Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter (5927)

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
General 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 individuals experiencing homelessness, providing comprehensive case management and housing navigation services
Conduct client assessments, develop individualized service plans, and coordinate services to support housing stability and self-sufficiency
Determine CES eligibility, complete housing assessments, and connect clients to permanent housing resources and providers
Assist clients with obtaining identification, benefits, income verification, and other documentation required for housing placement
Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and linkage to healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and community support services
Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches to support client engagement and goal achievement
Coordinate housing searches, applications, voucher processes, reasonable accommodations, and move-in preparation activities
Collaborate with housing authorities, landlords, healthcare networks, outreach teams, social workers, and community partners to facilitate successful housing placements
Maintain accurate HMIS and CES records, monitor client progress, and ensure compliance with program requirements
Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, and program development initiatives while serving diverse populations in a fast-paced environment
Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
Communicate effectively with diverse populations
Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
Assist with all data collection systems
Assure deadlines are met
Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to position
Responding to calls and emails in a timely manner
Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
Attend staff meetings and training workshops
Provide logistical support to shelter operations staff on as needed basis (e.g. servicing food, answering the front desk phone, client inquiries, cleaning, etc.)
Perform other ad hoc projects as requested by Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager