Intake Specialist

About the role

Volunteers of America Los Angeles (VOALA) is a non‑profit human services organization committed to serving people in need, strengthening families, and building communities. VOALA provides a variety of social services to Los Angeles area communities such as Head Start programs, Upward Bound college prep programs, veterans’ services, homeless shelters, low‑income housing programs, and drug and alcohol rehabilitation.

The Intake Specialist is the initial contact with potential clients seeking supportive services. This position is responsible for intake processes including intake assessments, roster reporting, bed management, and potential exit reporting while remaining in compliance with ethical standards of care, including HIPAA, and supporting clinical efforts through use of motivational interviewing, de‑escalation, and crisis intervention techniques.

Pay

$17.76 – $18.69 per hour

Benefits

VOALA offers competitive medical, dental, vision, and retirement benefits.

Responsibilities

• Complete intake and assessments on all new participants
• Monitor status of bed availability
• Greet clients, guests, and visitors; assign clients to a case manager and direct them to appropriate support staff
• Assist clients with obtaining case management, benefits, Worksource services, and other shelter services; assist with necessary paperwork
• Maintain records of incoming clients in logs and the HMIS system, preserving client file confidentiality
• Assist clients with clothing needs; distribute meals and meal tickets
• Prepare and generate daily reports; analyze data and prepare special reports as needed
• Conduct intake and refer clients to appropriate staff
• Assist case management efforts
• Perform data entry and report generation
• Assist clients with dressing for job seeking and meal distribution
• Perform other duties as required (subject to change at any time)

Requirements

• Must pass a fingerprint clearance, background check (including criminal history), personal references, employment and education verifications
• High School Diploma or GED
• One year experience as an Intake Worker or in related social services work

Preferred Qualifications

• Associate’s Degree in a social services related discipline
• Experience serving the homeless or providing services to veterans
• U.S. Armed Forces veteran
• Familiarity with HMIS