Onsite Support Specialist - Trauma-Informed Housing

The People Concern; Lancaster (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 33,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

Vision Insurance

Dental Insurance

403(b) Retirement plan

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Holidays

Paid Vacation Days

Paid Sick Days

Dental Insurance (duplicate for safety

Job summary

The People Concern is seeking a Support Specialist to be the first point of contact for shelter clients at the Kensington Campus, Lancaster. This on-site role supports immediate client needs, maintains a safe environment, and documents activities in HMIS while collaborating with a dedicated team.

Ideal candidates bring strong customer service, critical thinking, and a commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first principles to help clients progress toward stability and

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent and at least 1 year of related experience.
• Effective customer service skills and ability to handle difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently and think critically in a fast-paced shelter environment.
• Professional conduct and commitment to empowering the community.
• Familiarity with crisis intervention and issues faced by the population served.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point-of-contact for immediate client needs and requests.
• Monitor and oversee floor areas, maintain safety, and perform general cleaning.
• Be visible on the floor, engage with clients, and welcome them.
• Conduct regular facility walk-throughs and create a supportive environment.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings; document in HMIS and update logs.
• Develop trusting client relationships using motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care.
• Intervene during crises to de-escalate situations with client and staff safety in mind.
• Work as part of a team to provide integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance use disorders.

Skills

Customer service

Critical thinking

Professional demeanor

Team player

Empathy

Self-motivation

Ability to work independently

Communication skills

Crisis intervention awareness

Education

High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent

Tools

CPR

First Aid

Computer literacy / database systems

Job description

The People Concern is seeking a Support Specialist to be the first point of contact for shelter clients at the Kensington Campus, Lancaster. This on-site role supports immediate client needs, maintains a safe environment, and documents activities in HMIS while collaborating with a dedicated team.

Ideal candidates bring strong customer service, critical thinking, and a commitment to trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and housing-first principles to help clients progress toward stability and