Problem-Solving Specialist - LAHSA-4309

Sycamores; Pasadena (CA); On-site; USD 31,684 - 35,817; Full time

Job summary

Sycamores in Pasadena offers a position for a Problem-Solving Specialist focused on providing support to individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness. The role involves engaging clients to explore housing solutions and implement services tailored to their needs.

Qualified candidates should have a bachelor’s degree in human services or a related field and experience working with vulnerable populations. The starting pay range is $23 to $26 per hour based on experience. Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer, committed to inclusivity.

Qualifications

• 1–3 years’ experience working with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness preferred.
• Understanding of homeless services systems, including Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Experience in housing-focused case management, navigation, Problem-Solving, or similar support roles.

Responsibilities

• Provide short-term, housing-focused engagement with individuals at risk of homelessness.
• Assist in identifying safe and practical housing solutions.
• Implement services across various programs and community-based settings.

Skills

Experience with individuals experiencing homelessness

Knowledge of homeless services systems

Driving and navigation skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field

Tools

Electronic records systems

Job description

Oakland, 851 North Oakland Avenue, Pasadena, California, United States of America

Job Description

Posted Tuesday, June 16, 2026 at 10:00 AM

JOB SUMMARY: Sycamores provides a spectrum of equitable mental health services through various programs to multicultural populations of all acuities. Although it serves a variety of consumers, the agency focuses primarily on providing care to low-income, high at- risk youth.

The Problem-Solving Specialist provides short-term, housing-focused engagement with individuals and households experiencing or at risk of homelessness, consistent with funder prevention, diversion, and housing stabilization standards. Using brief, person-centered conversations, staff support consumers in identifying safe, immediate, and practical housing solutions to resolve a housing crisis. This includes exploring natural support, informal housing options, and short-term stabilization strategies such as maintaining current housing, staying with family or friends, reunification when appropriate, or other safe and realistic pathways to housing stability through guided Problem-Solving conversations.

This role may be implemented across a variety of programs, funding streams, and community-based settings to meet evolving agency, contracts, and funder needs. Problem-Solving Specialists may provide services through co-location and partnership models with colleges and universities, access centers, prevention programs, interim housing programs, community-based organizations, or other collaborative initiatives. Responsibilities and areas of focus may vary based on program design, population served, and funding requirements while remaining grounded in housing-focused, strengths-based Problem-Solving practices.

Starting Pay Range:

$23- $26 per hour (starting pay will be based on previous work experience and educational background.)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• 1–3 years’ experience working with individuals experiencing or at risk of homelessness preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred.
• Ability to navigate electronic records systems for documentation.
• Understanding of homeless services systems, including Coordinated Entry System (CES).
• Experience in housing-focused case management, navigation, Problem-Solving, or similar support roles preferred; transferable skills from related fields will be considered.
• Maintains all required licenses and certifications.
• As this position requires regular and flexible travel between various client locations, driving is an essential function of this position. Candidate qualifications therefore include:
• Personal, reliable vehicle for travel to various locations.
• Acceptable driving record as determined Agency policy.
• Proof of auto insurance meeting minimum coverage requirements.

All candidates who are presented with a conditional offer of employment must satisfy a pre-employment background check, drug, and health screen.

Sycamores is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity, status as a veteran, and basis of disability or any other federal, state, or local protected class.

Sycamores is a Fair Chance employer and complies with California Government Code Section 12952, Employment Discrimination: Conviction History.