Safety Specialist

Mercy House; Bakersfield (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House in Bakersfield, CA is seeking a Safety Specialist to provide supportive services and logistical support to the Emergency Shelter Program during designated shifts. This full-time role requires a flexible schedule including some weekend, morning and evening and holiday shifts, with Spanish as a valued asset.

Responsibilities include maintaining a safe, client-focused environment, assisting with shelter activities, logistics, vendor orders, and gate security, along with strong

Qualifications

• Patience and empathy when working with clients with urgent needs.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced shelter environment.

Responsibilities

• Provide safe, client-focused environment for shelter guests.
• Assist with shelter activities to ensure quality, trauma-informed services.
• Support housing-focused progression discussions with guests.
• Assist with shelter setup, cleanliness, and safety tasks.
• Receive/verify orders from vendors and maintain tally sheets.
• Organize supplies and facilities needs; provide gate service and perimeters checks.
• Perform basic searches of persons or property and conduct fire watch duties.

Skills

Spanish language

Patience

Crisis intervention

Effective communication

Multitasking

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

Job description

Status: Full-Time, Non-ExemptPay: $22.00/hourSchedule: Tuesday - Saturday 2:00 pm - 10:00 pmJob Summary: The Safety Specialist is responsible for providing supportive services and logistical support to the Emergency Shelter Program during designated shifts. This position requires a flexible work schedule including some weekend, morning and evening and holiday shifts. Dependability, responsibility, and the ability to communicate effectively and respectfully are mandatory skills. Fluency in Spanish is a significant value. The ability to demonstrate personal integrity is a must.Essential Duties and Responsibilities:Shelter SupportGoal: Ensure a safe and client focused environment for guests to quickly end their homelessness.Assist in the implementation of shelter activities to ensure quality, guest focused, and trauma informed delivery of services.Encourage and discuss progress toward housing with shelter guestsAssist with shelter setup and maintenanceAssist with general cleanliness and safety of facility including emptying trash cans and clean-upAssist with receiving and verifying orders from vendors, completing tally sheetsAssist in the organization of supplies and facilities needsMaintain a safe and functional shelter facility by providing traffic control and gate servicePerform basic searches of persons or their propertyDemonstrate responsibility during perimeter checks and fire watch dutiesProvide client engagement support to drivers during shuttle service ride-alongAdministrationGoal: Oversee administrative duties that support program servicesAssist with keeping detailed daily summary sheetsAssist with record keeping and reportingAssist with keeping perimeter check logs and fire watch dutiesMiscellaneousAssist with guest services and program activities if necessaryComplete ad hoc projects as appointed by SupervisorRequirements:Education and ExperienceThis person must possess a high level of patience, tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needsAbility to perform crisis intervention as neededAbility to complete job duties that are guest focused, trauma informed, and housing focused.The ability to direct and professionally control crowds while preserving their right to personal dignityAbility to work in synch with licensed 3rd-party security officer teamGeneralReliable transportation requiredA flexible work schedule including some schedule changes, some weekends, and evening shifts to meet the department’s needsDetail-oriented and computer proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel requiredSelf-motivated, the ability to manage a high volume of emails, work independently and with agroup, dependability, responsibilityThe ability to communicate clearly, effectively both in written and verbal form as well as respectfully are mandatory skillsMulti-task and work in a fast-paced environmentNavigate urgent matters while upholding a degree of flexibilityWork effectively with a diverse populationRapid prioritizationSpeak effectively before landlords and/or small groupsKnowledgeable about fair housing and legal concerns to advocate for the organization and the clients we servePhysical RequirementsCommute in the field as needed throughout the week to meet with property managers, attend to property emergencies, conduct habitability inspections, post notices, unit assessments, etc.Enter units with program staff as neededAnswer and respond to phone queriesProlonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computerMust be able to lift, push, and pull 50 pounds at times