Access Specialist

Redwood Community Services Inc; Ukiah (CA); On-site; USD 34,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Comprehensive benefits package

Job summary

Redwood Community Services, Inc. is seeking an Access Specialist in Ukiah, CA to connect individuals with day services, emergency shelter, and housing resources within integrated health programs.

You will balance guest engagement with precise HMIS documentation and data quality. Ideal candidates hold a high school diploma, have at least two years in related social services, and can drive a personal vehicle.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Preferred: Associate or Bachelor’s degree in social work or related field.
• Minimum two years of experience in homelessness, social services, or similar fields.
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook).
• Bilingual in Spanish or ASL is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, intake, and eligibility assessments for services.
• Support enrollment in Day Resource Center and emergency shelter programs.
• Maintain accurate client records and HMIS documentation.
• Coordinate with internal staff and partners to ensure service referrals and access.

Skills

Client engagement

Cultural humility

Trauma-informed care

Documentation

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Associate/Bachelor degree in social work or related field

Tools

Microsoft Excel

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: Ukiah, CA 95482

Position Type: Full Time

Education Level: High School/GED

Salary Range: $25.63 - $27.53 Hourly

Travel Percentage: Personal Vehicle Use

Job Shift: Day

Job Title: Access Specialist

Department: Integrated Health - Mendocino County

Location: Ukiah, CA

Status: One (1), Full-Time, Non-Exempt

Hours: 40 hours per week

Salary: $25.63 - $27.53 per hour (DOE) / Additional Differentials Must Qualify

Open Date: July 21, 2026

Close Date: Open Until Filled

Pay Differentials Offered (must qualify through testing or verification)

• Language Translation - Bi-cultural Spanish: $1.00 per hour
• Bimodal Bilingualism - ASL Sign Language: $1.00 per hour
• Bimodal Multilingualism - ASL Sign Language: $2.00 per hour

Overview

Are you skilled at supporting daily engagement and helping people access welcoming, low barrier spaces for connection and support?

This Access Specialist position is based out of the Building Bridges (B2) Homeless Resource Center and focuses on connecting people to the Day Resource Center and Emergency Shelter. In this role, you will support enrollment and participation in day services, connect guests to emergency shelter as needed, and ensure accurate tracking and documentation of services and shelter access in the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) and electronic health record. This position plays a key role in supporting daily engagement, access, and service coordination.

Role Summary

The Integrated Health Access Specialist serves as a primary access point for individuals and families seeking services through Redwood Community Services' Integrated Health Department. Working in resource center and shelter settings, the Access Specialist helps people navigate and connect to coordinated services that support whole person care. This role blends direct guest engagement with administrative responsibilities and requires strong organization, attention to data quality, and a commitment to compassionate, low barrier service delivery.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Conduct outreach, engagement, screenings, and intake activities in person and over the phone to assess needs, determine eligibility, and support enrollment in services.
• Support access to Day Habilitation, emergency shelter, ECM, Housing Support Services, and/or Coordinated Entry, including enrollment support and documentation of participation.
• Provide on site support in the Day Resource Center and other Integrated Health settings, including guest engagement, backup coverage, and assistance during challenging situations using crisis communication and de escalation skills.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and confidential client records and service documentation in required data systems, ensuring data quality and compliance with agency, county, and funder requirements.
• Coordinate with internal staff and community partners to support access, referrals, and continuity of services.
• Deliver services consistent with person centered, strength based, low barrier, harm reduction, and Housing First principles.

Core Competencies

• Client centered, compassionate engagement and strong customer service skills
• Cultural humility and ability to work effectively with diverse populations
• Trauma responsive and harm reduction oriented practice
• Organization, attention to detail, and comfort balancing people facing work with documentation
• Sound judgment, adaptability, teamwork, and safety awareness

Qualifications

Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Preferred – Associate degree or Bachelor's degree in social work or related field.

Experience:

• Minimum of two (2) years of experience working in a position related to homelessness, social services, hospitality, mental health, substance use, or similar areas
• Strongly desired – Candidates with lived/personal experience with homelessness (must no longer be receiving services in our Integrated Health department)
• Must have knowledge of Microsoft Suite (Excel, Word, Outlook, etc.)

Other Qualifications:

• Strongly desired or sometimes required– Candidates that speak and/or are fluent in Spanish or American Sign Language (ASL).
• Must complete a pre-employment physical exam, negative TB test, clear fingerprint background, FBI, & Child Abuse Index
• Two (2) years driving experience and ability to drive and use personal vehicle for work (including transporting clients) required; no more than two (2) points on driving record; must show evidence of current CA driver's license, appropriate insurance, and vehicle safety inspection.
• Must be willing to work occasional shifts outside of "regular business hours" for special events or to support facility operations.
• Must be willing to occasionally work on the floor at RCS facilities to support operations, staff, and guests

Conditions of Employment:

• Must possess a valid CA Driver’s License, current auto insurance, and a clean DMV printout (no more than 3 points).
• Must pass a clear background check with DOJ, CACI, FBI, CCL.
• CPR and First Aid Certified.
• TB Exam and Physical at the time of employment.

Driving Requirement:

This position requires the use of a personal vehicle for business purposes and on-call rotation.

Other Requirements:

• Driving is a required function of this position. Employees must use a personal vehicle that meet all agency requirements, including maintaining liability insurance that meets or exceeds state requirements.
• Employees are responsible for ensuring the timely renewal of their vehicle insurance policies and providing updated documentation to the agency to remain in good standing and compliant with position requirements.

Training Provided:

• Comprehensive onboarding including CPR/First Aid, Crisis Communication/Pro-ACT, Trauma-Informed Care, Motivational Interviewing, and Collaborative Problem Solving.

Benefits:

• Comprehensive benefits package available.

Redwood Community Services, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer and values diversity at all levels of its workforce.