Shelter Specialist (CCACS/Brookside)

lareentry; Richmond, Northern (CA, KY); Hybrid; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Contra Costa Health Services’ Contra Costa Adult Continuum of Services seeks a Shelter Specialist to supervise adults in an emergency shelter, oversee intake, and manage daily services. The role supports safe housing, meals, and access to benefits, with emphasis on a healthy living environment.

The candidate brings knowledge of homelessness, strong communication, and the ability to document records and handle emergencies. A high school diploma/GED is required; bilingual Spanish is a plus.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of homelessness and related services and community resources.
• Effective communication skills, ability to work independently and with a team.
• Understanding of mental health, substance abuse, HIV and cultural diversity issues.
• Must pass a criminal and fingerprint background check.

Responsibilities

• Supervise homeless clients in an emergency shelter and ensure access to housing, meals and services.
• Complete intake assessments to determine housing needs and benefits.
• Develop and manage day-to-day shelter operations and ensure safety.
• Document case records and incident reports accurately.
• Handle emergency incidents and coordinate with on-call management as needed.
• Conduct hourly site walkthroughs and maintain a clean, welcoming environment.
• Attend mandatory meetings and trainings.

Skills

Homelessness knowledge

Mental health awareness

Substance abuse awareness

Cultural diversity understanding

Effective communication

Independent work style

Bilingual Spanish

Education

High school diploma/GED

Job description

The Contra Costa Adult Continuum of Services (CCACS) is a program of Contra Costa Health Services Health, Housing and Homeless Services Division, in partnership with Heluna Health. Our mission is to provide safe, interim housing with comprehensive services that assist homeless adults in securing permanent housing that will end their homelessness. We respect human dignity and believe housing is a right that is supported through advocacy and collaboration (www.cchealth.org/services.homeless ).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Supervision of adult homeless clients in an emergency shelter in terms of access to safe housing, meals and services.
• Intake of adult applicants to assess housing need, support and benefits services.
• Develop and manage emergency shelter day-to-day services.
• Supervision of engagement activities designed to build a healthy and safe environment for sleeping, eating, and living in a group setting.
• Communication, both verbal and written, with adult clients, staff, law enforcement and others to determine situational shelter needs.
• Documentation in case records, and files to ensure the written record of work performed on behalf of clients, including completion of incident reports.
• Ability to handle emergency incidents, including medical, mental health, violent and/or other unanticipated events, including evacuation due to earthquake, chemical release, incarceration, or other incidents.
• Conducts and documents hourly site walkthroughs inside and outside to ensure a safe and comfortable living safe for staff and residents
• Always keeps a clean and welcoming facility by doing light housekeeping/general clean-up of all inside and outdoor spaces; stocks up program supplies as needed
• Reports and seeks immediate assistance during any unsafe or unusual occurrences; in the absence of onsite management the Shelter Specialist contacts on-call management during evening and weekend hours
• Attend all mandatory meetings and trainings
• Other duties as required

JOB QUALIFICATIONS

• Candidates should be able to demonstrate knowledge of the community and the condition of the unhoused, homeless services, and/or condition of runaway youth.
• Possesses effective communication skills and the ability to work independently and cooperatively.
• Thorough knowledge of homelessness, mental health, substance abuse, HIV and cultural diversity issues.
• Must pass a criminal and fingerprint background check.

Education/Experience

• Successful applicants must have a high school diploma/GED

Certificates/Licenses/Clearances

• Must pass a criminal and fingerprint background check.

Other Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Desired Qualifications:
  • Bilingual, bicultural in Spanish.
  • Lived experience of homelessness and/or accessing behavioral health services.
  • Previous experience or training in street outreach and clinical case management.
  • Knowledge of Contra Costa County and community resources.
  • Knowledge of the Contra Costa emergency provider network.
  • Prior experience with documentation and billing procedures.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

Stand: Frequently

Walk: Frequently

Sit: Frequently

Handling / Fingering: Frequently

Reach Outward: Occasionally

Reach Above Shoulder: Occasionally

Climb, Crawl, Kneel, Bend: Occasionally

Lift / Carry: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

Push/Pull: Occasionally - Up to 50 lbs

See: Constantly

Taste/ Smell: Not Applicable

Not Applicable = Not required for essential functions

Occasionally = (0 - 2 hrs/day)

Frequently = (2 - 5 hrs/day)

Constantly = (5+ hrs/day)

WORK ENVIRONMENT

Various environments depending on job necessities can include, but not limited to: General Office Setting, Homeless Shelter, field work within Contra Costa County.

EEOC STATEMENT

It is the policy of Heluna Health to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants, without regard to age (40 and over), national origin or ancestry, race, color, religion, sex, gender, sexual orientation, pregnancy or perceived pregnancy, reproductive health decision making, physical or mental disability, medical condition (including cancer or a record or history of cancer), AIDS or HIV, genetic information or characteristics, veteran status or military service.

Travel Required

Yes . 10% local travel

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.