Safety Specialist (6978)

Paycom; Buena Park (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

Mercy House in Buena Park, CA is seeking a Safety Specialist to support the Emergency Shelter Program on designated shifts. The role emphasizes client-centered, trauma-informed housing support, shelter setup, safety, and crowd control.

Responsibilities include assisting with shelter operations, maintaining facilities, handling orders, and aiding coordination with security staff. Fluency in Spanish is highly valued, with a flexible schedule and strong communication skills required.

Qualifications

• High tolerance and understanding for clients with urgent needs.
• Client-focused, trauma-informed, housing-centered shelter approach.
• Ability to direct crowds while maintaining dignity and safety.
• Work with licensed third-party security officers.
• Knowledge of fair housing and legal concerns.

Responsibilities

• Support shelter activities to ensure quality, guest-focused services.
• Encourage progress toward housing with shelter guests.
• Assist with shelter setup, maintenance, and cleanliness.
• Handle vendor orders, tally sheets, and supplies organization.
• Provide barrier-free welcome and safety through traffic control.
• Perform perimeter checks and firewatch duties as needed.
• Support shuttle service riders and engage clients during rides.
• Maintain daily summaries and records; assist reporting.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Crowd control

Spanish fluency

Crisis intervention

Client engagement

Tools

Microsoft Word

Outlook

Job description

Job Details: Job Location: Buena Park, CA 90620, Position Type: Full Time, Salary Range: $22.00 - $22.00 Hourly, Job Category: Shelter Services, Mission Statement: "To be a leader in ending homelessness by providing a unique system of dignified housing opportunities, programs, and supportive services."

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 assisting with crowd control and crisis intervention. The ability to ensure a client-focused, trauma-informed housing approach are required.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Shelter Support

• 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 clean-up
• 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

• Assist with keeping detailed daily summary sheets
• Assist with record keeping and reporting
• Assist with keeping perimeter check logs and firewatch duties

Miscellaneous

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

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

Employment Details

• Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt
• Pay: $22.00/hour
• Schedule: Monday, Wednesday, Friday-Sunday: 3:00pm-11:00pm | Tuesday/Thursday: OFF

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
• A 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

Mercy House is an E-Verify employer. E-Verify is an Internet based system operated by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) in partnership with the Social Security Administration (SSA) that allows participating employers to electronically verify the employment eligibility of their newly hired employees in the United States. Please click on the following links for more information.

E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)

E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.e-verify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)

Mercy House must reserve the right to modify, supplement, rescind, or revise all job descriptions to meet the overall needs of Mercy House except as to any language that establishes that the employment relationship is at the will of either the staff member or Mercy House.