Part-Time Support Specialist, Palm Motel (Saturday - Monday, 11:00am - 7:30pm)

Role: Part-Time Support Specialist

Reports to: Program Manager

Program: 1009-Other Interim Housing

Department: Interim Housing

Location: Palm Motel - 2020 14th St. Santa Monica, CA 90405

Setting: 100% Onsite

Schedule: Saturday - Monday, 11:00am - 7:30pm

Status: Part-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Openings: 1

Job Description Summary:

A support specialist will act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, laundry schedule, etc. They will respond to clients’ needs (in a trauma informed care scope) and assist with other tasks given to support the shelter and other staff members. A support specialist’s role is vital to the success and support of the client’s and the shelter itself.

Job Description Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as first point of contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, meals, snacks, laundry, hygiene items etc.
• Monitor and oversee the property including communal areas, patios, client rooms, and offices ensuring program guidelines are upheld and the physical site is well-maintained and safe.
• Be visible at all times and actively engage and welcome clients and guests.
• Conduct regular and thorough walkthroughs of the facility throughout assigned shift. Including completing 2-3 wellness checks per day.
• Create a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stability.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as assigned by superiors.
• Oversee client room and bed area maintenance in a trauma informed manner. Helping clients to keep their room clean and free of clutter and prohibited items.
• Facilitate and document a client engagement activity, such as groups, game nights or other activities once a week.
• Complete incident reports, update shift logs, enter case notes in HMIS, and email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift.
• Participate in shift exchange before and after each shift, includes posting a shift report to the team at the end of each shift.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients and use a client centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma informed care.
• Intervene during crisis to actively de-escalate situations with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communication skills.
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness and substance addiction.
• Communicate effectively and in a timely manner with management, peers, and clients.
• Check and respond to email and Teams correspondence in a timely manner.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA Laws.
• Keep program refrigerator organized, store food and snacks appropriately upon delivery, serve meals and snacks, sort and organize donations, keep track of and report inventory needs.
• General Cleaning Duties including wiping tables and desk areas, cleaning out staff and client refrigerator, restocking items.
• Other duties as assigned

Job Description Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to work independently and think critically
• Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
• Familiarity with issues faced by population served
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management
• Ability to work as a team member
• Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and first aid certification
• Demonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development and sit throughout the day.

Job Description Preferred Qualifications:

• Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required

Job Description Work Environment: