Support Specialist - Kensington Campus (Saturday-Wednesday 3pm-11:30 pm)

The Support Specialist role is based at the Kensington Campus in Lancaster, CA, operating 100% onsite.

About the Program

The Lancaster Interim Housing program creates restorative living environments where clients can thrive while preparing for permanent housing. The program prioritizes Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, cultural competency, and humility, ensuring a safe space for all. It operates under trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and the housing-first model, avoiding punitive systems and instead sharing "power with" clients, who are considered experts in their own lives.

What We Value

• Initiative: Actively engage throughout your shift, suggest improvements, and take on tasks that benefit clients and the program.
• Critical Thinking/Problem Solving: Gather information and formulate solutions to challenges, with your input valued by the team.
• Tenacity: Overcome barriers and problem-solve to get the job done.
• Respect: Continuously assess personal biases and contribute to a diverse and inclusive workspace.
• Empathy: Treat clients as individuals, avoiding infantilization or demands for respect, and support them on their journeys.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point-of-contact for immediate client needs (e.g., phone use, linens, water).
• Monitor and oversee communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms, and showers to ensure program guidelines are upheld and the facility is well-maintained and safe, including general cleaning duties.
• Remain visible and actively engage with clients on the floor.
• Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facility.
• Create a supportive environment to help clients progress toward stability.
• Attend staff meetings, trainings, and retreats as scheduled.
• Oversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed manner.
• Facilitate client engagement activities, such as groups or other programs.
• Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS as needed; email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift.
• Develop trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach, including motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Intervene during crises to de-escalate situations using non-violent communication skills, prioritizing client and staff safety.
• 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 in accordance with agency, state, and HIPAA laws.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED (or equivalent).
• Minimum one (1) year of experience in related work.
• Effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations.
• Ability to work independently and think critically.
• Professionalism regardless of circumstances.
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity.
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention.
• Understanding of issues faced by the population served.
• Self-motivation and the ability to organize and motivate others.
• Computer literacy, including the ability to use a computerized database system.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR, and First Aid certification.
• Demonstrated ability to take initiative toward continued professional development.

Preferred Qualifications

• Ability to communicate in a language other than English.

Work Environment

• Ability to lift 10 pounds.
• Work in busy and occasionally loud environments.
• Exposure to elements such as cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor.
• May require bending, stooping, twisting, and sitting throughout the day.
• Work with Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH).

Expected Behaviors

• Act as a role model.
• Demonstrate responsibility and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.
• Acknowledge areas for personal growth.
• Provide and receive honest, specific, and direct feedback.
• Foster an environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected.
• Collaborate effectively with others.

About The People Concern

The People Concern empowers the most vulnerable to rebuild their lives. Formed in 2016 through the merger of OPCC and Lamp Community, it is one of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies. The organization provides a fully integrated system of care, including outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills and wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing. The People Concern’s model is tailored to the unique needs of homeless individuals, survivors of domestic violence, challenged youth, and others in need, helping them navigate obstacles, become their best selves, and contribute to their communities.

Benefits

• Medical, vision, and dental insurance.
• Retirement planning (403b) with employer matching.
• Paid holidays, vacation days, and sick days.
• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP).
• TELUS Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
• Basic Life/Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) insurance.
• Voluntary short- and long-term disability insurance.
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Corporate discounts on hotels, theme parks, concerts, movies, restaurants, and more.
• Access to The People Concern University and certificate programs.

Schedule

Tuesday - Saturday, 3:00 PM - 11:30 PM.