Housing Navigator (4260)

MERCY HOUSE•Santa Barbara, CA

2d•$23 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field preferred
At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health preferred
Individuals 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 apply
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health need
Possesses confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
Effective documentation and guidelines
Ability to clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form
Maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty
Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Reliable transportation
Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of 22–30 participants
Conduct navigation assessments within 7 days of shelter entry and enter data into CES for housing prioritization
Determine eligibility and assist clients with documentation needed for housing and benefits
Complete comprehensive assessments and develop Individual Service Plans with short- and long-term goals
Provide case management through all stages: assessment, planning, engagement, and service delivery
Enroll eligible clients in CalAIM and coordinate services
Deliver referrals, crisis intervention, and housing placement support
Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strength-based approaches
Coordinate employment, benefits, healthcare, substance use treatment, and community resources
Conduct crisis and risk assessments in collaboration with supervisors and team
Facilitate warm handoffs to housing providers and support transitions into housing
Assist with housing searches, applications, reasonable accommodations, and move-in readiness
Collaborate with community partners, housing authorities, landlords, outreach teams, and care networks
Support clients at voucher briefings, CES match meetings, and related appointments
Attend trainings related to client needs, including co-occurring disorders and cultural competence
Work collaboratively with staff and volunteers to support Mercy House’s mission and values
Participate in internal and external meetings and team-based program planning
Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, reliability, empathy, and effective communication with diverse populations
Maintain accurate and timely client documentation, case notes, and data in HMIS
Meet deadlines and support data collection systems
Use required software and systems efficiently
Respond promptly to calls and emails; prioritize and manage workload independently
Gain knowledge of adult mental health and substance use treatment services
Perform additional duties and projects as assigned
Attend staff meetings and trainings
Provide logistical support to shelter operations as needed
Complete ad hoc tasks assigned by the Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager