Housing Navigator

Mental Illness Recovery Center•Columbia, SC

About The Position

The Mental Illness Recovery Center (MIRCI), a nonprofit providing clinical services and permanent housing support to adults and youth experiencing homelessness or housing instability, is seeking a Housing Navigator. The role assists and advocates for individuals as they locate, secure, and maintain safe, stable, and affordable permanent housing. It coordinates housing-related services, identifies appropriate opportunities across the continuum of housing options, and collaborates with landlords, property managers, and community organizations. The Housing Navigator conducts outreach, educates participants about housing subsidies, security deposit assistance, and available resources, and serves as a primary contact for landlords and property managers to strengthen partnerships and support long-term housing stability. This is a grant-funded position classified as regular, full-time, and non-exempt.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree or an equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant work experience.
Knowledge of housing resources, or ability to acquire such knowledge within 45 days.
Knowledge of housing programs, subsidies, and fair housing laws.
HMIS (Homeless Management Information System) proficiency.
Motivational interviewing skills.
Strong communication, organization, and documentation skills.
Valid South Carolina driver's license and good driving record.
Reliable transportation and willingness to travel throughout the service area.
Must be certifiable in defensive driving and Standard CPR/First Aid.
Occasional evening and weekend hours may be required based on youth needs and community events.

Nice To Haves

Two years of real estate or property management experience; preferred but not required.
Lived experience of homelessness; preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the primary point of contact for landlords and property managers, conducting outreach and building relationships among landlords, tenants, and case managers.
Develop rapport and maintain communication with property managers and participants experiencing homelessness.
Provide clients with individualized education, guidance, advocacy, and referrals.
Conduct comprehensive housing assessments and housing planning, and accompany clients on client-driven housing searches.
Support participants through program transitions to help them maintain stability and housing.
Develop individualized Housing Stability Plans and budgets with clients.
Coordinate engagement plans with case managers.
Explain, document, and track participation in service agreements.
Maintain thorough records, enter data, and document services in HMIS, including files and statistics required by funding sources.
Maintain and document services through EPIC.
Keep current with landlord-tenant laws, ordinances, and regulations affecting housing.
Manage a caseload of clients or participants under the Continuum of Care Program.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

15 days of paid vacation per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period; vacation may be used after 90 days of employment, and time off before then is unpaid.
15 days of paid sick leave per year, accrued at 4.69 hours per pay period; sick leave may be used as it accrues.
13 paid federal holidays.
Paid jury duty, bereavement, and parental leave.
Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Health, dental, and vision insurance.
Health Savings Account (HSA).
Employer-paid life insurance.
Employer-paid long-term disability insurance.
Voluntary short-term disability, critical illness, and life insurance coverage.
401(k) retirement plan through John Hancock with an employer match of up to 6%.