Support Specialist, SWASHLOCK

Role: Support Specialist, Swashlock  
Reports to: Program Manager, Access Center
Program:  Swashlock
Location: Annenberg Access Center- 503 Olympic Blvd., Santa Monica, CA 90401
Status: Full-Time, Non-Exempt (hourly), Non-Management
Schedule: Sunday -Thursday: (Sunday: 7:30am-12noon), (Monday, Tuesday & Thursday 7:30am- 5pm) (Wednesday: 7:30am-4:30pm)
Benefits: Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement Planning (403b), Employee Assistance Program (EAP), etc.

SUMMARY

Using evidence-based practices such as harm reduction, housing first, and trauma-informed care, the Swashlock Support Specialist will act as the first point of contact for immediate client needs for all Shower, laundry and locker services. The Swashlock Support Specialist ensures that the program flow of services is implemented and follows the program protocol and procedures for services.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES
Under the supervision of the Program Manager, the Swashlock Monitor will:
- Ensure clients understand the program components and welcome clients.
- Provide accurate information regarding Access Center & SWASHLOCK services and service
hours
- Sign up participants daily for showers, laundry and lockers ensuring information is confidential.
- Assist with printing sign in sheets for showers, lockers and laundry services
- Provide daily sign-up sheets to The Swashlock Coordinator or Supervisor for the proper
recording of the daily stats. On occasion assist with data entry of the Swashlock stats.
- Keep SWASHLOCK showers, bathrooms and laundry area clean during hours of operation;
empty trash as needed
-  Ensure all towels are washed, dried and folded neatly on the towel rack in a timely matter
- Assist with locker intakes, discharges and clearing locker as needed.
- Keep locker area orderly and ensure clients keep lockers clean and free from prohibited items.
- Responsible for distribution of towels, toiletries, essential items and clothing if needed; assist
with restocking hygiene items.
- Report all incidents and any repair needs to the Swashlock Coordinator and supervisor
- Engage clients into the case management process by effectively building trust and credibility;
screening requests, and directing clients appropriately.
- Assist staff in maintaining order and a smooth flow of services throughout the day
- Develop rapport/assist weekend feeding groups/Collaborators and volunteers
- Monitor and oversee client bathrooms, showers, and Laundry services area to ensure
compliance with program policies and procedures
- Assist in maintaining the Swashlock office; ensuring a clean, organized and clutter free work
space
- Provide crisis intervention using Trauma Informed Care and non violent crisis intervention
techniques.
- Communicate with the supervisor on a daily basis to report issues, concerns, suggestions and
successes
- Assist with daily operation of facility as needed, including general cleaning duties
- Document all Program related issues, concerns appropriately and in a timely matter
- Attend all staff meetings, team meetings, trainings and retreats as scheduled
- Other Duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS

- Minimum high school diploma/GED
- Demonstrates effective customer service skills by being able to handle difficult situations and
act professionally regardless of circumstances
- Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
- Familiarity with Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care Practices
- Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
- Able to multi task: handling multiple tasks and high volume client requests. Demonstrated
knowledge of issues faced by population served (homelessness, mental illness, substance
abuse, medical issues, domestic violence, etc.)
- Able to work in a high tolerance Harm Reduction model with members who have multiple
barriers
- Experience working in a community-based setting and as part of a team
- Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
1 year of experience in a setting where your skills are displayed assisting clients in a vulnerable demographic.

WORK ENVIRONMENT
- Combination of field and office environment
- Regularly required to sit, stand, bend; occasionally lift or carry up to 35 lbs.
- On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
- Will necessitate working in busy and loud environments
- Will be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor- May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day