Problem Solving Specialist

Dolores Street Community Services; San Francisco (CA); On-site; USD 49,000 - 51,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is searching for a Problem Solving Specialist to assist individuals experiencing homelessness. This role offers the opportunity to engage in meaningful community work aimed at reducing homelessness through innovative problem-solving approaches. The position requires strong interpersonal skills and a commitment to housing justice, with an emphasis on culturally relevant support and collaboration with various stakeholders.

Benefits

Medical, dental, and vision benefits

401(K) with employer matching

Generous vacation

Paid sick leave

Flexible spending account

Commuter benefits

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of experience in case management or counseling.
• Experience working with homeless populations preferred.
• Bilingual in Spanish is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Screen and assess adults experiencing homelessness.
• Support clients to avoid shelter or street homelessness.
• Make referrals into housing programs using the ONE System.

Skills

Crisis intervention

Communication

Conflict resolution

Problem-solving

Independent work

Team collaboration

Tools

Microsoft Office

ONE System

Job description

Job Announcement

Problem Solving Specialist

Position: Problem Solving Specialist

Program: Mission Action Access Point

Reports To: Clinical Care Coordinator

Compensation: $24 Per Hour, Full-time. Benefits include medical, dental, vision, long-term disability, life insurance, flexible spending account, commuter benefits, paid holiday, paid sick leave, generous vacation with Summer Recess and Winter Recess, and 401(K) with employer matching.

To Apply: Resumes submitted without a cover letter will not be considered

About the Organization:

Mission Action has been growing rapidly, creating new positions across various programs. Join our team to serve communities.

Mission Action nurtures individual wellness and cultivates collective power among low-income and immigrant communities to create a more just society. We work to improve lives and promote social change through advocacy and community organizing, addressing issues like homelessness, affordable housing, and immigrant rights. To learn more, watch our video.

About the Program:

Access Point in the Mission District is part of the Adult Coordinated Entry System, partnering with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing (HSH). It aims to identify, assess, and match individuals experiencing housing instability to appropriate housing opportunities, minimizing homelessness through problem solving and housing navigation services.

It employs a housing first approach with standardized tools and assessment processes to meet clients' immediate and long-term housing needs.

Position Description:

The Problem Solving Specialist will provide support, assistance, and resources to individuals experiencing homelessness, working closely with licensed care coordinators and housing navigators. The role involves working primarily at the Mission-based Access Point and visiting other sites as needed.

Key Responsibilities:

• Screen and assess adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools and protocols.
• Support clients in avoiding shelter or street homelessness by identifying creative solutions outside traditional housing resources.
• Analyze barriers to resolution and engage clients in problem-solving conversations.
• Support clients in exploring solutions within their networks and provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Make referrals into housing programs and services using the ONE System.
• Follow up to evaluate the effectiveness of interventions and maintain accurate records.
• Provide culturally relevant support and advocacy, working within an environment committed to harm reduction, recovery, and wellness.
• Serve as a liaison to community and government partners and participate in team activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Other Organizational Duties:

• Conduct business according to the Mission Action Employee Handbook, exercising sound judgment.
• Treat community members with respect and dignity.
• Perform additional duties as needed.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Minimum 2 years of experience in case management, counseling, or similar fields.
• Experience working with homeless populations.
• Bilingual in Spanish preferred.
• Skills in crisis intervention, boundary setting, conflict resolution, and de-escalation.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; knowledge of the ONE System is a plus.
• Understanding of intersectionality and the needs of impacted communities, especially in San Francisco's Mission District.
• Commitment to housing justice and multicultural programming.

Mission Action (www.dscs.org) is an equal-opportunity employer valuing lived experience and diversity. We encourage applications from people of color, women, older adults, LGBTQ+ members, and individuals with disabilities, including those with HIV or from the Mission District. We consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records as per the SF Fair Chance Ordinance.