Housing Navigator - Homeless Services Job at Mercy House Living Centers, Buena Park, CA

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  • Mercy House Living Centers
  • Buena Park, CA

Job Description

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Pay: $22.00/hour

Schedule #1 : Tuesday-Saturday
  • Tuesday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
  • Wednesday-Saturday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Schedule #2 : Sunday-Thursday

  • Sunday, Tuesday-Thursday: 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.
  • Monday: 10:30 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.


Job Summary: The Housing Navigator supports individuals in the shelter system by conducting assessments, developing individualized housing plans, making referrals, and advocating for permanent housing solutions. This role involves managing a caseload, coordinating with external agencies, and using trauma-informed care and harm reduction strategies. Navigators provide crisis intervention, maintain accurate documentation, and assist clients in achieving long-term housing stability.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

Client Services

  • Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients
  • Conduct assessments within 7 days of shelter entry; input data into the Coordinated Entry System (CES)
  • Assist with securing required documentation for housing (ID, income verification, etc.)
  • Provide housing referrals, crisis intervention, and support with housing placement
  • Develop Individual Service Plans with both short- and long-term goals
  • Enroll clients in CalAIM if eligible and interested
  • Offer linkage to employment, benefits, medical/mental health care, and substance use support
  • Use trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing
  • Conduct risk/crisis assessments in collaboration with supervisor
  • Provide warm handoffs to housing providers and assist in housing search and application process
  • Maintain accurate and timely data entry in HMIS; update client progress
  • Attend CES meetings, match briefings, and trainings relevant to client care

Team/Staff Relations

  • Work collaboratively with shelter staff, outreach teams, housing providers, and health networks
  • Attend internal/external meetings and support shelter programs
  • Promote a positive, flexible, and team-oriented work environment
  • Communicate effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds

Administration

  • Maintain detailed, up-to-date documentation: case notes, service plans, and assessments
  • Ensure timely completion of all administrative tasks and data collection
  • Respond promptly to calls and emails
  • Use software and systems such as Microsoft Office and HMIS

Miscellaneous

  • Assist with shelter operations as needed (e.g., food service, answering phones, client support)
  • Participate in staff trainings and workshops
  • Perform other duties as assigned

Knowledge & Skills

  • Strong understanding of confidentiality, ethical case management, and documentation
  • Ability to prioritize and manage workload independently
  • Skilled in crisis de-escalation and client-centered service approaches

Requirements :
Education & Experience

  • Bachelor's degree in Human Services or related field preferred
  • OR minimum 2 years of relevant experience with homeless, low-income, or at-risk populations
  • Experience with mental health, substance abuse recovery, or co-occurring disorders is a plus

General Qualifications

  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Ability to build effective relationships and maintain professional boundaries
  • High tolerance and empathy for clients with complex needs

Physical Requirements

  • Able to lift up to 50 pounds
  • Extended periods of desk/computer work
  • Reliable transportation required

Benefits Offered:

  • 100% coverage of Kaiser Gold medical insurance
  • Voluntary dental and vision insurance
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
  • Flexible Spending Account for eligible medical expenses
  • Employee Assistance Program
  • 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
  • Paid on-the-job training and orientation
  • Mileage reimbursement
  • Referral program
  • Opportunities for career advancement

Job Tags

Permanent employment, Full time, Temporary work, Flexible hours, Sunday, Saturday,

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