Intake/Outreach Navigator

The San Diego LGBT Community Center (The Center) is a community non-profit established in 1972, providing targeted programs and services to the full diversity of the San Diego LGBTQ community. The Center’s mission is to enhance and sustain the health and well-being of lesbian, gay, bisexual, queer, transgender, nonbinary, immigrant, and HIV communities to better the entire San Diego region. The Center is sex-positive and offers advocacy, health, and social support services with a focus on equity, social justice, and client-centered, trauma-informed care.

About the role

Under the direction of the Youth Housing Services Manager, the Intake Navigator serves as the initial representative and point of contact for residents of the Safe STAY Wellness Center—a 43-bed semi-congregate emergency shelter for 18–24-year-olds in the City of San Diego—as well as external clients seeking housing supportive services. The role ensures program participants are linked to internal and external resources, prioritizing the well-being of LGBTQ transitional age youth.

Responsibilities

• Perform outreach services, including responding to web and phone inquiries, conducting initial assessments, and screening for eligibility for The Center's Youth Housing programs.
• Collaborate with coordinated street outreach partners and participate in coordinated street outreach events.
• Serve as the primary receptionist for the Safe STAY Shelter by welcoming clients, visitors, and staff and directing them appropriately in a courteous and professional manner.
• Manage and coordinate the referral process from external providers, ensuring a smooth transition into the shelter environment.
• Remain calm, composed, and professional when interacting with individuals who may be distressed, agitated, or experiencing crisis situations.
• Maintain thorough knowledge of internal and external community resources and provide linkages to emergency shelters, drop-in centers, and other relevant resources.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation of participant services, including case notes.

Requirements

• 1–2 years of experience providing customer or guest services.
• Valid CA driver’s license, relevant car insurance, and personal vehicle for job-related tasks.
• Proficiency in English.

Qualifications

• Preferred Education: Bachelor’s degree.
• Preferred Experience: 1 year in a direct-service role serving LGBTQ youth who have experienced housing instability.
• Preferred Technical Skills: Microsoft software proficiency (Word, Excel, Teams, Outlook).
• Preferred Language Skills: Spanish.
• Preferred Personal Experience: Mental illness, homelessness, recovery from substance use, child welfare, and/or juvenile justice systems.
• Professional Skills: Teamwork, collaboration, optimism, and a growth mindset.

Schedule

Full-time, regular, non-exempt position working an estimated 40 hours per week. Work location is on-site in the East Village neighborhood of San Diego, with occasional community outreach outside the office.

Pay

The pay range for this position is $23.00 – $23.50 per hour, commensurate with experience.

Benefits

• Competitive pay scales.
• 401(k) Retirement Plan with company match.
• Full medical, dental, vision, and chiropractic health coverage.
• Out-of-pocket optional coverage for spouses, domestic partners, and dependent children.
• Generous vacation and holiday benefits.
• Professional training and development experiences.
• Opportunities for promotion and advancement.