Housing Stability Advocate

Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc.; Columbia (SC); On-site; USD 42,000 - 64,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation leave

Sick leave

Federal holidays

Jury & bereavement

EAP

Health insurance

Dental & vision

HSA

Life insurance

Long-term disability

Voluntary coverage

401(k) match

Job summary

The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. is seeking a Housing Navigator to assist individuals facing homelessness or housing instability in finding and maintaining stable, affordable housing within the Midlands and surrounding communities.

The role emphasizes outreach to landlords, collaboration with caseworkers, and client-centered planning, including housing stability and budgeting. A bachelor's degree and knowledge of housing resources are preferred.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent education/experience.
• Knowledge of housing resources or ability to acquire 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/First-Aid.
• Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords and property managers, connecting landlords, tenants, and case managers for 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.
• Support 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, 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.

Skills

Motivational interviewing

Communication

Organization

Documentation

Knowledge of housing programs

Education

Bachelor's degree or equivalent

Tools

HMIS

EPIC

Job description

The Mental Illness Recovery Center, Inc. is seeking a Housing Navigator to assist individuals facing homelessness or housing instability in finding and maintaining stable, affordable housing within the Midlands and surrounding communities.

The role emphasizes outreach to landlords, collaboration with caseworkers, and client-centered planning, including housing stability and budgeting. A bachelor's degree and knowledge of housing resources are preferred.