Housing Navigator

Paycom - ATS; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 31,000 - 32,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House seeks a Housing Solutions Navigator to support individuals in the shelter system with assessments, housing plans, referrals, and advocacy to achieve housing stability.

You will create individualized service plans, coordinate with external agencies, and apply harm reduction strategies while managing a caseload and maintaining accurate files.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field.
• Experience working with homeless individuals and mental health.
• Ability to perform crisis intervention and maintain accurate documentation.
• Strong communication and teamwork with diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a caseload of 22-30 individuals.
• Meet with participants as directed by supervisor.
• Conduct Navigation assessments within seven days of entering shelter.
• Assist clients obtaining required documents to secure housing.
• Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and housing placement support.
• Input data into HMIS and update case progress snapshots.
• Collaborate with housing providers, health services, and social supports.
• Attend voucher briefings and Coordinated Entry System (CES) activities.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Case management

Trauma-Informed Care

Motivational Interviewing

Data entry HMIS

Communication

Education

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

HMIS

Job description

Mission Statement: \"To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services.\"Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Pay: $22.50-$23.50/hour | Schedule: Tuesday - Thursday & Saturday 8:00 am - 4:30 pm, Friday 10:30 am - 7:00 pmJob Summary: The Housing Solutions Navigator is responsible for supporting individuals in the shelter system through ongoing needs assessments, housing plans, referrals, and advocacy for individuals at our Mercy House shelters to help them achieve housing stability. The role requires creating individualized service plans, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. This position involves managing a caseload, keeping clear and accurate files, and providing crisis intervention and housing support services.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Client/Service DeliveryMaintain a caseload of 22-30 individualsMeet with the participants as needed or instructed by your supervisorConduct Navigation assessment for client within seven days of entering shelterDetermine eligibility and enter assessment into Central Entry System (CES) for prioritization and linkage to housing providerAssist client obtaining required documents to secure housing (e.g., valid identification card, birth certificate, income verification, assistance with Social Security Benefits, etc.)Provide information referrals, crisis intervention, and assistance with permanent housing placement for participantsConduct comprehensive screenings and assessments to collect functional, environmental, financial, employment, housing, educational, and health information, as appropriate, to develop an Individual Service Plan with short-term and long-term goalsParticipate in all stages of client service: assessment, service planning, engagement, and deliveryProvide employment linkage, benefits establishment, linkage to community providers for substance abuse, primary and mental health care, and all other services needed to assist clients in reaching their individual housing goalsUtilize harm reduction interventions and methodologies to provide client-centered servicesProvide crisis intervention services focused on enhancing the client's ability to independently problem solve, utilize effective coping skills, and manage and self-coordinate own carePractice Trauma-Informed Care and Motivational Interviewing when interacting with clientsProvide strength-based case management and service coordination designed to assist clients in obtaining and maintaining stable housingConduct crisis and risk assessments in consultation with supervisor and case management teamProvide warm handoff to selected housing provider ensuring a smooth transition from the shelter into housingWork collaboratively with other community support providers, outreach teams, Health Care Networks, Housing Authorities (Housing Specialists), Landlords, Social Workers, and Leasing TeamAttend and provide support to clients during voucher briefings, attend match meetings, and connect clients in Coordinated Entry System (CES)Attend trainings that increase knowledge of effectively meeting clients’ needs (including co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competence)Assist with searching for housing; completing housing applications, requests for reasonable accommodation, if needed; assuring that the living environment is safe and ready for move-inInput accurate and complete data into HMIS and update snapshots to reflect client progressTeam/Staff RelationsWork as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agencyAttend regular internal and external agency meetingsWork as part of a team to plan and develop resident programsWork as a team in a fast-paced environmentPossess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathyCommunicate effectively with diverse populationsAdministrationKeep accurate, up-to-date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessmentsAssist with all data collection systemsAssure deadlines are metWillingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse TreatmentsUtilize computers and appropriate software (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to positionRespond to calls and emails in a timely mannerPerform tasks independently and prioritize workloadOther duties or projects as assignedKnowledge of:Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case managementEffective documentation and guidelinesRequirements:Education and ExperienceBachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related fieldAt least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental healthIndividuals 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 applyPossess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needsGeneralAbility 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 othersPhysical RequirementsAbility to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 poundsProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computerReliable transportation-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.