Support Specialist

Title: Support Specialist

Department: Interim Housing

Reports to: Assistant Director/Program Manager/Lead Client Attendant

Supervises: N/A 

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday 3:00pm-11:30pm

Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt 

Benefits: Medical/Dental/Vision, Retirement Planning (403b), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

Welcome to The People Concern! We are glad that you have an interest in joining our team!

Summary

As a Support Specialist at our shelter, you will be an essential part of our mission to provide supportive and restorative care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction. You will act as the first point of contact for client needs, oversee facility maintenance, and create a welcoming environment that fosters client progress. Your role involves engaging with clients, conducting facility walk-throughs, facilitating activities, and ensuring safety through crisis intervention. You will also maintain accurate documentation and work collaboratively with a dedicated team to offer comprehensive care.

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
• 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 life skills 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

Qualifications/Requirements:

• High school/GED degree
• Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
• Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to work independently and think critically
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required
• Ability to 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
  
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
  
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management
  
• Ability to work as a team member
  
• Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and first aid certification
  
• Demonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development

Work Environment

• Ability to lift 10 pounds
• Ability to work in all types of weather environments
• Ability to work with Persons Experiencing Homelessness (PEH)