Problem Solving Specialist

Mission Action; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 54,000 - 66,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer matching

Generous vacation policy

Job summary

Mission Action in San Francisco is seeking a Problem Solving Specialist to provide one-on-one support and resources for individuals experiencing homelessness. This full-time role focuses on utilizing a collaborative, client-centered approach to help participants find solutions and navigate housing opportunities.

The position offers a competitive hourly rate of $29.81 with benefits including medical, dental, vision, 401(k) matching, and generous vacation policy. Candidates with experience in counseling and knowledge of diverse communities are encouraged to apply.

Qualifications

• At least 2 years of direct service experience in case management or counseling.
• Demonstrated knowledge of working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Experience with crisis intervention and conflict resolution.
• Ability to work independently and within a multidisciplinary team.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools.
• Engage participants in problem‑solving conversations to identify resources.
• Conduct immediate and long‑term follow‑up to evaluate problem‑solving activities.
• Provide culturally relevant support and advocacy to program participants.

Skills

Direct service experience

Knowledge of homelessness

Crisis intervention

Bilingual in Spanish

Strong communication skills

Proficiency in Microsoft Office

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Excel

ONE System

Job description

About this position

Mission Action has been growing rapidly, therefore, we have created many new positions across our programs and departments. Consider joining our team to serve the communities.

Mission Action nurtures individual wellness and cultivates collective power among low‑income and immigrant communities to create a more just society. As a multi‑issue, multi‑strategy organization, we work to improve lives at an individual level and effect broader social change through advocacy and community organizing. We address homelessness, lack of affordable housing, and immigrant rights to meet the complex needs of our communities and address root causes of suffering and injustice.

Job Announcement

Problem Solving Specialist

Program: Mission Action Access Point

Reports To: Clinical Care Coordinator

Compensation: $29.81 per hour, full‑time. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, life insurance, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, paid holiday, paid sick leave, generous vacation with Summer Recess and Winter Recess, and 401(k) with employer matching.

To Apply: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

About the Program

Access Point in the Mission District is part of the Adult Coordinated Entry System and partners with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). The system ensures that all people experiencing housing instability are identified, assessed, and matched to appropriate housing opportunities. Through problem‑solving and housing navigation services, the Coordinated Entry seeks to minimize homelessness and help individuals move into safe, stable, and dignified housing.

Coordinated Entry incorporates a system‑wide housing‑first approach and uses standardized tools, assessments, and referral processes to determine and secure the most appropriate response to each client’s immediate and long‑term housing needs.

Position Description

The Problem Solving Specialist will provide one‑on‑one support, assistance, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Specialist will work closely with the Licensed Care Coordinator and Housing Navigators to provide coordinated assessment and services to clients. The position will be based primarily at the Access Point in the Mission and may require visiting other Mission Action sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools, prioritization, and referral protocols.
• Use a collaborative, client‑centered, and trauma‑informed approach to support single adults in avoiding entry to shelter or street homelessness by identifying creative solutions to exiting homelessness.
• Analyze information, problems, situations, and procedures to define barriers to a problem‑solving resolution.
• Engage participants in problem‑solving conversations to assess for additional resources available within the participant’s own network.
• Recognize each service seeker’s unique situation and support individuals to seek creative solutions that can be quickly implemented.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance as needed.
• Based on the client assessment and using the ONE System, make prioritized referrals into housing programs and internal Mission Action Housing Navigation services.
• Conduct immediate and long‑term follow‑up to ascertain the effectiveness of problem‑solving activities.
• Keep accurate records and enter required data in the ONE System.
• Provide professional, accessible, and culturally relevant support, advocacy, and information to program participants.
• Work within and promote the integrated services team model in an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery, and wellness.
• Serve as a liaison to community‑based and governmental service partners as requested.
• Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Organizational Duties

• Conduct business in accordance with the Mission Action Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and the community.
• Commit to treating each community member with respect and dignity.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• At least 2 years of direct service experience in case management, counseling, or a similar field.
• Demonstrated knowledge/experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness.
• Bilingual (written and oral) in Spanish preferred.
• Experience with crisis intervention, establishing boundaries, conflict resolution, and de‑escalation.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and as a member of a multidisciplinary team.
• Proficiency with basic computer programs including Microsoft Word, Outlook, and Excel. Knowledge of the ONE System preferred.
• Understanding of intersectionality and the needs of communities impacted by homelessness in San Francisco, particularly in the Mission District.
• Strong commitment to housing justice as well as inclusive and multicultural programming.

Equal Opportunity

Mission Action is an equal‑opportunity employer that values lived experience and seeks applicants of the greatest diversity possible. We encourage people of color, women, older people, members of the LGBTQ community, and individuals with disabilities, including HIV, and community members who grew up in the Mission District. Pursuant to the SF Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.