Housing Navigator - Homeless Shelter

Job Details:

Job Location:

Santa Barbara, CA 93103, Position Type:
Full Time, Education Level: Not Specified, Salary Range: $25.00 - $25.00 Hourly,

Job Shift: Day, Status:
Full-Time, Non-Exempt | Payrate: $25.00/hour |

Schedule:

Sunday - Thursday 10:00 a.m.

- 6:30 p.m.

Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

• Flexible medical coverage options
• Voluntary dental, vision, life, accident, critical illness, and hospital insurance
• Paid Time Off (Vacation + Sick Pay)
• Flexible Spending Account
• Employee Assistance Program
• 403(b) savings plan with up to 3% company matching
• Paid on-the-job training and orientation
• Mileage reimbursement
• Referral bonus program
• Opportunities for career growth

Job Summary:

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.

• Manage a caseload of 22–30 individuals experiencing homelessness, providing comprehensive case management and housing navigation services
• Conduct client assessments, develop individualized service plans, and coordinate services to support housing stability and self-sufficiency
• Determine CES eligibility, complete housing assessments, and connect clients to permanent housing resources and providers
• Assist clients with obtaining identification, benefits, income verification, and other documentation required for housing placement
• Provide crisis intervention, referrals, and linkage to healthcare, mental health, substance use treatment, employment, and community support services
• Utilize trauma-informed care, motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and strengths-based approaches to support client engagement and goal achievement
• Coordinate housing searches, applications, voucher processes, reasonable accommodations, and move-in preparation activities
• Collaborate with housing authorities, landlords, healthcare networks, outreach teams, social workers, and community partners to facilitate successful housing placements
• Maintain accurate HMIS and CES records, monitor client progress, and ensure compliance with program requirements
• Participate in interdisciplinary meetings, staff trainings, and program development initiatives while serving diverse populations in a fast-paced environment

• Work as a Mercy House team member with all staff and volunteers to implement the mission and core values of the agency
• Attend regular internal and external agency meetings
• Work as part of a team to plan and develop resident programs
• Work as a team in a fast-paced environment
• Possess flexibility, adaptability to sudden changes, trustworthiness, reliability, and empathy
• Communicate effectively with diverse populations

• Keep accurate, up to date documentation on all clients, including but not limited to individual housing plans, case notes, case files, and assessments
• Assist with all data collection systems
• Assure deadlines are met
• Willingness to gain knowledge and understanding of Adult Rehabilitative Mental Health Services and Substance Abuse Treatments
• Utilize computers and appropriate software (e.g. Microsoft Word, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint) and/or specific systems applicable to position
• Responding to…