Trauma-Informed Shelter Programs Specialist

Community Services and Employment Training, Inc.; Visalia (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 33,062; Full time

Job summary

Community Services and Employment Training, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Specialist to support daily operations at the Visalia Navigation Center, a 24/7 shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, person-centered care and Housing First principles to keep the shelter safe, respectful, and supportive. You will provide on-the-floor support to shelter staff and participants, help maintain a low-barrier environment, assist with documentation and

Qualifications

• Strong understanding of low-barrier shelter models, Housing First, and trauma-informed care.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or similar marginalized populations.
• Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations.
• Comfort with engaging individuals with mental health, substance use, or behavioral health needs.
• Basic knowledge of shelter protocols, safety procedures, and incident response.
• Effective communication skills (written and verbal).
• Competency using Microsoft Office and participant data systems (e.g., HMIS).
• Ability to support staff and participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries.
• Flexible, reliable, and team-oriented.

Responsibilities

• Maintain welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all participants.
• Promote trauma-informed, Housing First, and harm reduction principles in all interactions.
• Respond to participant needs, questions, or concerns with empathy and professionalism.
• Assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed.
• Conduct walkthroughs to monitor safety, cleanliness, and policy adherence.
• Help ensure the shelter remains low-barrier and accessible to individuals with complex needs.
• Provide on-the-floor support to shelter staff (e.g., intake staff, case managers, monitors).
• Participate in shift check-ins and debriefs to support communication and consistency.
• Offer informal coaching and modeling of best practices during routine interactions.
• Collaborate with the Senior Program Coordinator to identify participant or operational needs.
• Support communication between shifts by entering clear and timely shift notes.
• Review entries in HMIS or participant logs for completeness and accuracy.
• Help ensure proper documentation of incidents, service delivery, and participant progress.
• Assist in coordinating participant-related activities and services (e.g., meal delivery, appointments).
• Complete basic administrative tasks such as tracking services and preparing reports.
• Participate in training, meetings, or community events as requested.
• Provide occasional shift coverage during staff shortages, as assigned.
• Maintain ethical boundaries and uphold participant confidentiality at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Coordinator.

Skills

Trauma-informed care

Housing First

Homelessness experience

Empathy

Communication skills

Microsoft Office

HMIS

Professional boundaries

Team player

Job description

Community Services and Employment Training, Inc. is seeking a Senior Program Specialist to support daily operations at the Visalia Navigation Center, a 24/7 shelter for individuals experiencing homelessness.

The role emphasizes trauma-informed, person-centered care and Housing First principles to keep the shelter safe, respectful, and supportive. You will provide on-the-floor support to shelter staff and participants, help maintain a low-barrier environment, assist with documentation and