Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter

Mercy House Living Centers•Huntington Beach, CA

1d•$22

About The Position

The Housing Navigator supports individuals within the Mercy House shelter system by conducting ongoing needs assessments, developing housing plans, making referrals, and advocating for clients to help them achieve long-term housing stability. This role includes creating individualized service plans, collaborating with external agencies, and applying trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. Responsibilities also involve managing a caseload, maintaining accurate records, and providing crisis intervention and housing support services.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field is preferred
Minimum of 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
Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds
Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer
Reliable transportation
Knowledge of: Confidentiality and the legal and ethical issues pertaining to case management
Knowledge of: Effective documentation and guidelines

Responsibilities

Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients, performing comprehensive assessments and creating individualized service plans
Deliver trauma-informed, client-centered case management focused on long-term housing stability
Support clients in securing essential documents, public benefits, and access to healthcare and community services
Navigate clients through the entire service delivery, from initial assessment to permanent housing placement, with appropriate referrals and crisis intervention
Conduct risk and crisis assessments; coordinate warm handoffs to housing providers to ensure smooth transitions
Collaborate with landlords, outreach teams, social workers, and other partners to facilitate permanent housing solutions
Maintain accurate and timely documentation in HMIS; actively participate in CES meetings and relevant trainings
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 detailed case notes and documentation to meet reporting and compliance standards
Utilize agency-approved software for case tracking and communication
Independently manage time and priorities while remaining responsive to agency needs
Engage in ongoing training to stay current on service models, housing systems, and best practices
Perform tasks independently and prioritize workload
Other duties or projects as assigned