<p>Title: Support Specialist</p> <p>Reports to: Program Director</p> <p>Location: Vagabond Inn, 3101 S Figueroa St, Los Angeles, CA 90007</p> <p>Schedule: Saturday-Monday, 7:00 am - 3:30 pm</p> <p>Status: Part-Time, Non-Exempt (Hourly), Non-Management</p> <p>Summary</p> <p>A support specialist will act as the first point of contact for all immediate client needs and requests, such as phone use, linens, water, laundry schedule, etc. They will respond to clients' needs (in a trauma-informed care scope) and assist with other tasks given to support the shelter and other staff members. A support specialist's role is vital to the success and support of the clients and the shelter itself.</p> <p>Essential Duties and Responsibilities</p> <ul> <li>Act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests, such as phone use, linens, water, etc. </li><li>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 </li><li>Be visible on the floor at all times and actively engage and welcome clients </li><li>Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facility </li><li>Create a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stability </li><li>Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, and retreats as scheduled </li><li>Oversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed manner </li><li>Facilitate client engagement activities, such as groups or other activities </li><li>Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS, as needed, and email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift </li><li>Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients and use a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care </li><li>Intervene during crises to actively de-escalate situations, with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communication skills </li><li>Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction </li><li>Communicate effectively and promptly, with management, peers, and clients </li><li>Maintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws </li><li>Other duties as assigned </li></ul> <p>Qualifications/Requirements:</p> <ul> <li>High school/GED degree </li><li>Minimum one (1) year of experience in related work </li><li>Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations </li><li>Ability to work independently and think critically </li><li>Ability to communicate in a language other than English is strongly preferred, but not required </li><li>Ability to act professionally regardless of circumstances </li><li>Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity </li><li>Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention </li><li>Familiarity with issues faced by the population served </li><li>Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others </li><li>Computer literate; able to use a computerized database system for information management </li><li>Ability to work as a team member </li><li>Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR, and first aid certification </li><li>Demonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development </li></ul> <p>and sit throughout the day.</p> <p>Work Environment</p> <ol> <li> <p>Office environment with occasional field activities with participants and staff.</p> </li><li> <p>Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, and occasionally lift or carry up to 35 pounds.</p> </li><li> <p>May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor.</p> </li><li> <p>May need to bend, stoop, twist,</p> </li></ol>