Housing Navigator

Mental Illness Recovery Center; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 36,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation

Paid sick leave

Paid holidays

EAP

Health, dental, vision insurance

Health Savings Account

Life insurance

Long-term disability

401(k) match

Job summary

Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI) is seeking a Housing Navigator to assist individuals facing homelessness or housing instability in finding and sustaining permanent housing. The role involves coordinating housing services, educating on subsidies, and building partnerships with landlords, property managers, and community groups.

The position supports program participants through housing planning, transitions, and ongoing stability, with essential data entry in HMIS/EPIC and adherence to

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent combination of education, training, and experience.
• Knowledge of housing resources or ability to acquire within 45 days.
• Two years of real estate or property management preferred, but not required.
• Lived experience of homelessness preferred, but not required.
• Valid South Carolina driver's license and good driving record.
• Defensive driving and CPR/First-Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary contact for landlords and property managers, building relationships to connect landlords, tenants, and case managers for MIRCI participants.
• Develop rapport with property managers and participants experiencing homelessness.
• Provide education, guidance, advocacy, and referrals tailored to each client's circumstances.
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and planning, and accompany clients on housing searches.
• Support participants through transitions to maintain stability and housing.
• Coordinate with case managers on engagement plans and document service agreements.
• Maintain records in HMIS and EPIC, including required statistics.

Skills

Housing programs

HMIS proficiency

Motivational interviewing

Communication skills

Documentation

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Job description

The Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI) is a progressive nonprofit organization dedicated to providing clinical services and permanent housing support to adults and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability throughout the Midlands and surrounding communities. MIRCI is seeking a Housing Navigator to join our team and help individuals identify, secure, and maintain safe, stable, and affordable housing.

Job Function:

The Housing Navigator assists and advocates for individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability in locating, securing, and maintaining safe, stable, and affordable permanent housing. This position coordinates housing-related services, identifies appropriate housing opportunities across the full continuum of housing options, and collaborates with landlords, property managers, and community organizations to address participants' housing needs. The Housing Navigator conducts outreach, provides education on housing subsidies, security deposit assistance, and available resources, and serves as a primary point of contact for landlords and property managers to strengthen partnerships, address housing-related concerns, and promote long-term housing stability. This is a grant-funded position.

Employee Classification:

Considered a regular, full-time, non-exempt position.

Examples of Work:

• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords and property managers, conducting outreach and building relationships that connect landlords, tenants, and case managers for those in MIRCI programs.
• Develop rapport and maintain communication with both property managers and participants experiencing homelessness.
• Work with clients one-on-one to provide education, guidance, advocacy, and referrals tailored to each client's unique circumstances.
• Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and housing planning and accompany clients on client-driven housing searches based on their individual needs.
• Supports participants through program transitions, helping them stay stable and keep their housing.
• Develop individualized Housing Stability Plans and budgets with clients.
• Coordinate with case managers on engagement plans.
• Explain, document and track participation undersigned service agreements.
• Maintain thorough records, data entry, and documentation of services in HMIS (Homeless Management Information System), including files and statistics required by funding sources.
• Maintain and document services through EPIC.
• Keep current with landlord-tenant laws, ordinances, and regulations that affect housing.
• Manages a caseload of clients/participants under the Continuum of Care Program
• Other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of housing programs, subsidies, and fair housing laws.
• HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) proficiency.
• Motivational interviewing skills.
• Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience.
• Knowledge of housing resources or the ability to acquire such knowledge within 45 days.
• Two years of real estate or property management experience preferred, but not required.
• Lived experience of homelessness preferred, but not required.
• Must possess a valid South Carolina driver's license and maintain a good driving record.
• Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR/1st-Aid.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

Necessary Special Requirements:

• Must have a valid SC driver's license and a good driving record, reliable transportation, and willingness to travel throughout the service area.
• Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR/1st-Aid.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

Benefits:

MIRCI offers a comprehensive benefits package, including:

• 15 days of paid vacation per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period. Vacation may be used after 90 days of employment; time off before then is unpaid.
• 15 days of paid sick leave per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period. Sick leave may be used as it accrues.
• 13 paid federal holidays
• Paid jury duty, bereavement, and parental leave
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA)
• Employer-paid life insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability insurance
• Voluntary short-term disability, critical illness, and life insurance coverage
• 401(k) retirement plan through John Hancock with an employer match of up to 6%

MIRCI is an equal opportunity employer committed to a diverse and inclusive workplace. We do not discriminate against applicants or employees based on race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.