Housing Navigator

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Mercy House

Housing Navigator

Huntington Beach, CA
Full Time
Paid
  • Responsibilities

    Schedule: Sunday-Thursday

    • Sunday 7:00am - 3:30pm
    • Monday 9:00am - 5:30pm
    • Tuesday 8:00am - 4:30pm
    • Wednesday 9:00am - 5:30pm
    • Thursday 10:30am - 7:00pm

    Introduction: The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for conducting ongoing needs assessments, creating individualized housing plans, and providing essential support, referrals, and advocacy to residents within Mercy House Shelters. This role requires building meaningful relationships with residents to empower them toward self-sufficiency. It also demands precise and organized record-keeping to ensure proper service delivery and follow-up.

    Qualifications:

    Ideal candidates should possess a Bachelor's Degree in Human Services or a related field and at least one year of experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or dealing with mental health challenges. However, candidates without a BA/BS but with a minimum of two years' relevant experience working with long-term homeless populations, low-income individuals, and those from diverse backgrounds—along with a strong understanding of mental health and recovery—are strongly encouraged to apply.

    Applicants should exhibit a high level of empathy and understanding when working with individuals facing complex challenges related to case management and health. Excellent verbal and written communication skills are essential, as is the ability to maintain a positive, professional, and safe work environment. The role requires effective collaboration with both clients and colleagues.

    A valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and proof of auto insurance are required. The position may involve scheduling flexibility, including evening and weekend shifts, based on the needs of the Navigation/Shelter services, as determined by the Supervisor or Program Manager.

    Duties and Responsibilities:

    I. Service Delivery

    • Manage a caseload of 22-30 clients, meeting with them as necessary or as directed by the supervisor.
    • Conduct navigation assessments within seven days of a client's shelter entry.
    • Assess client eligibility and input relevant information into the Central Entry System (CES) for housing prioritization and connections to housing providers.
    • Assist clients in acquiring necessary housing documentation, such as valid IDs, birth certificates, and income verification, including support with Social Security Benefits.
    • Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and assistance in securing permanent housing.
    • Perform comprehensive assessments, gathering data on clients' functional, environmental, financial, employment, educational, and health needs to develop tailored Individual Service Plans with both short- and long-term goals.
    • Actively engage with clients in all phases of the service process: assessment, planning, engagement, and service delivery.
    • Facilitate connections to employment opportunities, benefits enrollment, and essential community services (e.g., substance abuse, mental health care).
    • Employ harm reduction strategies in providing client-centered services that foster housing stability and retention.
    • Provide crisis intervention services aimed at promoting client independence and stability.
    • Use problem-solving and coping strategies, ensuring self-care in the process.
    • Apply Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing techniques in client interactions.
    • Deliver strengths-based case management and coordination of services to support clients in securing and maintaining stable housing.
    • Conduct crisis and risk assessments, collaborating with supervisors and the case management team.
    • Ensure smooth transitions for clients from shelter to permanent housing with warm hand-offs to housing providers.
    • Collaborate with external service providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities, and other community partners. Participate in meetings and support clients during voucher briefings.
    • Stay current on best practices and attend training on topics such as co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competency.
    • Assist clients with housing searches, complete applications, request reasonable accommodations, and ensure move-in readiness for safe and suitable living environments.
    • Accurately enter and update client information in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to track progress and outcomes.

    II. Team and Staff Relations

    • Collaborate effectively with staff and volunteers to support the mission and core values of Mercy House.
    • Attend regular internal and external meetings.
    • Contribute to team efforts in planning and developing programs that benefit residents.
    • Work efficiently in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, demonstrating flexibility, reliability, empathy, and professionalism.
    • Maintain clear and effective communication with diverse populations and team members.

    III. Administrative Responsibilities

    • Maintain accurate and up-to-date client records, including housing plans, case notes, and assessments.
    • Assist in data collection and reporting efforts.
    • Ensure timely completion of all assigned tasks and meet deadlines.
    • Be open to learning and enhancing knowledge related to Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments.
    • Utilize relevant software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) as required by the role.
    • Respond promptly to communications and inquiries.
    • Work independently, managing time and priorities effectively.
    • Occasionally lift items up to 25 lbs (e.g., donations).
    • Spend extended periods seated and using a computer.
    • Perform additional duties or special projects as assigned.

    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-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)

    E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)

    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.