Care Specialist (Drop-In) - Swing Shift

DAYBREAK INC; Dayton (OH); On-site; USD 19,286 - 26,174; Full time

Job summary

DAYBREAK INC in Dayton, OH is seeking an Entry-level Care Specialist for the Drop-In Center to support YYAs experiencing homelessness. You will foster a safe, trauma-informed environment, build positive relationships, promote life skills, and ensure adherence to program guidelines during the Swing shift (11:00am–7:00pm).

Key duties include direct client support, crisis intervention, and coordination with Outreach and security. You will document events, monitor spaces, and link youth to services.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED with 5 years in social services or related field.
• Or an associate degree with 2 years of experience in social services.
• Minimum 2 years direct work with youth/YYAs; homelessness experience preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist in day‑to‑day operations of the Drop‑In Center and Outreach, ensuring a welcoming, trauma‑informed environment.
• Provide crisis intervention, emotional support, and linkage to services for YYAs.
• Monitor safety, complete documentation, and maintain records per policy.
• Collaborate with security and staff to ensure safe client flow.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Trauma-informed care

Youth engagement

Documentation

De-escalation

Education

High School diploma or GED

Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field

Job description

Job Details

Level: Entry
Job Location: Dayton, OH 45402
Position Type: Full Time
Education Level: Graduate Degree
Salary Range: $16.48 Hourly
Travel Percentage: Less than 10%
Job Shift: Swing
Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

Position Summary

The Care Specialist in the Drop-In plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive environment. This position focuses on supporting the physical and emotional safety of clients by building positive relationships, promoting life skills development, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. The Care Specialist in drop provides emotional support to promote stability and well-being. This position ensures the safety of clients as the first point of contact, assisting with crisis intervention and triage. This position is for a Swing Shift - 11:00am - 7:00pm

Duties and Responsibilities

• Client Support: Assist in day‑to‑day operations of the Drop‑In Center, Outreach department and walk‑ins. Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma‑informed environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs. Provide daily face‑to‑face crisis intervention and stabilization services; conflict resolution, coping strategies, and emotional regulation according to agency intervention training and the needs of the client. Offer empathetic listening and guidance to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and behavioral challenges. Link, promote, and engage youth to enhance well‑being, social connectivity and community connections by supporting daily living activities that affect the youth’s ability to manage their basic needs and adult life demands. Link client to other providers as needed.
• Operations and Program Support: Maintains order, cleanliness, and daily flow of the Outreach Programs. Monitors use of the general use areas, meeting spaces, gathering spaces, food prep areas, communal computers, and storage areas. Monitor and maintain communal spaces, including lab, meeting rooms, shower, lockers, and laundry facilities ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience. Serves as a backup for the Outreach Specialist street team.
• Collaboration and Team Coordination: Notifies supervisors of potential or real emergencies including criminal activities, high‑risk behavior, mental health emergencies, health emergencies or other activities that impact safety, security, and public relations, where applicable. Contribute insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement. Collaborate with the security guards to ensure that all youth waiting in the lobby for appointments or walk‑ins are properly served according to program guidelines.
• Safety & Security Functions: Monitor facility entry points, common areas, and client spaces to maintain a secure and welcoming environment. Conduct regular walkthroughs and safety checks in accordance with agency policies. Monitor live security camera footage and respond to observed incidents or safety concerns in real time. Provide immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises using approved de‑escalation techniques and report incidents promptly.
• Documentation and Compliance: Document shift events in daily log, prepare and maintain accurate records, complete UIR (Unusual Incident Report) and other forms that may be required in CareLogic or for PQI as assigned and as required. Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards.

Qualifications

• Minimum of High School diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required.
• OR Associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults is required, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred.