Problem Solving Specialist

Episcopal Community Services of San Francisco; San Francisco (CA); On-site; Full time

Job summary

A leading nonprofit organization seeks a Problem Solving Specialist to assist single adults experiencing homelessness in San Francisco. The role involves assessing clients, providing crisis intervention, and facilitating access to essential services, all conducted within a client-centered framework focused on harm reduction and wellness.

Qualifications

• Experience with individuals in crisis or unstable housing.
• Knowledge of homelessness and low-income resident resources.
• Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and activities.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness.
• Engage clients in problem-solving dialogues.
• Follow up to evaluate problem-solving effectiveness.

Skills

Communication

Problem Solving

Crisis Intervention

Cultural Competency

Client Engagement

Organizational Skills

Education

Masters or Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office

ONE System

Job description

Job Details

Job Location: 123 10th Street - San Francisco, CA
Position Type: Full Time
Salary Range: $28.36 - $30.17 Hourly
Job Category: Nonprofit - Social Services

Description

PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROBLEM SOLVING SPECIALISTS:

To remove barriers to access, the Problem Solving Specialist team will serve single adults experiencing homelessness throughout San Francisco, including streets, county jail, or shelters. They primarily operate out of ECS Access Points but may also spend time in the field providing services to those unable to travel.

As ECS collaborates with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and other stakeholders, this job description may change before and after hiring as services evolve.

1. Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools, prioritization, and referral protocols integrated into the ONE system.
2. Support individuals in avoiding shelter entry or street homelessness through a client-centric, trauma-informed approach, including mediation and short-term assistance, to identify creative solutions.
3. Analyze information and situations to identify barriers to resolution.
4. Engage clients in problem-solving dialogues to explore additional resources within their network.
5. Recognize each client's unique situation and support quick, creative solutions.
6. Provide crisis intervention as needed.
7. Make authorized, prioritized referrals into housing programs and ECS services based on assessments and protocols.
8. Follow up to evaluate the effectiveness of problem-solving efforts.
9. Track and report progress for each client and the overall project.
10. Maintain accurate records and data entry in the ONE System.
11. Offer professional, accessible, and culturally relevant support, advocacy, and information.
12. Promote an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery, and wellness within an integrated services team.
13. Serve as a liaison with community and government partners.
14. Participate in training, meetings, and development activities.
15. Collaborate with the Manager of Problem Solving Services to improve programs.
16. Ensure confidentiality of participant information as required by law.
17. Perform additional duties as assigned.

Qualifications

REQUIREMENTS:

1. Masters or Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field, or at least 3 years of relevant experience.
2. Experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing.
3. Knowledge of issues faced by adults with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, trauma, and co-occurring diagnoses.
4. Respect for and experience working with diverse populations.
5. Deep understanding of resources available to homeless and low-income residents of San Francisco.
6. Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
7. Ability to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively across cultures.
8. Professional demeanor with good interpersonal skills, discretion, and judgment.
9. Organizational skills to manage information and client needs efficiently.
10. Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
11. Proficiency in Microsoft Office; familiarity with the ONE System preferred.
12. Commitment to ECS's mission and values.
13. Flexibility to adapt to changing needs and activities.

OTHER:

Must complete fingerprint screening and TB testing. Ability to meet physical requirements, including long periods at a desk or in the field, and lifting up to 25 lbs.

ECS considers qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records in accordance with San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance.

We value a respectful, inclusive workplace that supports all individuals.