Support Specialist (Wednesday-Sunday 11:30pm-8:00am)

Role: Support Specialist

Reports to: Program Manager

Program:1004- Samoshel

Department: Interim Housing

Location: Samoshel – 505 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Setting: 100% Onsite

Schedule: Wednesday- Sunday, 11:30pm- 8:00am

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan, Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Openings: 1

Job Description Summary:

Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction, at both locations. Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care. Proactively create a supportive environment to ensure clients’ progress towards permanent supportive housing and psycho-social rehabilitation.

Job Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Facilitate client group(s) in order to contribute to the creation of a therapeutic and supportive environment.
  
• Oversee clients’ dorms and enforce guidelines in a trauma-informed manner.
  
• Work in collaboration with other interim housing staff to maintain smooth operation of the sites, which may include assisting with linen exchange, basic administrative duties or other duties as assigned.
  
• Provide meals to clients.
  
• Provide orientation to the facilities to new clients as needed.
  
• Must be pro-active and think critically to address various matters related to client care and to the maintenance a clean and therapeutic atmosphere.
  
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, collaborators, and clients.
  
• Always maintain client confidentiality, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws.
  
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care.
  
• Ensure a clean and safe facility by doing facility walk-throughs and report repair needs.
  
• Participate in periodic safety drills for staff and clients (fire, earthquake etc).
  
• Deescalate crisis situations in a trauma-informed manner.
  
• Must create Incident Reports, update shift logs, complete required records, and email relevant documents before the end of each shift.
  
• Communicate all important incidents and draft incident reports when necessary.
  
• Follow agency policies, program guidelines and procedures.
  
• Other duties as assigned.

Job Description Qualifications:

• High school diploma, GED or equivalent required.
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity.
  
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others.
  
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
  
• Strong multi-tasking skills
  
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required
  
• Punctuality required.
  
• Possess effective customer service skills even during complex situations.
  
• Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, mental illness, chronic health issues, and substance use required.
  
• Able to cultivate respectful and appropriate relationships with clients of diverse backgrounds.
  
• Non-violent crisis-intervention and/or de-escalation skills, strongly preferred.
  
• A strong understanding of Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction and Housing First principles.
  
• Ability to exercise and model good judgment, especially in crisis situations.
  
• Ability to work independently and think critically.
  
• Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances.
  
• Ability to work as a team member.

Job Description Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum of 1 year in social services preferred.
• Familiarity with Interim Housing or congregate living facilities strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) strongly preferred.
• Able to obtain and maintain ServSafe, CPR and First Aid certification

Job Description Work Environment:

Team based environment that focuses on the betterment of program improvement and program care.