Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter

Status: Full-Time
Pay: $22.00/hour
Schedule: Monday-Friday 7:30 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. OR 9:00 a.m. - 5:30 p.m.

Job Summary: The Housing Solutions Navigator supports individuals within the shelter system by conducting needs assessments, developing housing plans, providing referrals, and advocating for housing stability across Mercy House shelters. This role includes managing a caseload, creating personalized service plans, coordinating with external partners, and utilizing trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. Responsibilities also include maintaining accurate case records, providing crisis intervention, and delivering comprehensive 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."

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Client/Service Delivery

• Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients
• Meet with clients as needed or directed by the supervisor
• Complete a navigation assessment within seven days of shelter entry
• Assess client eligibility and enter data into the Coordinated Entry System (CES) for prioritization and housing linkage
• Assist clients in obtaining essential documentation (e.g., ID, birth certificate, income verification, Social Security benefits)
• Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support for permanent housing placement
• Conduct comprehensive screenings to evaluate functional, financial, housing, health, and other related needs
• Develop individualized service plans with clear short- and long-term goals
• Support all phases of client engagement: assessment, planning, service delivery, and follow-up
• Connect clients to employment, public benefits, healthcare, mental health, and substance use services
• Apply harm reduction methods and trauma-informed practices to deliver client-centered care
• Provide crisis intervention to build clients’ self-management and problem-solving skills
• Use Motivational Interviewing and strength-based case management to promote housing stability
• Collaborate with the supervisor and case management team to conduct risk assessments
• Ensure seamless transitions by providing warm handoffs to housing providers
• Partner with external agencies, outreach teams, landlords, housing authorities, and community organizations
• Participate in voucher briefings, match meetings, and CES housing placements
• Attend relevant trainings to enhance skills in harm reduction, co-occurring disorders, and cultural competence
• Assist clients with housing searches, applications, and preparation for move-in
• Accurately enter and update client data in HMIS, including progress snapshots

Team/Staff Relations

• Collaborate with Mercy House staff and volunteers to support the agency’s mission and core values
• Participate in internal and external meetings to enhance service delivery and programming
• Demonstrate flexibility, empathy, and effective communication in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment
• Communicate effectively across diverse populations

Administration

• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation, including case notes, housing plans, and assessments
• Assist in data collection and meet required deadlines
• Stay informed on Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and substance abuse treatment resources
• Use relevant software (e.g., Microsoft Office, HMIS) to complete tasks efficiently
• Respond to phone calls and emails in a timely and professional manner
• Prioritize workload and work independently
• Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge of:

• Confidentiality standards and legal/ethical issues in case management
• Effective documentation and reporting protocols

Benefits Offered:

• 100% coverage of Kaiser Gold medical insurance
• 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

Requirements:
Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Human Services or related field, or at least 2 years of direct experience working with homeless populations and knowledge of mental health recovery
• Minimum 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health challenges
• Candidates without a BA/BS but with 2+ years of relevant experience are encouraged to apply

General Skills

• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and prioritize tasks
• Crisis intervention skills and the ability to clearly communicate in both written and verbal formats
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to maintain a safe, positive, and professional work environment

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
• Ability to sit at a desk and work on a computer for extended periods