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

Y2ZRYkxrVmplWm93alM0Q1MzQ25WRXVXc1E9PQ==
  • 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,

Similar Jobs

Ultimate Staffing

Test Engineer I Job at Ultimate Staffing

 ...Ultimate Staffing is seeking a Test Engineer I to join a client in Grapevine, TX. This is a full-time, direct hire position. Test Engineer The Test Engineer will establish test procedures and oversee product testing throughout development and production stages.... 

ProPivotal Staffing

Mostly Remote - RN Safety & Quality Reviewer Job at ProPivotal Staffing

 ...Mostly Remote - RN Safety & Quality Reviewer The Quality Reviewer - OASIS & ICD-10 Coding ensures compliance and accuracy in OASIS documentation and ICD-10 coding for home health and hospice services. This role supports quality assurance, conducts audits, and trains... 

St. John's Riverside Hospital

Assistant Nurse Manager , Maternity OB/Nursery Job at St. John's Riverside Hospital

 ...The Assistant Nurse Manager is a registered Professional Nurse responsible and accountable for the delivery of patient care on an individual unit. In collaboration with the Nurse Manager utilizes the nursing process in evaluating and assessing the nursing needs of patients... 

Total Wrecking & Environmental, LLC.

Demolition Equipment Operator Job at Total Wrecking & Environmental, LLC.

Description Heavy Equipment Demolition Operator Job Type Full-time Total Wrecking is seeking qualified Heavy Equipment Demolition Operator(s) to join our team, specializing in the removal and demolition of industrial structures using specialty attachments...

Smith & Wilkinson

President & CEO Job at Smith & Wilkinson

 ...Due to the retirement of longtime CEO, Salal Credit Union is partnering with Smith & Wilkinson on a national search for the next President & Chief Executive Officer. About Salal Credit Union They have helped thousands of members manage their money by making bold,...