Support Specialist

Position: Support Specialist
Department: Interim Housing
Reports to: Program Manager
Location: Kensington Campus, 45244 32nd St West, Lancaster, CA 93536
Schedule: Friday - Tuesday 7am-3:30pm
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (hourly), Non-Management
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement planning (403b), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Summary

Welcome to The People Concern! We are glad that you have an interest in joining our team!

What you should know about us!
Here at The People Concern, we pride ourselves on:
* Being courageous leaders, taking action where others sit back!
* Caring for others, where we treat every person in an empathetic and respectful way!
* Upholding our integrity, because we are trustworthy, always doing what is right even when no one else is looking!
* Working as an effective team, where we are always collaborating and supporting each other while pursuing excellence in our work!

Within our shelters, specifically, you should know that what sets us apart is:
* We create restorative living environments, where clients can thrive while preparing for permanent housing.
* We prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion among our clients and seek to always create a safe space through cultural competency and humility.
* We seek not to recreate punitive systems of control or "power over," but rather share "power with" the clients, who are the experts in their own lives.
* We believe deeply in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and the housing first model and expect our teams to always uphold these principles.

What we expect and value in our people:
* Initiative: You like to work and be active your whole shift. You find things to keep you busy that benefit the clients and the program at all times. You make suggestions and pick up tasks to help the community.
* Critical thinking/problem solving: You should be able to encounter a problem, gather information, and formulate a solution. You will be supported by your team, but your thoughts will be valued!
* Tenacity: Simply put, you get the job done. You don't let barriers stop you and you problem solve to find solutions.
* Respect towards others: You are constantly evaluating and assessing yourself for bias and contributing to a Diversity & Inclusion work space.
* Empathy: You see the clients as people. You don't demand respect or infantilize them. You are here to be a part of seeing them on their journeys to living their best lives.

We love where we work and we are honored to do it. If this sounds like something you want in on and can contribute to, please review the formal qualifications and duties below:

Essential Duties and Responsibilities
* Act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, etc.
* Monitor and oversee the floor including communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms and showers, ensuring program guidelines are upheld and that the physical site is well-maintained and safe, including general cleaning duties
* Be visible on the floor at all times and actively engage and welcome clients
* Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facility
* Create a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stability
* Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings and retreats as scheduled
* Oversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed manner
* Facilitate a client engagement activities, such as groups or other activities
* Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS, as needed and email relevant documents/updates before 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 crises to actively de-escalate situations, with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communications 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
* Maintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws
* Other duties as assigned

Qualifications/Requirements:
* High school/GED degree
* Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
* Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations
* Ability to work independently and think critically
* Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required
* 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

Work Environment:
* Ability to lift 10 pounds
* Ability to work in all types of weather environments
* Ability to work with Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH)