Safety Ambassador / Mental Health Youth Advocate

SAFE PLACE FOR YOUTH • Los Angeles, CA

3h • $22 • Onsite

About The Position

The Safety Ambassador is part of Mental Health Advocates team under a Department of Mental Health Initiative to increase connection of the community to mental health support. The Safety Ambassador will serve as a lead in addressing security, safety, crisis intervention/ de-escalation, and ensuring that dysregulated youth are being linked to the appropriate intervention to ensure their safety and the safety of the community. These interventions may include risk assessments, safety plans, referrals to SPY's mental health programs, referrals to outside providers, and when appropriate, facilitating exits from the premises.

Requirements

• Experience working as a security guard/ safety ambassador required
• Guard card certification or ability to complete guard card certification required.
• 1-2 years of experience in social services or related fields is preferred.
• 1+ years experience working with high-risk youth or the unhoused community preferred.
• Individuals with knowledge of or mental health lived experience are encouraged to apply
• A commitment to and a passion for the mission, vision, values, and culture of SPY
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment that requires attention to detail and effective collaboration with a variety of organizations and individuals
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Cultural responsiveness and humility
• Ability to work and communicate respectfully within a context of varying beliefs, behaviors, orientations, identities, and cultural backgrounds
• Experience using technology; social media, database systems, Google Suite
• Ability to work some evenings and weekends (some local travel required)

Responsibilities

• Establish authentic, positive, and supportive relationships with members and provide/welcome feedback.
• Conduct thorough daily screenings of individuals entering the program to evaluate their mental health status and needs.
• Serve as the point person for on-site crisis intervention, utilizing de-escalation techniques, risk assessments, and evaluating their ability to safely engage in programing.
• Coordinate and facilitate safe exits from the property for individuals experiencing crises, ensuring a supportive and respectful process.
• Conduct checks for weapons and unwanted substances in accordance with site safety guidelines.
• Promote and coach peers to engage in mental health support and develop mental health management plans and goals.
• Provide support and guidance to clients as they enter, ensuring their comfort and addressing any immediate concerns.
• Work with staff and community personnel to maintain a safe environment for all program participants.
• Work closely with program staff, including clinicians, case managers, and staff personnel, to ensure a seamless and coordinated approach to client support
• Act as a liaison on behalf of community members to follow-up with health management/care plans and providers.
• Promote COVID-19 awareness; provide community education on prevention, transmission and testing; encourage testing and clinical care for symptoms.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization.
• Assist youth in understanding care plans, language, and instructions.
• Facilitate community members’ access to mental health related services, including but not limited to: information and instruction on appropriate use of resources, overcoming barriers to obtaining needed care and social services.
• Promote and coach self-love and care by supporting community members to engage in their mental health and develop management plans and goals.
• Document activities, service plans, and results in an effective manner while strictly adhering to policy and procedure.
• Attend internal and external meetings; including the Dept of Mental Health.
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the program and organization.

Benefits

• Safe Place for Youth offers a competitive benefit package including comprehensive health coverage, 403b with agency contribution, and vacation/sick time.
• We also offer unique perks including weekly meditation/mindfulness and professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed
• Number of Employees: 51-100 employees