Watt Outreach Navigator/ Case Manager

Job Title: Watt Outreach Navigator / Case Manager

Program: Watt / Weather Response

Reports To: Watt WR Program Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Revision Date: October 2026

Shift: Day, as scheduled

Summary:

Working as part of a team, the Watt Outreach Navigator serves as a bridge between First Step Communities, persons experiencing or at risk of homelessness, the Watt Weather Response, surrounding businesses, community partners, and homeless service providers throughout Sacramento County. This position combines community outreach with short-term case management and client navigation. The Navigator builds relationships through street outreach, engagement in and around homeless encampments, referrals, and other community-based interactions; assesses client needs; and assists with connections to shelter, housing, long-term case management, behavioral health, substance use, and other supportive services. The Navigator also serves as a liaison to surrounding businesses, responds to homelessness-related concerns, provides information regarding available resources, and works toward constructive solutions. Using a Trauma-Informed, culturally responsive, and client-centered approach, the Navigator builds rapport and works collaboratively to guide clients toward positive outcomes.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Include the following. Specific duties may vary. Other duties may be assigned.

• Maintain continuity of care for individuals served through Watt Weather Response after the temporary shelter program is deactivated. Continue outreach, navigation, and short-term case management with assigned clients during periods when the Weather Response shelter is not active.
• Manage assigned clients and provide short-term case management and navigation services.
• Build rapport, provide support, and empower clients to participate in identifying goals and solutions.
• Conduct street outreach in encampments and other community-based settings.
• Conduct needs assessments and connect clients to shelter, housing, behavioral health, substance use, medical, benefits, and other supportive services.
• Respond to Sacramento 2-1-1 and other community or program referrals as assigned.
• Assist with Sacramento County shelter assessment and coordinated access programs and provide information on CORE and other appropriate resources.
• Manage multiple referrals, service connections, follow-up activities, and client progress simultaneously.
• Accurately document client contacts, services, referrals, resources, follow-up actions, and outcomes in HMIS and other required program records.
• Complete required chart audits, reports, and other program documentation.
• Work collaboratively with partner agencies, shelters, clinical staff, outreach teams, and other community organizations.
• Work in partner agencies, drop-in centers, shelters, community locations, and homeless encampments.
• Serve as a resource for clients, Navigators, shelter staff, clinical staff, and community partners.
• Serve as the primary liaison between Watt Weather Response and surrounding business owners.
• Address concerns involving unhoused individuals near businesses and communicate available shelter services, resources, outreach efforts, and potential solutions.
• Educate business owners and community members about programs and resources for persons experiencing homelessness.
• Foster positive relationships with the unhoused population and business community.
• Address business complaints or concerns constructively and professionally and provide appropriate follow-up.
• When appropriate, respectfully engage individuals congregating or loitering near businesses and encourage participation in available resources.
• Maintain clear and consistent professional boundaries while preserving positive client and community relationships.
• Use de-escalation, crisis intervention, problem-solving, decision-making, and critical-thinking skills in stressful situations.
• Maintain confidentiality and comply with program, agency, HMIS, and client privacy requirements.
• Participate in meetings, trainings, case conferences, and other program activities.
• Work collaboratively as part of the First Step Communities team.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Client Caseload:

The Navigator will maintain an assigned caseload based on program needs and staffing levels.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

This position may be subject to staff supervisory responsibilities.

Qualifications:

The employee must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The listed requirements represent the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the position.

Education and/or Experience:

High school diploma or GED is required. Sixty (60) units or more of college beyond high school is strongly preferred; a bachelor's degree in social work or a related field is preferred. Experience working with unsheltered individuals experiencing complex needs, including mental health and/or alcohol and other drug symptoms or behaviors, is desirable. Experience in outreach, case management, de-escalation, crisis intervention, and homeless service provision within the Sacramento Continuum of Care is preferred. Familiarity with Trauma-Informed care and a client-centered approach is expected.

Language Skills:

Ability to read and interpret safety rules, operating instructions, and procedures; write routine reports and correspondence; and communicate effectively with clients, businesses, community partners, and employees. Fluency in a language other than English is preferred but not required.

Computer Skills:

Working knowledge of internet software and Microsoft Office applications is preferred. HMIS access and experience are highly recommended. Ability to accurately enter client and service information into required databases is expected.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Current California driver's license, acceptable DMV record, reliable transportation, and proof of auto insurance are required.
• Mental Health First Aid, CPR, First Aid, and NARCAN certification are preferred.

Other Position Requirements:

• Background/fingerprint check is required.
• TB test is required.
• Ability to travel within Sacramento County.
• Ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions.
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations, including people experiencing homelessness, LGBT individuals, and persons experiencing mental illness and/or addiction.

Other Skills and Abilities:

• Demonstrated knowledge of Sacramento community organizations and resources.
• Cultural awareness and competency skills and ability to provide information in a culturally and linguistically appropriate manner.
• Strong verbal and written communication, listening, interpersonal, and engagement skills.
• Ability to exercise patience and respond calmly to stressful or emergency situations.
• Strong organization, detail orientation, time management, prioritization, and multitasking skills.
• Ability to work independently with good judgment and collaboratively as a team member, including in co-located settings with clinicians and other professionals.
• Ability to set clear and consistent boundaries while maintaining the helping relationship.

Physical and Emotional Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those required to perform the essential functions of this job. The position requires frequent interaction with clients and community members and work in potentially stressful environments.

Activity

Frequency

Sit

Very Often

Stand

Frequently

Walk

Frequently

Use keyboard

Very Often

Use hands to feel

Frequently

Reach with hands/arms

Frequently

Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl

Occasionally

Climb or balance

Rarely

Hear

Very Often

Talk

Very Often

The employee must occasionally lift or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Work Environment:

First Step Communities operates emergency shelter and community outreach environments, including outdoor settings. Exposure to heat, cold, and rain is commensurate with weather conditions. The employee may work in shelters, partner agencies, drop-in centers, encampments, and other community-based settings. The noise level is generally quiet to moderate.