Problem Solving Specialist

About this position

Mission Action has been growing rapidly, therefore, we have created many new positions across our programs and departments. Consider joining our team to serve the communities.

Mission Action nurtures individual wellness and cultivates collective power among low‑income and immigrant communities to create a more just society. As a multi‑issue, multi‑strategy organization, we work to improve lives at an individual level and effect broader social change through advocacy and community organizing. We address homelessness, lack of affordable housing, and immigrant rights to meet the complex needs of our communities and address root causes of suffering and injustice.

Problem Solving Specialist

Program: Mission Action Access Point

Reports To: Clinical Care Coordinator

Compensation: $29.81 per hour, full‑time. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long‑term disability, life insurance, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, paid holiday, paid sick leave, generous vacation with Summer Recess and Winter Recess, and 401(k) with employer matching.

To Apply: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.

Access Point in the Mission District is part of the Adult Coordinated Entry System and partners with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). The system ensures that all people experiencing housing instability are identified, assessed, and matched to appropriate housing opportunities. Through problem‑solving and housing navigation services, the Coordinated Entry seeks to minimize homelessness and help individuals move into safe, stable, and dignified housing.

Coordinated Entry incorporates a system‑wide housing‑first approach and uses standardized tools, assessments, and referral processes to determine and secure the most appropriate response to each client’s immediate and long‑term housing needs.

The Problem Solving Specialist will provide one‑on‑one support, assistance, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness. The Specialist will work closely with the Licensed Care Coordinator and Housing Navigators to provide coordinated assessment and services to clients. The position will be based primarily at the Access Point in the Mission and may require visiting other Mission Action sites as needed.

• Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools, prioritization, and referral protocols.
• Use a collaborative, client‑centered, and trauma‑informed approach to support single adults in avoiding entry to shelter or street homelessness by identifying creative solutions to exiting homelessness.
• Analyze information, problems, situations, and procedures to define barriers to a problem‑solving resolution.
• Engage participants in problem‑solving conversations to assess for additional resources available within the participant’s own network.
• Recognize each service seeker’s unique situation and support individuals to seek creative solutions that can be quickly implemented.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance as needed.
• Based on the client assessment and using the ONE System, make prioritized referrals into housing programs and internal Mission Action Housing Navigation services.
• Conduct immediate and long‑term follow‑up to ascertain the effectiveness of problem‑solving activities.
• Keep accurate records and enter required data in the ONE System.
• Provide professional, accessible, and culturally relevant support, advocacy, and information to program participants.
• Work within and promote the integrated services team model in an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery, and wellness.
• Serve as a liaison to community‑based and governmental service partners as requested.
• Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Conduct business in accordance with the Mission Action Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment and serving the best interests of the agency and the community.
• Commit to treating each community member with respect and dignity.
• Perform other…