Support Specialist - Samoshel (Thursday - Monday, 3:30pm - 12am)

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: Swing shift, Thursday - Monday, 3:30pm - 12am

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

Benefits: 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 clients
• Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facility
• Create a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stability
• Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings and retreats as scheduled
• Oversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed manner
• Facilitate a client engagement activities, such as groups or other activities
• Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS, as needed and email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients and use a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care
• Intervene during crises to actively de-escalate situations, with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communications skills
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, and clients
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
• Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to work independently and think critically
• Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
• Familiarity with issues faced by population served
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management
• Ability to work as a team member
• Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and First Aid certification
• Demonstrate 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.