Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter (Seasonal) (4652)

MERCY HOUSE • Anaheim, CA

28d • $22 - $22

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

• Knowledge of Confidentiality, legal, and ethical considerations in case management
• Effective documentation practices and related guidelines
• Bachelor’s Degree in Human Services or related field is preferred
• At least 1 year of experience working with homeless individuals and mental health is 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 those who require urgent case management and health services
• General Ability to work effectively with a diverse population
• Ability to plan, organize and prioritize duties
• Ability to 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
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with others
• Reliable transportation
• Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 pounds
• Prolonged periods sitting at a desk and working on a computer

Responsibilities

• Manage a caseload of 22–30 clients and meet as needed
• Complete navigation assessments and enter eligibility information into CES for housing linkage
• Assist clients with obtaining required documents and provide referrals, crisis intervention, and support with permanent housing placement
• Conduct comprehensive screenings to inform Individual Service Plans and enroll clients in CalAIM when eligible
• Support all phases of client service, including assessment, planning, engagement, and service delivery
• Provide employment and benefits linkages and referrals to community providers for health, mental health, and substance use services
• Utilize harm reduction, trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, and strength-based case management
• Conduct crisis and risk assessments with supervisory consultation
• Coordinate warm hand-offs to housing providers and collaborate with community partners, landlords, and housing authorities
• Attend voucher briefings, match meetings, CES engagements, and relevant trainings
• Support housing search activities, complete applications and reasonable accommodations, and ensure units are safe and move-in ready
• Maintain accurate HMIS documentation and update client snapshots to reflect progress
• Collaborate with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of Mercy House
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Participate in team planning and development of resident programs
• Work effectively in a fast-paced team environment
• Demonstrate flexibility, adaptability, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation on all clients, including housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
• Support data collection efforts
• Meet all assigned deadlines
• Demonstrate willingness to gain knowledge of adult rehabilitative mental health services and substance use treatment
• Use computers and software tools (e.g., Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and systems relevant to the role
• Respond to calls and emails in a timely manner
• Work independently and prioritize tasks
• Perform other duties or projects as assigned
• Attend staff meetings and training workshops
• Provide logistical support to shelter operations staff as needed (e.g., serving food, answering phones, client inquiries, cleaning, etc.)
• Complete ad hoc projects as requested by the Navigation Supervisor or Program Manager

Benefits

• 100% employer-paid medical insurance at base tier
• Voluntary dental and vision coverage
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 3% employer matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Employee referral program
• Opportunities for professional growth and advancement

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level