Overnight Support Specialist - Kensington Campus (Thursday - Monday, 11:00pm - 7:30am)

The People Concern•Lancaster, CA

3d•Onsite

About The Position

The Overnight Support Specialist works at The People Concern’s Kensington Campus in the Interim Housing program. This is a full-time, non-exempt, non-management role reporting to the Overnight Program Manager. The position is 100% onsite and scheduled Thursday through Monday, 11:00 p.m. to 7:30 a.m. The specialist is a visible, active presence on the floor and provides immediate support to clients while helping maintain a safe, clean, and welcoming shelter environment. The role uses client-centered, trauma-informed, harm-reduction, and housing-first approaches to support people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction. Staff are expected to communicate respectfully, work collaboratively, exercise initiative and sound judgment, and contribute to clients’ progress toward stability. The work environment may be busy and loud, with possible exposure to cold, heat, dust, noise, and odors. The role involves sitting, standing, bending, and occasionally lifting or carrying up to 35 pounds. Benefits listed include medical, vision, dental, life insurance, a 403(b) retirement plan, and an Employee Assistance Program.

Requirements

High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
At least one year of experience in related work.
Effective customer service skills and ability to handle difficult situations.
Ability to work independently and think critically.
Ability to act professionally regardless of circumstances.
Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity.
Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention.
Familiarity with issues faced by the population served.
Ability to self-motivate and appropriately organize and motivate others.
Computer literacy, including ability to use a computerized database system for information management.
Ability to work as a team member.
Ability to obtain and maintain Food Handler, CPR, and First Aid certifications.
Ability to take initiative toward continued professional development.
Ability to work with persons experiencing homelessness.
Ability to sit, stand, and bend regularly, and occasionally lift or carry up to 35 pounds.

Nice To Haves

Ability to communicate in a language other than English is strongly preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

Serve as the first point of contact for immediate client needs and requests, such as phone use, linens, and water.
Monitor communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms, and showers; ensure program guidelines are followed and the site remains safe and well maintained, including performing general cleaning duties.
Remain visible on the floor, actively engage with clients, and welcome them.
Conduct regular, thorough facility walk-throughs.
Help create a supportive environment that promotes client progress toward stability.
Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings, and retreats as scheduled.
Oversee maintenance of client cubicle and bed areas in a trauma-informed manner.
Facilitate client engagement activities, such as groups or other activities.
Complete incident reports, update shift logs, document in HMIS as needed, and email relevant documents and updates before the end of each shift.
Develop effective, trusting client relationships using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
Intervene in crises and actively de-escalate situations with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communication skills.
Collaborate with the team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.
Communicate effectively and promptly with management, peers, and clients.
Maintain client confidentiality and comply with agency, state, and HIPAA requirements.
Perform other duties as assigned.