Housing Navigator

Department: Senior Housing Services (SHS) 

Status: Full-time non-exempt 

Hours: Monday-Friday, 8:30 AM –5:00 PM. Occasional nights and weekends  

Compensation: $30.00 per hour 

Reports to: Senior Housing Services Manager 

About Us 

St. Mary's Center is a community of hope, healing and justice dedicated to improving the well-being of Seniors and Preschool Families in West Oakland by meeting basic needs for food, housing, and social connection. We build on a strong foundation of direct service provision and participant-led advocacy that amplifies the voices of people directly impacted by hunger, homelessness, and inequity to create a more just and caring society.  

Today, our staff of 40 provides Senior Homeless and Housing Services, including case management and housing clinics; transitional housing at multiple sites; and a vibrant Community Center offering hot meals, social connection, and leadership development. We are partnered with a local nonprofit developer to build and service 73 new homes for Seniors near our headquarters. 

Position Summary 

The Housing Navigator assists older adults experiencing homelessness or housing instability in obtaining permanent housing. The position is responsible for housing search, document readiness, landlord engagement, housing applications, and move-in coordination. 

Participants must complete Coordinated Entry and assessment requirements prior to enrollment in Housing Navigation services when applicable. 

Minimum caseload is 30 active participants. 

Essential Duties and Responsibilities 

Housing Search & Placement (40%) 

• Conduct housing-focused navigation. 

• Assist participants with housing search activities. 

• Identify affordable and supportive housing opportunities. 

• Complete and submit housing applications. 

• Track housing opportunities and participant progress. 

• Coordinate housing interviews and lease-up. 

Housing Passport & Document Readiness (20%) 

• Assist participants with obtaining identification and required documents. 

• Maintain Housing Passport documentation. 

• Coordinate income verification and benefit documentation. 

• Ensure housing application packets are complete. 

Landlord & Housing Provider Engagement (15%) 

• Develop and maintain landlord relationships. 

• Coordinate with housing providers and property managers. 

• Advocate on behalf of participants. 

• Support housing placement negotiations. 

Move-In Coordination (15%) 

• Coordinate participant move-ins. 

• Assist with housing transition activities. 

• Coordinate with Housing Pathways and TSS Program Coordinator for service handoffs. 

• Support participant housing orientation activities. 

Documentation & Compliance (10%) 

• Maintain HMIS and Salesforce documentation. 

• Complete Housing Support Plans. 

• Document participant services timely and accurately. 

• Participate in case conferences and quality assurance reviews. 

Performance Expectations 

• Minimum caseload of 30 participants maintained. 

• Housing placement goals achieved. 

• Housing applications submitted timely. 

• Documentation standards met. 

• Housing Passport completion targets achieved. 

• Successful transition of housed participants to TSS services. 

Qualifications 

• Associates degree in human services, psychology, sociology or related field 

• Minimum of 1 year experience working with co-occurring challenges of the elder population including intensive case management, mental health and substance use disorder counseling.    

• Must be able to work collaboratively within a strong team environment, and manage designated tasks independently.  

• Current, valid CDL. 

General Staff Expectations 

• Promote a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment. 

• Support the mission and values of St. Mary’s Center. 

• Maintain professionalism and confidentiality. 

• Follow agency policies and procedures. 

Physical Requirements 

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  In general, while performing the duties of this job, the employee is expected to stand; walk; sit; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear.   

• Ability to sit, stand, walk, bend, and communicate effectively throughout the workday. 

• Ability to travel to participant encampments or community sites. 

• Ability to occasionally lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. 

• Ability to use computers, phones, tablets, and related technology for documentation and communication. 

Equal Employment Opportunity 

St. Mary’s Center is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to an active Equal Employment Opportunity. We celebrate diversity and are committed to an inclusive environment for all employees. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information or veteran status.  

In compliance with the California Fair Chance Act, St. Mary’s Center will consider qualified applicant with a criminal history pursuant to the California Fair Chance Act.