Direct Services Coordinator (Part-Time)

Housing-Matters; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 30,000 - 34,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

PTO plan

Job summary

Housing Matters is seeking a Direct Services Coordinator to support shelter guests at Live Oak Landing. This part-time, hourly, non-exempt role requires CPR/First Aid and driver’s license, with bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

You will help maintain a safe, clean environment, assist guests, and coordinate with staff during shifts. The role emphasizes de-escalation, housing first principles, and harm reduction, while ensuring boundaries and professional conduct.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED completion.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• EMT certification is a plus.
• CPR and First Aid certification required.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a safe, clean environment for shelter guests.
• Answer questions and problem-solve with shelter guests.
• Distribute meals and provide supplies as needed.
• Apply housing first and harm reduction strategies.
• Maintain professional boundaries at all times.
• Use de-escalation techniques when appropriate.
• Refer to community resources for assistance when needed.
• Enforce quiet hours and visitor policy.
• Communicate with staff during shifts and handoffs.
• Complete incident reports as required.
• Document shifts and provide staff support during programs.
• Attend trainings and meetings as required.

Skills

Bilingual English/Spanish (preferred)

De-escalation techniques

Radio communication

Multitasking

Customer service

Education

High school diploma or GED

EMT certification

CPR certification

First Aid certification

Job description

Housing Matters partners with individuals and families to create pathways out of their homelessness into permanent housing. We are a leader in working to end homelessness – and we want you to be part of our team! We are looking for individuals eager to make a difference and willing to enthusiastically commit to join in our vision that homelessness in Santa Cruz County should be rare, brief, and non-recurring.

The primary role of the Direct Services Coordinator (DSC) is to actively support program activities and maintain a safe and clean environment for all shelter guests at the Housing Matters’ Live Oak Landing shelter. Additionally, DSCs remain vigilant and available to handle all emergencies that may arise.

Hours and Benefits

This Direct Services Coordinator role is a part-time, hourly, non-exempt position, eligible for our generous PTO plan.

• Monday and Tuesday: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM
• Sunday: 6:00 AM - 2:00 PM
• May include holidays

Starting Wage (Offer is Dependent on Experience)

$22.00 $22.66 $23.34 $24.04 $24.76 $25.50

Preferred Experience/ Education Requirements

• High school diploma or GED completion
• Bilingual English and Spanish speaking preferred
• EMT certification is a plus

Special Requirements

• CPR and First Aid certification required
• In possession of a valid California Driver’s License and a clean driving record
• Ability to work independently and with little supervision

Thorough knowledge of

• Barriers to housing for people experiencing homelessness
• Multitasking in a fast‑paced environment
• De‑escalation techniques
• Radio communication
• Sanitation techniques

Typical Job Duties

• Maintaining a safe, secure, and clean environment
• Be available to answer questions and problem‑solve with shelter guests
• Distribute meals during designated mealtimes and provide supplies as needed
• Understand and apply housing first and harm reduction strategies
• Maintain and role model professional boundaries at all times
• Respond appropriately to potential encounters using de‑escalation techniques
• Call upon community resources for assistance when appropriate
• Maintain quiet hours and visitor policy
• Communicate with staff via email or during shift handoffs
• When appropriate, complete Incident Reports under policy guidelines
• Review and maintain accurate documentation during shifts
• Provide support to staff and community organizations during program activities
• Attend staff and agency trainings and meetings as required
• Other duties as assigned

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment at Housing Matters without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, ancestry, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer‑related and genetic characteristics), marital status, sexual orientation, age (over 18), veteran status, gender, pregnancy, or any other non‑merit factor unrelated to job duties. Such action shall include, but not be limited to, the following: recruitment; advertising, layoff or termination, rates of pay or other forms of compensation, selection for training (including apprenticeship), employment, upgrading, demotion, or transfer.

Regular Shifts: Monday - Tuesday: 2:00 PM–10:00 PM and Sunday: 6:00 AM-2:00 PM

24 hours per week