Housing Navigator

Paycom - ATS; Ventura (CA); On-site; USD 47,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance (100% base tier)

Dental & vision insurance

Paid time off

403(b) with up to 3% match

Flexible Spending Account

Mileage reimbursement

Career advancement opportunities

Employee assistance program

Job summary

Mercy House is seeking a Housing Navigator in Ventura, CA to support individuals in shelter systems through assessments, planning, referrals, and advocacy for housing stability.

You will coordinate with external agencies, maintain accurate records, and apply trauma-informed care and harm reduction while managing a caseload and delivering client-centered services.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred.
• At least 1 year of experience with homeless individuals and mental health preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish highly preferred.

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 22–30 individuals and meet clients as needed.
• Conduct shelter entry assessments and enter data for housing prioritization.
• Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support with permanent housing placement.
• Develop Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goals.
• Connect clients with employment, benefits, healthcare, and services.
• Use trauma-informed care and motivational interviewing in services.
• Maintain accurate client data in HMIS and collaborate with partners.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Harm reduction

Motivational interviewing

Crisis intervention

Case management

Bilingual Spanish

Documentation

CES / HMIS data entry

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Life experience with homeless populations

Tools

CES

HMIS

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Non-ExemptPay: $22.50-$24.00/hourSchedule: Monday - Friday 7:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.Job Summary: The Housing 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.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% employer-paid medical insurance at base tierVoluntary dental and vision insurancePaid Time OffFlexible Spending AccountEmployee Assistance Program403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matchingPaid on-the-job training and orientationMileage reimbursementReferral programOpportunities for career advancementEssential Duties and Responsibilities:Client/Service DeliveryManage a caseload of 22–30 individuals and meet with clients as needed or directedComplete navigation assessments within 7 days of shelter entry and enter data into CES for housing prioritizationHelp clients obtain necessary documents (e.g., ID, birth certificate, income verification, Social Security benefits)Provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support with permanent housing placementConduct comprehensive assessments to develop Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goalsSupport clients throughout all service stages: assessment, planning, engagement, and deliveryConnect clients with employment, benefits, healthcare, and community servicesUse trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing to provide client-centered servicesAssist clients in developing coping skills, problem-solving, and self-managementDeliver strength-based case management focused on housing stabilityConduct crisis and risk assessments with supervisor and teamFacilitate warm handoffs to housing providers for smooth transitionsCollaborate with external partners (e.g., landlords, housing authorities, social workers, outreach teams)Attend voucher briefings, match meetings, and support CES connectionsParticipate in training to build knowledge in areas such as co-occurring disorders, harm reduction, and cultural competenceAssist with housing searches, applications, reasonable accommodations, and move-in readinessMaintain complete and accurate client data in HMISTeam/Staff RelationsWork collaboratively with staff and volunteers to fulfill Mercy House’s mission and valuesAttend agency meetings and assist in resident program planningThrive in a fast-paced team environment with flexibility, empathy, and effective communicationAdministrationMaintain thorough, up-to-date documentation, including housing plans, case notes, and assessmentsSupport data collection efforts and meet reporting deadlinesLearn and understand mental health and substance abuse treatment modelsUse required software and respond to communication promptlyWork independently and manage prioritiesPerform other duties as assignedKnowledge ofConfidentiality and legal/ethical standards in case managementEffective documentation practicesRequirements:Education and ExperienceBachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field is preferredAt least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health is preferredIndividuals 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 needsGeneralBilingual in Spanish is highly preferredAbility 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 up to 50 poundsProlonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computerReliable transportation