Housing Support Specialist, Awake Overnight (24-26 hours/week)

Orangewood Foundation•Santa Ana, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Orangewood Foundation, established in 1981, is dedicated to empowering young people facing foster care, homelessness, and trafficking by supporting their future aspirations through one-on-one guidance. The foundation offers programs in Basic Needs & Support, Education, Life Skills & Employment, and Transitional Housing & Support, with a vision of a community where every young person thrives. Orangewood Foundation is recognized as an Equal Opportunity Employer and offers benefits such as Flexible Scheduling, Powerful Teamwork, Personal Fulfillment, Thriving Community, Professional Development, Mental & Physical Wellness, and Competitive Compensation. The organization values Trust, Respect, Empathy, Inclusion, and Advocacy, fostering a positive and supportive workplace culture. The Young Adult Court Program (YAC) is a collaborative initiative involving the University of California-Irvine, Orangewood Foundation, Probation, the District Attorney’s Office, Defense Attorney’s Office, and The Orange County Superior Court. This program aims to reduce recidivism among Transitional Age Young Men (ages 18-25) through engagement, assessment, clinical case management, and resource coordination as part of a research study. The Overnight Housing Support Specialist will provide overnight supervision and support in a transitional recovery home for up to six residents. This role is crucial for maintaining a safe, stable, and supportive environment by addressing resident needs and crises while enforcing house guidelines. The position requires the staff member to be awake for the entire overnight shift and may involve high stress levels due to mitigating participant crises and potential exposure to vicarious trauma, emphasizing the importance of self-care and seeking support.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED required.
Minimum of 1–2 years of experience working with youth, preferably transition-age youth (TAY), in a residential, recovery, behavioral health, or supportive housing setting.
Experience working sensitively with individuals impacted by trauma, using trauma-informed care, harm reduction, and motivational interviewing techniques.
Strong communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills.
Commitment to supporting young adults in their recovery and personal development.
Ability to remain calm and make sound and timely decisions under pressure, particularly when managing youth crises.
Maintain confidentiality and demonstrate ethical decision-making in all aspects of the role.
Ability to think critically and strategically, identifying opportunities and challenges and developing solutions to support youth success.
Understand and passionately support Orangewood Foundation’s mission, vision, and values, ensuring alignment with organizational goals.
Demonstrate strong communication and teamwork skills, adhering to the Foundation's operating principles and fostering a collaborative work environment.
Ensure a welcoming environment that supports and respects all people regardless of race, ethnicity, religion, gender, gender identity or sexual orientation.
Approach projects, activities, and job functions with flexibility and a positive attitude, displaying the essential attitudes required for success in this role.
Model professionalism, setting a standard for staff and program participants.
Effectively manage multiple responsibilities and maintain organization.
Position may require use of personal vehicle.
Physical requirements include standing, sitting, typing, bending and lifting up to approximately 25 lbs. (i.e. tables, chairs, food, water, etc.).
Modification to work schedule may be made based on needs of the Foundation.
Possess a valid California driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance. Position requires DMV clearance.
Pre-employment screenings include criminal background check, FBI/DOJ fingerprinting, TB test, drug screen, and previous employment verification.
A Plum.io assessment is a required part of the application process, and your application will not be considered complete until the assessment is submitted.

Nice To Haves

Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field preferred.
Lived experience or peer support certification is a plus

Responsibilities

Maintain a safe, orderly, and recovery-centered environment throughout the night.
Conduct and document routine wellness checks, when appropriate, to ensure the safety and well-being of all residents.
Perform nightly household tasks to uphold hygiene and cleanliness in shared living spaces.
Provide evening support to residents, including assistance with routines, meal preparation, and daily living skills.
Deliver trauma-informed, strengths-based guidance to help residents adapt to the home and adhere to program expectations.
Support residents in progressing toward recovery goals established in collaboration with their Care Coordinator.
Use calm, clear communication and de-escalation techniques in crisis situations; mediate interpersonal issues among residents when needed.
Collaborate with the Housing Coordinator and Program Supervisor to understand residents' individual needs, histories, and goals.
Accurately complete daily progress notes, special incident reports, and log updates to track resident activity and significant events.
Uphold all YAC program policies and procedures, ensuring consistency and accountability within the home.
Additional duties as assigned by direct supervisor.