Housing Navigator
St Mary's Center·Emeryville, California
St Mary's Center·Emeryville, California
The Housing Navigator assists older adults experiencing homelessness in obtaining permanent housing through search activities and landlord engagement. The role involves managing a caseload of at least 30 participants and coordinating the entire move-in process.
About Us St. Mary's Center is a community of hope, healing, and justice dedicated to helping older adults age with dignity by addressing housing instability, poverty, food insecurity, and social isolation. Through our Aging with Dignity model, we provide a continuum of person-centered services, including street outreach, coordinated entry, housing navigation, transitional housing, tenancy sustaining services, aging in place supports, and a vibrant Community Center, while empowering older adults to shape solutions through leadership and advocacy.
This is an exciting time to join St. Mary's Center. We are growing our impact, strengthening our programs, modernizing our systems, and expanding affordable housing opportunities for older adults in partnership with community organizations. We are seeking passionate, collaborative professionals who are energized by innovation, committed to excellence, and inspired to make a meaningful difference in the lives of older adults every day.
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.
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.
We welcome candidates with an Associate degree in psychology, sociology, behavioral science, or a related field, or two or more years of experience in housing, homelessness, social services, or community-based programs. One or more years of experience supporting older adults with co-occurring mental health, substance use, or other complex needs, including intensive case management, is preferred. 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.
Requires an Associate's degree in human services or a related field and at least one year of experience working with the elder population. A current, valid CDL is also required.
Market context
In California, Housing Navigator roles are often tied to community-based housing, health, and homelessness services, so employers typically look for candidates with direct experience supporting clients through referrals, documentation, and service coordination. These roles can be competitive because they require both people skills and practical admin abilities, including Microsoft Office, accurate data entry, and a valid California driver’s license with reliable transportation. Review the AI-summarized requirements and benefits here to save time, then tailor your application to show housing navigation or community health experience and examples of organized client follow-up.
