Support Specialist, Kensington Campus (Saturday-Wednesday 3pm-11:30 pm)
About the role
Welcome to The People Concern! We are glad that you have an interest in joining our team!
Here at The People Concern, we pride ourselves on:
- Courageous leaders, taking action where others sit back.
- Caring for others, treating every person in an empathetic and respectful way.
- Upholding our integrity, being trustworthy and doing what is right even when no one else is looking.
- Effective teamwork, collaborating and supporting each other while pursuing excellence in our work.
Within our shelters, specifically, you should know that what sets us apart is:
- Create restorative living environments where clients can thrive while preparing for permanent housing.
- Prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion among our clients and create a safe space through cultural competency and humility.
- Share “power with” the clients, who are the experts in their own lives.
- Believe deeply in trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and the housing first model and expect our teams to always uphold these principles.
- 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
- Absorb and apply new knowledge and skills
- 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
- Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
- Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management
- Able to work as a team member
- Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and first aid certification
- Demonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development
- Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required
- Ability to lift 10 pounds
- Ability to work in all types of weather environments
- Ability to work with Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH)
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.
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.