Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter

Mercy House Living Centers

Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter

Huntington Beach, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
    Pay: $22.00/hour
    Schedule: TBD; Weekends and evenings as needed

    ** Job Summary : **The Housing Navigator supports individuals within the Mercy House shelter system by conducting ongoing needs assessments, developing housing plans, making referrals, and advocating for clients to help them achieve long-term housing stability. This role includes creating individualized service plans, collaborating with external agencies, and applying trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. Responsibilities also involve managing a caseload, maintaining accurate records, and providing crisis intervention and 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."

    _ Benefits Offered:_

    • 100% medical coverage of base tier monthly premium
    • Voluntary dental and vision insurance
    • Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
    • 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 bonus program
    • Opportunities for career growth

    Essential Duties and Responsibilities :
    Client/Service Delivery

    • Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients, performing comprehensive assessments and creating individualized service plans
    • Deliver trauma-informed, client-centered case management focused on long-term housing stability
    • Support clients in securing essential documents, public benefits, and access to healthcare and community services
    • Navigate clients through the entire service delivery, from initial assessment to permanent housing placement, with appropriate referrals and crisis intervention
    • Conduct risk and crisis assessments; coordinate warm handoffs to housing providers to ensure smooth transitions
    • Collaborate with landlords, outreach teams, social workers, and other partners to facilitate permanent housing solutions
    • Maintain accurate and timely documentation in HMIS; actively participate in CES meetings and relevant trainings

    Team/Staff Relations

    • Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
    • Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
    • Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
    • Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
    • Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
    • Communicate effectively with diverse populations

    Administration

    • Keep detailed case notes and documentation to meet reporting and compliance standards
    • Utilize agency-approved software for case tracking and communication
    • Independently manage time and priorities while remaining responsive to agency needs
    • Engage in ongoing training to stay current on service models, housing systems, and best practices
    • Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
    • Other duties or projects as assigned

    Knowledge of:

    • Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
    • Effective documentation and guidelines

    ** _
    Requirements_ :
    Education and Experience**

    • Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or related field is preferred
    • Minimum of 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health preferred
    • 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

    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
    • Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs

    Physical Requirements

    • Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
    • Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
    • Reliable transportation