| Location | Los Angeles, CA |
Role: Support SpecialistReports to: Program ManagerProgram: 1004-SamoshelDepartment: Interim HousingLocation: Samoshel- 505 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401Setting: 100% OnsiteSchedule: Swing shift, Wednesday- Sunday, 3:30pm- 12amStatus: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-ManagementBenefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.Openings: 1
Summary:We create restorative living environments, where clients can thrive while preparing for permanent housing.We prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion among our clients and seek to always create a safe space through cultural competency and humility.We seek not to recreate punitive systems of control or "power over," but rather share "power with" the clients, who are the experts in their own lives.We believe deeply in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and the housing first model and expect our teams to always uphold these principles.As a Support Specialist at our shelter, you will be an essential part of our mission to provide supportive and restorative care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction. You will act as the first point of contact for client needs, oversee facility maintenance, and create a welcoming environment that fosters client progress. Your role involves engaging with clients, conducting facility walk-throughs, facilitating activities, and ensuring safety through crisis intervention. You will also maintain accurate documentation and work collaboratively with a dedicated team to offer comprehensive care.
Essential Duties and Responsibilities:
Be visible on the floor at all times and actively engage and welcome clientsConduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facilityCreate a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stabilityAttend relevant staff meetings, trainings and retreats as scheduledOversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed mannerFacilitate a client engagement activities, such as groups or other activitiesComplete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS, as needed and email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shiftDevelop effective, trusting relationships with clients and use a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed careIntervene during crises to actively de-escalate situations, with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communications skillsWork as part of a team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addictionCommunicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, and clientsMaintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA lawsOther duties as assigned
Qualifications:
High School Diploma or GED or EquivalentMinimum one (1) year experience in related workPossess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situationsAbility to work independently and think criticallyAbility to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstancesCommitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignityFamiliarity with non-violent crisis interventionFamiliarity with issues faced by population servedAbility to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate othersComputer literate; able to use computerized database system for information managementAbility to work as a team memberAble to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and First Aid certificationDemonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development
Preferred Qualifications:
Skilled in conflict-resolution.Ability to communicate in a language other than English
Work Environment:
Team-based environment that focuses on the betterment of program improvement and client care.Combination of field and office environment.Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.On occasion walk or drive to different local sites.Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments.Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor.May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day.