Client Services Specialist - Domestic Violence Shelter, Lotus

Responsibilities

• Learn and integrate a trauma-informed, client-centered approach, using an anti-oppressive lens, into your work with clients.
• Identify when a client is experiencing trauma reactions and help client stabilize;
• Conduct emergency shelter intakes for site vacancies and vacancies at sister sites as part of the Central Intake team;
• Audit immediate safety needs and develop a risk management plan during intake of shelter placement calls;
• Use neutral and non-judgmental language when responding to the needs and requests of clients;
• Provide crisis intervention including mediation and de-escalation skills to diffuse situations between residents’ family members and/or roommates;
• Participate in trainings to improve client centered practice skills and knowledge about self-care and vicarious trauma and its impact;
• Plan, implement and/or research self-care and other social activities for clients and their children;
• Actively participate in donor tours and help with special client events and holiday parties;
• Conduct regular health and safety facility checks;
• Understand and follow emergency procedures, including fire procedures;
• Sort and organize donations of food, clothing, or items/projects as assigned;
• Distribute supplies to clients in accordance with established guidelines and/or emergency requests from clients;
• Determine clients’ immediate needs during the orientation process and provide referrals for basic needs;
• Provide referrals for clients following their initial Case Management session;
• Assist with basic office tasks such as archiving, filing , collating, update lists or as assigned;
• Enter activity log information, shift notes and Case Management System (CMS), in a timely fashion and accurate manner;
• Provide starter kits, assisting with bed utilization by helping with apartment preparation and cleaning; moving clients’ belongings as assigned;
• Provide childcare as requested by clients or staff in accordance with written policies;
• Provide client accompaniment to important appointments when requested;
• Assist with admission and discharge of clients. This may include, providing childcare, assisting with client belongings if facility staff is unavailable and other tasks assigned by management.
• Complete discharge paperwork which includes completing discharge checklist with clients, and all related discharge procedures;
• Comply and adhere to funders’ fire and health safety mandates by obtaining and maintaining Fire Department of New York (FDNY) and Red Cross certifications as indicated by shelter leadership.

Qualifications/Certification Requirements

• A High School Diploma/GED and two years relevant experience.
• Basic computer skills necessary.
• Candidate must have or obtain the following certifications within 3 months of employment:
• At Emergency Shelters, obtain the F07-Fire and Emergency Drill Conductor and S95-Supervision of Fire Alarm Systems.
• At Transitional Shelters, obtain F80- Coordinator of Fire Safety and Alarm Systems in Homeless Shelters, Pediatric CPR/ First Aid Certification, and Security Guard License.

Safe Horizon is committed to providing a reasonable accommodation to ensure individuals with disabilities can meet any physical demand requirement(s) of the position, or otherwise perform the corresponding task(s), where possible.

Technology Statement

• Applicants may be responsible for providing the equipment and tools they need to work remotely as required, such as access to a computer, internet service, and phone service.

Benefits

• Vacation Time,
• Paid Sick Time,
• Holidays,
• Medical,
• Dental,
• Vision,
• 403(b) Retirement Plan,
• Company Life Insurance,
• Medical/Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts,
• Tuition Assistance Program,
• Commuter Benefits Program,
• Gym Reimbursement,
• Parental Leave,
• Employee Learning Center