Safety and Engagement Specialist

Los Angeles, CA, USA Santa Monica, CA 90401, USA Santa Monica, CA, USA Req #11051 Friday, April 26, 2024

Title : Safety and Engagement Specialist

Department : Interim Housing

Project : Samoshel

Reports to : Senior Program Manager / Program Manager

Supervises : N / A

Schedule : Thursday-Monday (11 : 00pm-7 : 30am)

Status : Full-time, Non-Exempt

Benefits : Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan

SUMMARY :

The Safety and Engagement Officers role is to aid in de-escalation :

• Search client belonging entering the shelter.
• Work in collaboration with other interim housing staff to maintain smooth operation of the sites, which may include assisting with linen exchange, basic administrative duties or other duties as assigned.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities :

• Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care.
• Proactively create a supportive environment to ensure clients’ progress towards permanent supportive housing and psycho-social rehabilitation.
• Facilitate client group(s) in order to contribute to the creation of a therapeutic and supportive environment.
• Oversee clients’ dorms and enforce guidelines in a trauma-informed manner.
• Work in collaboration with other interim housing staff to maintain smooth operation of the sites, which may include assisting with linen exchange, basic administrative duties or other duties as assigned.
• Provide meals to clients.
• Search client belonging entering the shelter.
• Provide orientation to the facilities to new clients as needed.
• Must be pro-active and think critically to address various matters related to client care and to the maintenance of a clean and therapeutic atmosphere.
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, collaborators, and clients.
• Always maintain client confidentiality, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws.

Staff Development :

• Attend necessary trainings to ensure contract compliance, agency standards and professional development.
• Participate in the Bi-monthly team meeting.
• Participate in a monthly performance evaluation.
• Participate in ongoing self-evaluation.

Facility and Safety :

• Ensure a clean and safe facility by doing facility walk-throughs and report repair needs.
• Participate in periodic safety drills for staff and clients (fire, earthquake etc).
• Deescalate crisis situations in a trauma-informed manner.

Compliance, Policies and Contracts :

• Must create Incident Reports, update shift logs, complete required records, and email relevant documents before the end of each shift.
• Enter case notes for relevant interactions, using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as needed
• Communicate all important incidents and draft incident reports when necessary.
• Follow agency policies, program guidelines and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
• Able to multi task : handling multiple tasks and high volume client request
• 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
• Ability to work as a team member
• Minimum of 1 year in social services preferred.
• Familiarity with Interim Housing or congregate living facilities strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) strongly preferred.
• Punctuality required.
• Possess effective customer service skills even during complex situations.
• Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, mental illness, chronic health issues, and substance use required.
• Able to cultivate respectful and appropriate relationships with clients of diverse backgrounds.
• Non-violent crisis-intervention and / or de-escalation skills, strongly preferred.
• A strong understanding of Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction and Housing First principles.
• Ability to exercise and model good judgment, especially in crisis situations.
• Ability to work independently and think critically.
• Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances.
• Ability to work as a team member.
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity.
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others.
• Strong written and oral communication skills required.
• Strong multi-tasking skills
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required

WORK ENVIRONMENT :

• Primarily indoor office environment
• On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds
• May Necessitate working in busy and loud environment
• May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
• May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day

RESPONSIBILITIES COMMON TO ALL AGENCY EMPLOYEES

• Maintain a safe work environment and confidentiality at all times
• Be proactive, creative, and flexible in determining, evaluating, researching, and resolving issues
• Organize and prioritize multiple activities to meet all external and internal deadlines
• Maintain a professional demeanor that reflects positively on the agency
• Demonstrate respect and courtesy toward others
• Able to thrive in a work environment emphasizing teamwork and collaboration
• Ability to prioritize different tasks with minimal supervision
• Perform other duties as assigned

Equal Opportunity Employer

The People Concern is an equal opportunity employer dedicated to non-discrimination in employment. We select the most qualified individual for the job based on job-related qualifications regardless of race, color, age, sex, religion, national origin, disability, ancestry, marital status, credit history, sexual orientation, arrest and court record, genetic information, veteran status or any other status protected by federal, state or other applicable laws.

About the People Concern

The People Concern empowers the most vulnerable among us to rebuild their lives. One of Los Angeles County’s largest social services agencies, The People Concern was formed in 2016 in a merger of two trusted social service organizations based in Los Angeles County, OPCC and Lamp Community.

Informed by more than fifty-eight years of work in the community, 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 including 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.

The People Concern’s model of integrated and comprehensive care empowers our participants to navigate the multi-faceted obstacles in their lives, become their best selves, and ultimately, connect with and contribute to their communities.

Benefits & Perks

• 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
• Discounts on Hotels, Theme Parks, Concerts, Movies, Restaurants & More
• The People Concern University & Certificates
• Corporate Discounts

Other details

• Pay Type Hourly
• Min Hiring Rate $
• Max Hiring Rate $
• Travel Required Yes
• Required Education High School
• Job Start Date Monday, May 6, 2024

Last updated : 2024-04-30