Support Specialist - Kensington Campus

Role:Support Specialist Kensington Campus

Reports to: Program Manager

Program:3001 Lancaster Interim Housing

Department: Interim Housing

Location: Kensington Campusnd St West Lancaster CA 93536

Setting: 100 Onsite

Schedule: Saturday Wednesday 3pm 11:30pm

Status:Fulltime/NonExempt/NonManagement

Benefits:Medical Vision Dental Life Insurance 403(b) Retirement plan Employee Assistance Program (EAP) etc.

Openings:1

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 traumainformed 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 dont 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 dont demand respect or infantilize them. You are here to be a part of seeing them on their journeys to living their best lives.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Act as the first pointofcontact 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 wellmaintained and safe including general cleaning duties
• Be visible on the floor at all times and actively engage and welcome clients
• Conduct regular thorough walkthroughs 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 traumainformed 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 clientcentered approach that includes motivational interviewing harm reduction and traumainformed care
• Intervene during crises to actively deescalate situations with client and staff safety in mind using nonviolent 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:

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• 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 act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity
• Familiarity with nonviolent crisis intervention
• Familiarity with issues faced by population served
• Ability to selfmotivate 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

Preferred Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required

Work Environment: