Senior Outreach & Engagement Navigator

GOODWILL OF SILICON VALLEY•San Jose, CA

14d•$75,000 - $85,000•Onsite

About The Position

At Mission Services of Silicon Valley, our purpose is simple and powerful: to help people build skills, find meaningful work, and thrive in our community. For nearly 100 years, we’ve been a trusted partner in connecting opportunity with people’s potential. By working hand in hand with local experts, employers, and community members, we create pathways to education, employment, and lasting economic mobility. As a team, we are committed to: Empowering one another to do our best work and grow together. Building strong partnerships and serving as a driving force for economic opportunity in Silicon Valley. Modeling teamwork, integrity, and cultural intelligence in everything we do. Acting with mutual respect—for each other, our community, and the environment we share. Position Overview The Senior Outreach & Engagement Navigator is a frontline ambassador for Mission Services of Silicon Valley (MSSV), responsible for finding, engaging, and connecting unhoused and at-risk Veterans and jobseekers to critical housing, employment, and stabilization programs including SSVF, HVRP, and SJ Bridge. This role requires deep familiarity with Silicon Valley’s homelessness ecosystem; encampments, shelters, safe parking, THUs, navigation centers, medical respite, and community clinics and a proven ability to build trust with individuals experiencing homelessness. The Senior Outreach & Engagement Navigator conducts field-based engagement, completes pre-screens and coordinated entry referrals, and works closely with Case Managers, Housing Navigators, Healthcare Navigators, and Career Navigators to ensure every eligible person is rapidly linked to services. This position is ideal for someone who knows the streets, knows the system, and can navigate both with professionalism and empathy.

Requirements

3-5 years of experience conducting outreach in homelessness services, veteran services, behavioral health, or street-based engagement.
Demonstrated knowledge of the Silicon Valley homelessness ecosystem, including shelters, interim housing, encampment dynamics, and CoC processes.
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, substance-use disorders, or trauma histories.
Ability to conduct extensive fieldwork (70–80% of time), including travel across Santa Clara County.
Strong interpersonal and de-escalation skills.
Valid CA driver’s license and reliable transportation.
Proficiency with Microsoft Office, HMIS, and/or case management systems.

Nice To Haves

Veteran status or experience serving Veterans and the unhoused populations.
Bilingual
Knowledge of SSVF, HVRP, SJ Bridge, HUD-VASH, or CoC coordinated entry.
Experience conducting VI-SPDAT, CE referrals, or working from a by-name list.
Familiarity with trauma-informed care, housing-first practices, motivational interviewing, or harm-reduction models.