Safety & Resident Ambassador

About Cardea Health:  

Cardea Health is a non-profit organization dedicated to providing compassionate health care to marginalized populations. Our mission is to create and support programs that protect the health and autonomy of vulnerable individuals and promote equity and social justice to improve the well-being of our entire community. We provide medical support to populations that experience homelessness.  

At Cardea, we are dedicated to creating a workplace that celebrates diversity and actively seeks to include underrepresented communities. We believe that diversity drives innovation and fosters a more dynamic, inclusive, and productive work environment. We actively encourage individuals from underrepresented backgrounds to apply for our open positions. We value your unique perspectives, experiences, and talents, and we are committed to providing equitable opportunities for growth and advancement. Join us in building a team that reflects the rich diversity of our society and let's make a positive impact together. 

Primary Work Location: Timmy's Home 

Timmy’s Home is one of several Cardea Health transitional housing programs for medically complex and behaviorally vulnerable unhoused individuals. Cardea Health’s transitional housing programs work with a variety of different referring partners across Alameda County. Our transitional housing programs provide supportive services including onsite nurse and caregiver supports, transportation to medical appointments, meals, housing support linkage, and more.  

Schedule: Varied shifts, weekend availability is required for some positions

Job Summary:   

We are seeking professional, punctual, and responsible individuals to work as part of a multidisciplinary team at a medically supported shelter program serving people experiencing homelessness who are recovering from recent hospitalization, injury, or illness. As Security and Shelter Operators, you will play a crucial role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for our residents. You will be responsible for ensuring the safety and cleanliness of the premises, controlling access to the building, conducting security checks, responding to emergencies, performing room and floor inspections, and assisting with general facility upkeep. Security and Shelter Operators are expected to work closely with shelter nurses and housing staff to facilitate quality and timely care of shelter residents. This position requires the ability and desire to work with a diverse group of individuals in a respectful and professional manner. 

Responsibilities: 

Hospitality and Professionalism 

• Be the welcoming faces of Cardea’s transitional housing site(s). Support the operations and maintenance of a clean, welcoming, safe workplace 

• Employ the principles of hospitality, customer service, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care with residents, visitors, colleagues, and partner agencies

Security and Safety 

• Manage the safe, authorized entry and exit of all access points to the facility’s campus and building(s)

• Manage the sign in/sign out logs, visitor log, laundry log, cleaning supplies log, weapons log, and any other operations-related tracking systems at the building entrance

• Conduct regular patrols and monitor surveillance systems to ensure the safety of residents, staff, and visitors  

• Wand and check for weapons and contraband during entry procedures 

• Safely remove weapons from rooms if needed

• Immediately report weapons and other safety concerns to site leadership 

• Use trauma-informed approaches, de-escalation, and building rapport to prevent potential conflicts and improve ability to safely resolve conflicts 

Emergency Response 

• Respond promptly to emergency situations such as medical emergencies, fires, or security incidents  

• Direct residents, staff and visitors to respond to emergencies as safely as possible 

Facility Maintenance 

• Assist with cleaning duties, including sanitizing common areas, restrooms, and resident rooms. Perform laundry services as needed to maintain cleanliness standards 

• Notify site management immediately of any urgent facilities issues

Inspections and Reporting 

• Conduct routine inspections of rooms, common areas, and outdoor spaces to identify maintenance issues or safety hazards. Report findings and assist in implementing corrective actions

• Communication and Collaboration 

• Work closely with onsite nurses, caregivers, and administrative staff to support the overall wellbeing and comfort of residents. Provide assistance during resident activities or events as required

• Assist with resident communication regarding important activities, rules, and information

Who You Are

• A calm, empathetic, and skilled professional who thrives in high-pressure environments

• Experienced in de-escalation techniques and confident managing challenging situations with patience and professionalism

• Committed to treating every person with dignity and respect, particularly individuals experiencing homelessness or other vulnerabilities

• Strong customer service orientation—you can create safe, welcoming environments while balancing rules, safety, and compassion

• Comfortable working in dynamic, sometimes unpredictable settings, and able to adapt quickly to changing circumstances

• Collaborative and team-oriented, able to work closely with other staff to ensure smooth operations of shelters or supportive housing programs

• Passionate about social impact and motivated by helping others maintain safety, stability, and well-being

Minimum Required Skills & Qualifications:  

• Be 18 years of age or older 

• Professional experience working with people who are unhoused, medically frail, and have complex mental health needs

• Offer of employment is contingent on successful completion of relevant background checks  

• Be CPR Certified, or willing to do so 

• Good communication skills including the ability to speak, write, and read English. Bilingual English/Spanish desirable 

Physical Requirements:  

• Frequent sitting and standing 

• Occasionally lifting up to 50 pounds 

Work Environment:  

• Onsite 

Benefits:  

• Excellent Benefits Package (Health, Dental, Vision, Life & 401K) 

Cardea Health is an Equal Opportunity Employer 

Cardea Health is committed to diversity in the workplace. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or gender expression, genetic information, marital status, national origin, disability, citizenship or veteran status. We will consider qualified candidates with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of the state of California and San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance. 

This job description is not designed to contain a comprehensive list of activities, duties, or responsibilities for this role. Activities, duties, or responsibilities may change, or a new job description may be assigned at any time with or without notice. 

Salary : $26