Intake and Service Specialist

Hope The Mission•Los Angeles, CA

2d•$0 - $23•Onsite

About The Position

For many people experiencing homelessness, the Navigation Center is the first place they have felt welcomed in a long time. How someone is greeted, whether they feel safe, and whether they leave with what they need — all of that sets the tone for everything that follows. The Intake and Service Specialist owns that moment. Reporting to the Program Manager, the Intake and Service Specialist is the first point of contact for people coming in for services at the Navigation Center. This role conducts intake through LA's HMIS and Coordinated Entry System (CES). It connects participants to on-site services and links them to the right resources — from crisis housing and mental health support to hygiene services and housing referrals. This is a busy, open-access environment. It requires both accuracy and genuine care. Documentation and contract compliance are non-negotiable. So is the ability to meet people where they are — calmly, consistently, and without judgment — during some of the hardest moments of their lives. This is direct service. The quality of it matters.

Requirements

Ability to work on-site at the Navigation Center; this is not a remote or hybrid role.
Ability to lift up to 25 lbs. and perform the physical demands described in the job description.
Consistent and dependable attendance; ability to show up reliably for every scheduled shift.
Compliance with HIPAA standards and all HTM company policies.
Legal authorization to work in the United States.
High school diploma or GED required
Minimum 1 year of experience in direct service, social services, or a front-facing role in a community-based or social service setting.
Trauma-informed engagement; ability to greet and interact with participants experiencing crisis calmly, respectfully, and without judgment.
Active listening and problem-solving in high-stress, high-volume situations.
Accurate and timely documentation in HMIS and participant files in compliance with Navigation Center SRS requirements.
Knowledge of or ability to learn CES triage tools, Clarity Cards, and coordinated entry processes.
Warm handoff and referral coordination across crisis housing, mental health, domestic violence, human trafficking, and other community services.
Site coordination and communication with hygiene attendants, bin runners, security, and program staff.
Ability to respond quickly and appropriately to emergency situations, including crisis intervention and calling 911 when necessary.
Ability to multitask and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Proficiency in basic computer skills; ability to use desktop or laptop systems and office equipment.
Background Screening – Employment is contingent upon the successful completion of background checks as required per worksite.
Drug and Alcohol Testing – Candidates must pass pre-employment and ongoing drug and alcohol screenings in accordance with company policy.
Motor Vehicle Record (MVR) Check – For roles requiring driving, employment is contingent upon an acceptable driving record.
Legal Eligibility to Work – Candidates must provide proof of legal authorization to work in the US.
Compliance with Company Policies and HIPAA standards – All employees must comply with company policies, including safety, confidentiality, and conduct standards.

Nice To Haves

Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
Familiarity with HMIS, CES, or similar data systems preferred.
Experience working with people experiencing homelessness, mental health challenges, or substance use preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.

Responsibilities

Greet all participants upon arrival with professionalism, kindness, and dignity
Serve as the primary point of contact for individuals accessing Navigation Center services in person, by phone, and via email
Answer multiple phone lines, take messages, and direct calls appropriately
Maintain and administer participant records in HMIS, ensuring accuracy and completeness
Ensure confidentiality and secure storage of all participant files in compliance with agency standards
Maintain documentation in compliance with Navigation Center Scope of Required Services (SRS) requirements
Conduct initial intake and screening; administer CES triage tools as required
Facilitate access to the Coordinated Entry System and identify all services that may benefit each participant
Schedule intake appointments and coordinate next-step housing interventions
Identify and implement solutions that remove barriers to accessing alternative housing options including crisis housing, bridge housing, and shared housing
Ensure all new participants receive a Clarity Card; track service access for existing participants
Engage participants in trauma-informed, active listening and problem-solving conversations
Provide emergency referrals and warm handoffs to crisis housing, drop-in centers, domestic violence services, human trafficking support, sexual assault services, and mental health resources as appropriate
Coordinate and oversee participant access to on-site amenities including hygiene and storage services
Liaise with hygiene attendants and bin runners to ensure coordinated service delivery and smooth warm handoffs
Collaborate with all on-site staff and security to maintain a safe environment for participants, staff, volunteers, and visitors
Respond to emergency situations, including calling 911 when necessary
Support coordinated site flow and participant movement across services and program areas
Identify and report unsafe situations, processes, or conditions to supervisors promptly
Support audit preparation and data retrieval activities as needed
Participate in staff meetings, case conferences, trainings, and community meetings as required
Adhere to all departmental guidelines regarding attendance and absence reporting procedures
Perform other duties as assigned