Onsite Shelter Support Specialist (Trauma-Informed)

The People Concern; Los Angeles (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

Life insurance

403(b) Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Job summary

The People Concern in Lancaster, CA is seeking a dedicated Support Specialist to be the first point of contact for shelter residents and to respond to immediate client needs. You will help maintain a safe, respectful environment while coordinating with staff on daily operations.

Onsite role with a 5-day schedule (Tue–Sat, 10:30am–7:00pm) reporting to the Program Manager. You will contribute to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and client-centered services within our Interim Housing program.

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.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, etc.
• Monitor and oversee the floor including communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms and showers, ensuring program guidelines are upheld and that the physical site is well-maintained and safe, including general cleaning duties
• 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

Skills

Customer service

Critical thinking

Professionalism

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Job description

The People Concern in Lancaster, CA is seeking a dedicated Support Specialist to be the first point of contact for shelter residents and to respond to immediate client needs. You will help maintain a safe, respectful environment while coordinating with staff on daily operations.

Onsite role with a 5-day schedule (Tue–Sat, 10:30am–7:00pm) reporting to the Program Manager. You will contribute to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and client-centered services within our Interim Housing program.