Housing Navigator - Homeless Services

Mercy House Living Centers

Housing Navigator - Homeless Services

Buena Park, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
    Pay: $22.00/hour

    ** Schedule #1: Tuesday-Saturday**

    • Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
    • Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

    Schedule #2: Sunday-Thursday

    • Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
    • Monday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.

    Job Summary: The Housing Navigator supports individuals in the shelter system by conducting assessments, developing individualized housing plans, making referrals, and advocating for permanent housing solutions. This role involves managing a caseload, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. Navigators provide crisis intervention, maintain accurate documentation, and assist clients in achieving long-term housing stability.
    **
    Essential Duties and Responsibilities :** **
    Client Services** ****

    • ****Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients
    • Conduct assessments within 7 days of shelter entry; input data into the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
    • Assist with securing required documentation for housing (ID, income verification, etc.)
    • Provide housing referrals, crisis intervention, and support with housing placement
    • Develop Individual Service Plans with both short- and long-term goals
    • Enroll clients in CalAIM if eligible and interested
    • Offer linkage to employment, benefits, medical/mental health care, and substance use support
    • Use trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing
    • Conduct risk/crisis assessments in collaboration with supervisor
    • Provide warm handoffs to housing providers and assist in housing search and application process
    • Maintain accurate and timely data entry in HMIS; update client progress
    • Attend CES meetings, match briefings, and trainings relevant to client care

    Team/Staff Relations ****

    • Work collaboratively with shelter staff, outreach teams, housing providers, and health networks
    • Attend internal/external meetings and support shelter programs
    • Promote a positive, flexible, and team-oriented work environment
    • Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds

    Administration ****

    • Maintain detailed, up-to-date documentation: case notes, service plans, and assessments
    • Ensure timely completion of all administrative tasks and data collection
    • Respond promptly to calls and emails
    • Use software and systems such as Microsoft Office and HMIS

    Miscellaneous

    • Assist with shelter operations as needed (e.g., food service, answering phones, client support)
    • Participate in staff trainings and workshops
    • Perform other duties as assigned

    Knowledge & Skills ****

    • Strong understanding of confidentiality, ethical case management, and documentation
    • Ability to prioritize and manage workload independently
    • Skilled in crisis de-escalation and client-centered service approaches

    **Requirements :
    ** **** Education & Experience ****

    • Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred
    • OR minimum 2 years of relevant experience with homeless, low-income, or at-risk populations
    • Experience with mental health, substance abuse recovery, or co-occurring disorders is a plus

    General Qualifications ****

    • Strong verbal and written communication skills
    • Ability to build effective relationships and maintain professional boundaries
    • High tolerance and empathy for clients with complex needs

    Physical Requirements ****

    • Able to lift up to 50 pounds
    • Extended periods of desk/computer work
    • Reliable transportation required

    Benefits Offered:

    • 100% coverage of Kaiser Gold medical insurance
    • Voluntary dental and vision insurance
    • Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
    • Flexible Spending Account for eligible medical expenses
    • 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