Support Specialist - Annenberg Access Center (Monday - Friday, 8:30am-5pm)

Role: Support Specialist 

Reports to: Director - Access & Engagement

Program: 1404-SWASHLOCK

Department: Access Services

Location: Annenberg Access Center - 503 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401

Setting: 100% Onsite

Schedule: Monday - Friday. 8:30am-5:00pm

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:

Using evidence-based practices such as harm reduction, housing first, and trauma-informed care, the Shwashlock Support Specialist will act as the first point of contact for immediate client needs for all Shower, laundry and locker services. The Shwashlock Support Specialist ensures that the program flow of services is implemented and follows the program protocol and procedures for services.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities: 

Under the supervision of the Director, the Support Specialist - Shwashlock is responsible for:

• Ensure clients understand the program components and welcome clients.
• Provide accurate information regarding Access Center & SHWASHLOCK services and service hours.
• Sign up participants daily for showers, laundry and lockers ensuring information is confidential.
• Assist with printing sign-in sheets for showers, lockers and laundry services.
• Provide daily sign-up sheets to the Sr. Support specialist- Shwashlock or Supervisor for the proper recording of the daily stats. On occasion assist with data entry of the Shwashlock stats.
• Keep SHWASHLOCK showers, bathrooms and laundry area clean during hours of operation; empty trash as needed.
• Ensure all towels are washed, dried and folded neatly on the towel rack in a timely matter.
• Assist with locker intakes, discharges and clearing locker as needed.
• Keep locker area orderly and ensure clients keep lockers clean and free from prohibited items.
• Responsible for distribution of towels, toiletries, essential items and clothing if needed; assist with restocking hygiene items.
• Report all incidents and any repair needs to the supervisor.
• Engage clients into the case management process by effectively building trust and credibility; screening requests and directing clients appropriately.
• Assist staff in maintaining order and a smooth flow of services throughout the day.
• Develop rapport with collaborators and volunteers.
• Monitor and oversee client bathrooms, showers, and laundry services area to ensure compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Assist in maintaining the Shwashlock office; ensuring a clean, organized and clutter-free workspace.
• Provide crisis intervention using Trauma Informed Care and non-violent crisis intervention techniques.
• Communicate with the supervisor daily to report issues, concerns, suggestions and successes.
• Assist with administrative or data entry tasks as needed by the Director.
• Assist with daily operation of facility as needed, including general cleaning duties.
• Document all Program related issues, concerns appropriately and in a timely matter.
• Attend all staff meetings, team meetings, training and retreats as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Demonstrates effective customer service skills by being able to handle difficult situations and act professionally regardless of circumstances
  
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
  
• Familiarity with Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care Practices
  
• Current, valid California Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record
  
• Comfortable, able and willing to drive program agency van
  
• Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
  
• Able to multitask: handling multiple tasks and high volume client requests.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues faced by population served (homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, medical issues, domestic violence, etc.)
  
• Able to work in a high tolerance Harm Reduction model with members who have multiple barriers
  
• Experience working in a community-based setting and as part of a team
  
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management

Preferred Qualifications:

•  Experience in a fast-paced environment assisting with the unhoused population

Work Environment:

•  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