintain collaborative relationships with shelter staff, community service providers, and partner agencies
• Attend trainings and participate in events relevant to key responsibilities
• Track and regularly report on key metrics for responsible function areas
• Leads and collaborate on special projects related to agency objectives as appropriate

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE:

• Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Human Services, Counseling, Psychology, Public Administration, or a related field preferred
• Minimum of 2 years of direct service experience in housing navigation, case management, employment services, or social work 
• Experience working with individuals and families experiencing homelessness, housing instability, or poverty, especially within Alameda County
• Familiarity with the Coordinated Entry System (CES), local Housing Resource Centers (HRCs), and the Housing Management Information System (HMIS)
• Experience in employment services, workforce development, or vocational counseling strongly preferred
• Understanding of housing-first, trauma-informed care, and harm-reduction principles
• Knowledge of Alameda County housing resources, public benefit systems (e.g., CalWORKs, CalFresh, SSI), and community-based services
• Ability to assess barriers to housing and employment and support clients in overcoming them
• Excellent interpersonal skills with cultural humility and the ability to work with diverse populations, including BIPOC, LGBTQ+, and undocumented communities
• Strong organizational and documentation skills with attention to deadlines and accuracy
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office and case management systems (HMIS experience preferred)
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, evolving environment
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred
• Non-Profit and Community Based Organization experience highly desirable.
• Demonstrates and models excellent “customer service” orientation, especially in the ability to interact with people at all levels within and outside the agency.
• Thinks independently and can make informed decisions when needed. 
• Exercises extreme discretion with the ability to hold, balance and transmit public and confidential information needed by various parties. 
• Proficient using MS Office products, particularly Word, Excel, Outlook and PowerPoint.
• Acquires or maintains proficiency in using Google Drive products, including Docs, Sheets, and Forms.
• Valid California driver’s license, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout Alameda County
  • Auto insurance:  Personal vehicle may be used for business related purposes; it is recommended you inform your auto insurance carrier.   

BENEFITS:

• Excellent Health benefits package for you and your family including:
  • Medical/dental/vision benefits with 95% employee & 80% dependent employer premium contribution and employer paid life insurance.
• Vacation, 15 paid holidays, 12 paid sick days upon accrual
• Employee Assistance Plan to support yours and your family’s well being and finances 
• 403(b) retirement plan
• Pet Benefit Plan
  • PetPlus Product and Prescription Discounts, Pet Assure Veterinary Discounts, AskVet 24/7 Pet Telehealth, and ThePetTag Lost Pet Recovery Service
• Work-life wellbeing & excellent work hours
• Supportive/Collaborative work environment 
• Opportunities for Growth and Professional Development
• License and Certification renewals reimbursed