Shelter Navigator (Internal Only)

5CHC offers temporary emergency shelter in individual cabins for single adults and couples. The shelters incorporate dignity, compassion, and structured guidance via an intensive case-managed, limited-stay program in partnership with the County of San Luis Obispo and City of Grover Beach. The facilities operate 24 hours a day, 365 days a year and provide individual adults with a private, safe room to stay in while they utilize the provided resources to take their next steps toward sustainable housing.

Position Summary

A Shelter Housing Navigator is responsible for actively assisting individuals experiencing being homelessness and residing in a shelter to locate, secure, and maintain stable permanent housing. This position will conduct comprehensive housing assessments, identify suitable housing options, advocate on the participant’s behalf with landlords, and serve as a resource through the housing application and placement process while navigating complex local housing resources and regulations.

• Pay Range: $22.00 - $24.00 per hour 
• Full-time, non-exempt (hourly) position - 40 hours per week 
• Eligible for health benefits on the 1st day of the month following two months from date of hire.
• 5CHC covers the cost of the employee only Silver level PPO plan, Dental PPO and Vision coverage.
• Life Insurance - $25,000 death benefit at no charge to employee.
• Employee Assistance Program
• SIMPLE IRA plan which allows eligible employees to contribute a portion of their salary toward retirement on a pre-tax basis with an employer match.
• 11 paid holidays plus one personal day per year.
• Up to 12 days of vacation leave accrued annually, increasing after 3 years of service, plus 5 days of Sick Leave every calendar year.

The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned. Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this job at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons.

• Conduct thorough intake assessments with shelter residents to understand their housing needs, financial situation, and barriers to housing stability.
• Identify available housing options within the community that align with client needs and budget, including accessing rental assistance programs when applicable.
• Guide clients through the housing application process, including completing necessary paperwork, providing supporting documentation, and communicating with landlords.
• Develop individualized housing plans with clients, setting goals and tracking progress towards securing permanent housing.
• Advocate on behalf of clients with landlords, property management companies, and other stakeholders to address concerns and facilitate housing placement.
• Build relationships with local housing providers, social service agencies, and other community partners to identify available housing options and access support services for clients.
• Provide clients with education and support on housing readiness skills like budgeting, tenant rights, and maintaining a stable living environment.
• Maintain accurate client records, document case activities, and prepare reports on housing placement outcomes.
• Assist clients with obtaining resource and completing applications for supportive and subsidized housing
• Assess client readiness with case managers based on needs and ability and willingness to participate in program
• Establish and maintain collaborative working relationships with community resources
• Generate reports and other information helpful to program activities

Outreach and Relationship Management

• Work with supervisor and colleagues on outreach to realtors, landlords, home owners and other housing providers to identify new and existing housing opportunities and build a strong inventory of available housing options for clients
• Actively participate in staff meetings and training
• Ability to work effectively with homeless individuals of diverse backgrounds and abilities.
• Interest in helping volunteers and participants feel welcome while ensuring a safe environment.
• Ability to develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity to cultural issues.
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently.
• Excellent verbal and written communication to effectively interact with clients, landlords, and other agencies.
• Ability to identify obstacles faced by clients and develop creative solutions to overcome housing barriers.
• Understanding of local housing market dynamics, rental assistance programs, and relevant housing laws and regulations.
• Ability to work effectively with individuals from diverse backgrounds and understand cultural nuances.
• Familiarity with data entry systems to maintain client records and generate reports.

Education and Experience:

• Possess a minimum of an Associate Degree in a related field or two years of related shelter work experience. A combination of training and education can be substituted. 
• Previous experience with social services and/or homeless programs
• Be a highly motivated self-starter, with proven ability to develop creative solutions
• Project a professional demeanor and possess excellent written and oral communication skills, interpersonal skills, and ability to work both individually and as part of a team.
• Maintain regular attendance
• Able to multi-task and remain calm in demanding and unpredictable situations
• Able to maintain a professional, customer service-oriented attitude at all times
• Able to develop rapport, provide information, and refer with sensitivity to cultural issues
• Display a high level of initiative, effort and commitment towards completing assignments efficiently
• Possess excellent time management skills and the ability to work with minimum supervision
• Possess the ability to vary hours as demanded by job activities; evenings and weekends may be required pertaining to the position’s job requirements.
• Bilingual Spanish preferred.

Other Requirements (may be met at time of hire)

• Successful completion of background screening
• Reliable transportation, a valid California driver’s license and proof of auto insurance, and must be able to qualify for employer insurance coverage
• Current tuberculosis test
• CPR/First Aid Certification

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure. The employee may be subjected to outside environmental conditions, including accessing areas inhabited by homeless persons that may be inhospitable and often difficult to access because of uneven or harsh terrain.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential job functions.

In the course of performing the job, this position typically spends time sitting, standing, walking, stooping, kneeling, climbing stairs, driving, carrying (20lbs), lifting (20lbs), operating a computer keyboard, and making and receiving telephone calls. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. The employee may be subjected to outside environmental conditions, including accessing areas inhabited by homeless persons that may be inhospitable and often difficult to access because of uneven or harsh terrain. The employee must be able to tolerate being outdoors in all types of weather for several hours at a time.


As with all positions at 5Cities Homeless Coalition, the individual filling this position is expected to work with a diverse workforce, optimize your personal performance, work safely at all times, willingly collaborate with their coworkers and supervisors to work more efficiently and effectively. They are expected to add their talents and ideas toward attaining our Mission: strengthening our community by mobilizing resources, fostering hope, and advocating for the unhoused and those facing homelessness.

5Cities Homeless Coalition is an Affirmative Action/Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race (including, but not limited to, hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, religious creed (including religious dress and grooming practices), national origin, ancestry, citizenship, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, breastfeeding, or related medical conditions), medical condition (including cancer and genetic characteristics), genetic information, marital status, gender (including gender identity and gender expression), age, sexual orientation, veteran and/or military status, the presence of any physical or mental disability (except where such is a bona fide occupational qualification), domestic violence victim status, political affiliation, or any other status protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This job description does not constitute an employment agreement between the employer and employee, and is subject to change as the needs of the employer and requirements of the job change.

Salary : $22 - $24