Safety Specialist (5714)

Mercy House; Bellflower (CA); On-site; USD 42,000 - 56,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House is seeking a Safety Specialist to provide supportive services and logistical support for the Emergency Shelter Program during designated shifts. Responsibilities include shelter setup, maintaining facility safety, crowd control, and crisis intervention with a client-focused, trauma-informed approach.

The role also covers administrative duties, including daily summaries, record-keeping, and coordinating with the licensed security team.

Qualifications

• Demonstrated ability to maintain client-focused, trauma-informed service delivery.
• Ability to direct and professionally control crowds while preserving personal dignity.
• Experience supporting shelter operations and safety tasks.

Responsibilities

• Assist with shelter setup and maintenance.
• Maintain safety of facility and manage crowd control.
• Provide crisis intervention as needed.
• Assist with vendor orders and tally sheets.
• Organize supplies and facilities needs.
• Support shuttle service ride-alongs with drivers.
• Keep daily summary sheets and records.

Skills

client-focused approach

trauma-informed

crowd control

crisis intervention

Spanish language (bilingual)

communication

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Summary

The Safety Specialist is responsible for providing supportive services and logistical support to the Emergency Shelter Program during designated shifts. Key responsibilities include assisting with shelter setup, maintaining the safety of the facility, and managing crowd control and crisis intervention. The role requires a client-focused, trauma-informed approach.

Shelter Support

Goal: 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 guests.
• Assist with shelter setup and maintenance.
• Assist with general cleanliness and safety of facility including emptying trash cans and cleanup.
• Assist with receiving and verifying orders from vendors, completing tally sheets.
• Assist in the organization of supplies and facilities needs.
• Maintain a safe and functional shelter facility by providing traffic control and gate service.
• Perform basic searches of persons or their property.
• Demonstrate responsibility during perimeter checks and firewatch duties.
• Provide client engagement support to drivers during shuttle service ride‑alongs.

Administration

Goal: Oversee administrative duties that support program services.

• Assist with keeping detailed daily summary sheets.
• Assist with record keeping and reporting.
• Assist with keeping perimeter check logs and fire‑watch duties.

Miscellaneous

• Assist with guest services and program activities if necessary.
• Complete ad hoc projects as appointed by Supervisor.

Qualifications

Experience

• Possess a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs.
• Ensure a client-focused, trauma-informed, and housing-focused shelter approach.
• Ability to direct and professionally control crowds while preserving their right to personal dignity.
• Ability to work in sync with licensed third‑party security officer team.
• Knowledgeable about fair housing and legal concerns to advocate for the organization and the clients we serve.

General

• Ability to work effectively with a diverse population; plan, organize and prioritize duties; perform crisis intervention as needed; clearly communicate information and instructions verbally and in written form; maintain a positive, professional and safe environment while on duty; and establish and maintain effective working relationships with others.
• Flexible work schedule including some schedule changes, some weekends, and evening shifts to meet the department’s needs.
• Detail‑oriented and computer proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Self‑motivated, the ability to manage a high volume of emails, work independently and with a group, dependability, responsibility.
• Fluency in Spanish is of significant value.

Physical Requirements

• Enter units with program staff as needed.
• Answer and respond to phone queries.
• Prolonged periods of standing.
• Ability to lift, bend, push, and pull up to 50 pounds.

Mercy House is an E‑Verify employer.