Shelter Intake Specialist & Resource Navigator

City Rescue Mission; Oklahoma City (OK); On-site; USD 26,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City is seeking an Entry-level Client Care Advocate to join the Intake Center. You will greet clients, explain services, perform triage, complete screenings, and connect people with housing resources while maintaining confidentiality and a welcoming environment.

The role emphasizes compassionate, non-judgmental service, teamwork with Diversion Specialist, and accurate HMIS documentation to support timely access to shelter and housing-focused assistance.

Qualifications

• Experience with homelessness or shelter services preferred.
• Knowledge of housing resources and community services.
• Ability to assess needs and provide client-centered support.
• Strong organizational and communication skills.
• Respect for diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Greet and assist clients seeking shelter or services while providing a welcoming, compassionate, and non-judgmental experience.
• Explain the intake process, available services, client expectations, and next steps clearly and professionally.
• Conduct client triage, screenings, and assessments in accordance with CRM, Coordinated Entry, and Continuum of Care procedures.
• Gather information regarding housing history, immediate needs, safety concerns, available resources, barriers, and support systems.
• Identify and appropriately escalated urgent medical, behavioral health, safety, domestic violence, trafficking, substance-use, or other crisis concerns.
• Work closely with the Diversion Specialist to assist clients with housing problem-solving, diversion options, community resources, transportation, benefits, identification, employment, and other supportive services.
• Provide backup support for routine diversion activities when needed and refer complex or high-risk situations to appropriate staff.
• Assist clients with applications, appointments, phone calls, verifications, releases, transportation arrangements, referrals, and other steps necessary to access services.
• Connect clients with community resources and provide warm handoffs whenever possible to improve successful service connections.
• Complete or assist with shelter intake, required documentation, orientation, and coordinated handoffs when shelter is determined to be the appropriate intervention.
• Provide client transportation as needed and in accordance with agency policy.
• Maintain accurate and timely client documentation, including HMIS enrollments, screenings, referrals, contacts, outcomes, consents, and required forms.
• Maintain strict confidentiality and comply with HMIS privacy, data-quality, record-retention, and informed-consent requirements.
• Collaborate with Intake Center staff, shelter teams, housing staff, security, community providers, and other CRM departments to ensure coordinated services.
• Participate in team meetings, training, supervision, case consultation, community meetings, and continuous-improvement activities as required.
• Utilize de-escalation techniques, maintain professional boundaries, and follow all safety, mandatory-reporting, incident-reporting, and emergency procedures.
• Promote client dignity, empowerment, self-determination, cultural sensitivity, and individual choice in all interactions.
• Perform other duties as assigned that are consistent with the general scope and purpose of the position.

Skills

Empathy

Communication

Client-centered support

Cultural sensitivity

De-escalation

Collaboration

Crisis assessment

Tools

HMIS

Job description

City Rescue Mission in Oklahoma City is seeking an Entry-level Client Care Advocate to join the Intake Center. You will greet clients, explain services, perform triage, complete screenings, and connect people with housing resources while maintaining confidentiality and a welcoming environment.

The role emphasizes compassionate, non-judgmental service, teamwork with Diversion Specialist, and accurate HMIS documentation to support timely access to shelter and housing-focused assistance.