Support Specialist - Kensington Campus (Tuesday - Saturday, 10:30am - 7:00pm)

About the role

The People Concern empowers the most vulnerable to rebuild their lives. As one of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, we provide a fully integrated system of care — outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills & wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing — tailored to the unique needs of homeless individuals, survivors of domestic violence, challenged youth, and others who have nowhere else to turn. Our shelters create restorative living environments where clients can thrive while preparing for permanent housing. We prioritize Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, practice trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and the housing first model, and share “power with” clients rather than recreating punitive systems of control.

We value initiative, critical thinking, tenacity, respect, and empathy. You’ll be expected to be active your whole shift, solve problems, get the job done despite barriers, evaluate your own bias, and see clients as people on their journey to living their best lives.

Reports to: Program Manager | Program: 3001-Lancaster Interim Housing | Department: Interim Housing | Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt, Non-Management | Openings: 1

Schedule & location

Setting: 100% Onsite | Schedule: Tuesday – Saturday, 10:30 am – 7:00 pm | Location: Kensington Campus, 45244 32nd St West, Lancaster, CA 93536

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests (phone use, linens, water, laundry schedule, etc.)
• Monitor and oversee the floor including communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms, and showers; ensure program guidelines are upheld and 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
• Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs 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 trauma-informed manner
• Facilitate client engagement activities such as groups or other activities
• Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS as needed; email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using 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 communication 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, following agency, state, and HIPAA laws
• Other duties as assigned

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED or equivalent
• Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
• Effective customer service skills and ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to work independently and think critically
• Ability to act professionally regardless of circumstances
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
• Familiarity with issues faced by the population served
• Ability to self-motivate and appropriately organize and motivate others
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database systems for information management
• 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 at times loud environments
• Exposure to elements such as cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor
• May need to bend, stoop, twist, and sit throughout the day
• Ability to work with Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH)

Expected behaviors

• Act as a role model
• Demonstrate a sense of responsibility
• Continuously learn and improve
• Acknowledge your own areas of improvement
• Hear and provide honest, specific, and direct feedback
• Create an environment where everyone is welcomed, valued, and respected
• Collaborate

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement Planning (403b) & Matching
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
• TELUS Health
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Basic Life / Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Corporate Discounts: Hotels, Theme Parks, Concerts, Movies, Restaurants & More
• The People Concern University & Certificates

About the organization

The People Concern was formed in 2016 through a merger of OPCC and Lamp Community, two trusted social service organizations based in Los Angeles County. Informed by more than fifty-eight years of community work, The People Concern is a leading provider of, and advocate for, evidence-based solutions to the multi-faceted challenges inherent in homelessness and domestic violence. With compassion and profound respect for those we serve, we provide a fully integrated system of care — outreach, interim housing, mental and medical health care, substance abuse services, domestic violence services, life skills & wellness programs, and permanent supportive housing — tailored to the unique needs of homeless individuals, survivors of domestic violence, challenged youth, and others who have nowhere else to turn. Our model of integrated and comprehensive care empowers participants to navigate obstacles, become their best selves, and ultimately connect with and contribute to their communities.