JOB DETAILS

Housing Navigator - Loft

CompanyHousing Matters
LocationSanta Cruz
Work ModeOn Site
PostedApril 20, 2026
About The Company
Formerly known as Homeless Services Center, Housing Matters is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit and the largest local organization addressing homelessness in Santa Cruz County. Our mission is to partner with individuals and families to create pathways out of homelessness into permanent housing. Donor contributions support our emergency shelter programs (including housing navigation and placement), personalized case management, day services with showers and bathrooms open to the public, on-site supportive services, and the construction of permanent supportive housing—now underway—for our unhoused neighbors most in need. We hold firmly to the vision that homelessness in our community should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. If you share that same vision, consider joining us! Take a look at our current job openings, or contact us about volunteer opportunities.
About the Role

Housing Navigator II – Loft


Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to joining our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring. 


Our Emergency Shelter, aka the "Loft", is a low-barrier shelter for up to 43 individuals at a time. The Loft is open to adults who are currently experiencing homelessness and who are partnering with us to end that homelessness. The Housing Navigator II is a journey-level class and is expected to work with a minimum amount of supervision to conduct housing navigation, and secure housing placements in coordination with their team, program, and the agency through new training, strategies, partnerships, and other activities. 

Hours and Benefits 


The Housing Navigator II is a full-time, hourly non-exempt position eligible for our generous benefits plan: 


Benefits Summary:

  • 6 Medical plans - 100% employee coverage
  • Dental - 100% employee coverage
  • Vision - 100% employee coverage
  • Life insurance (UNUM) - 100% employee coverage
  • Chiropractic and Acupuncture (for those who elect medical insurance) - 100% employee coverage
  • 403b Retirement Savings matched up to 3% dollar-for-dollar with no vesting period
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Travel Assistance
  • PTO: 20 days annually, 1 paid floating holiday, 9 paid holidays


Regular hours are Monday through Friday – On campus


Starting Wage (Offer Dependent on Experience):

$27.54 $28.37 $29.21


Preferred Experience and Education Requirements 

Any combination of training and experience which would provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Typical ways to obtain this knowledge would be: 

  • A minimum of two years of experience performing social service casework services comparable to a Case Manager I or Housing Navigator I at Housing Matters in an exceptional manner exceeding all standards and abilities 
  • A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college with a major in social work, social welfare, human services, or one of the social or behavioral sciences 

Special Requirements 

  • Possession of a valid California Class C Driver's License 

Thorough knowledge of: 

  • Basic principles and trends of affordable housing 
  • Federal and State housing regulations, programs, and procedures 
  • Community resources 
  • Public social service and assistance programs 
  • Interviewing and record-keeping techniques 
  • Knowledge of the specialized program area to which assigned 
  • County and state affordable housing policies, procedures, and programs
  • Housing inspections 
  • Grant compliance reporting 

Typical Job Duties: 

  • Conduct outreach and relationship building
  • Search daily for housing and reach out to available units 
  • Coordinate regularly with Housing Navigators and Case Managers, including attending collaborative working group meetings 
  • Develop rapport and communication with both property managers and program clients 
  • Conduct, with Case Managers, housing needs assessment and client-driven housing searches in neighborhoods that are a good fit for the individual clients and families. 
  • Act as an advocate in securing appropriate housing 
  • Facilitate rental agreements with landlords in scattered site apartments and ensure participant’s understanding of rental agreements, housing policies, and procedures
  • Conduct home visits with clients 
  • Maintain extensive, accurate records, data, and documentation of services
  • Participate in Housing Matters and Case Management/Supportive Services staff meetings, case reviews, and related functions 
  • Maintain effective relationships with community partners and represent Housing Matters professionally in the community 
  • Transport program participants in Housing Matters vehicles to meetings and appointments in accordance with program requirements
  • Maintain confidential, professional boundaries with all program participants



Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer-related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non-merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.


Key Skills
Case managementHousing navigationSocial service caseworkRelationship buildingClient advocacyRental agreement facilitationData documentationCommunity outreachCrisis interventionInterviewing techniquesRecord keepingGrant compliance reportingConflict resolutionCommunicationInterpersonal skills
Categories
Social ServicesAdministrative
Benefits
Medical insuranceDental insuranceVision insuranceLife insuranceChiropractic careAcupuncture403b retirement savingsEmployee assistance programTravel assistancePaid time offPaid holidays
Job Information
📋Core Responsibilities
The Housing Navigator II conducts outreach, builds relationships with property managers, and facilitates housing placements for individuals experiencing homelessness. They also maintain accurate records, conduct home visits, and advocate for clients to secure appropriate housing.
📋Job Type
full time
💰Salary Range
$28 - $29
📊Experience Level
2-5
💼Company Size
117
📊Visa Sponsorship
No
💼Language
English
🏢Working Hours
40 hours
Apply Now →

You'll be redirected to
the company's application page