About Glide

GLIDE is a nationally recognized center for social justice, dedicated to fighting systemic injustices, creating pathways out of poverty and crisis, and transforming lives. Through its integrated comprehensive services, advocacy initiatives, and inclusive community, GLIDE empowers individuals, families, and children to achieve stability and to thrive. GLIDE is on the forefront of addressing some of society’s most pressing issues, including poverty, housing and homelessness, and racial and social justice. GLIDE’s mission is to create a radically inclusive, just, and loving community mobilized to alleviate suffering and break the cycles of poverty and marginalization

Position Summary

GLIDE is launching a barbershop that redefines the traditional role of a neighborhood barber. The Shop aims to reduce overdose deaths, increase linkages to care, and promote whole-person wellness through a trusted, culturally relevant therapeutic environment. The Shop uses the barbershop model to engage participants in overdose prevention, substance use treatment, community building, health education, and behavioral health support. We believe that a barber chair is not just a place for a haircut; it’s a sanctuary for trust, conversation, and community healing. The Shop will provide complimentary haircuts and intentional, supportive relationships to our community members, many of whom are experiencing homelessness, poverty, and mental health challenges.

We are seeking two (2) skilled Barbers who understand the profound impact they can have as trusted confidants and informal mental health supporters. In this role, you will use your skills to build self-esteem, provide a safe space for open dialogue, and connect clients to vital resources, becoming a crucial part of GLIDE’s wrap-around support system.

• Provide high-quality, compassionate haircutting and grooming services in a welcoming, trauma-informed, and non-judgmental environment.
• Engage in supportive, empathetic conversations and practice active listening to help clients feel heard, valued, and respected.
• Act as a bridge to GLIDE's continuum of care. Identify (e.g., housing, meals, counseling, substance use programs) and facilitate warm hand-offs to the peer support specialist and/or behavioral health counselor.
• Co-facilitate and actively participate in peer-led support groups, wellness check-ins, and health education workshops alongside the behavioral health counselor and/or peer specialist. 
• Submit monthly activity and data reports that capture contract deliverables in required database systems
• Adhere to standard professional boundaries, understand and follow basic ethics and values of case management regulatory practices, and understand and adhere to HIPAA protocols.
• Foster a sense of belonging and community within The Shop, ensuring it remains a safe, inclusive, and uplifting space for all.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and sanitary workstation in compliance with all health and safety regulations. Manage appointment schedules and walk-ins effectively.
• Participate in regular professional engagements including supervision, team meetings, community meetings, trainings, and other professional development opportunities that support GLIDE’s overall organization goals and strengthen The Shop’s service delivery systems and client outcomes.

• A valid and active California Barbering License.
• 2+ years of professional barbering experience.
• Passion for serving historically excluded and marginalized communities (including individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use disorders, mental health conditions, and PTSD).
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with a proven ability to build rapport and trust with a diverse clientele.
• Natural empathy and the ability to hold space for clients’ stories and struggles without judgment.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of an integrated care team.
• Strong communication skills for effective interaction with participants and team members.
• Commitment to GLIDE’s values of unconditional love, empathy, forgiveness, and radical inclusivity.
• Lived experience or previous work experience in the Tenderloin or similar communities.
• Basic knowledge of de-escalation techniques and trauma-informed care
• Familiarity with local social service resources.

• Proficient in professional written and verbal communication skills.
• Competency in the use of a computer, including performing internet research and Microsoft Office Suites applications
• Reasonable ability to enter data into database systems (i.e. Salesforce, EHR)

• Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.  
• Ability to work on a computer and see details of objects at close range.  
• Ability to hear within a normal range, and communicate effectively (in person, telephone or zoom).  
• Finger dexterity and the ability to use all standard office equipment.  
• Must possess the manual dexterity, hand-eye coordination, and motor skills necessary for the proficient and safe use of all barbering tools (including but not limited to scissors, shears, clippers, and razors) to provide professional grooming services. 
• Sit or stand comfortably; and the ability to navigate throughout office spaces (via elevator or stairs).

Work Environment

GLIDE’s buildings are located in the Tenderloin neighborhood.  GLIDE maintains an "open door" policy to the community and its clients, who frequently enter and leave the building.

This role is covered by the collective bargaining agreement.