Senior Program Specialist - Shelter Specialist (Third Shift)

Community Services and Employment Training, Inc.

9d•Onsite

About The Position

The Senior Program Specialist helps maintain daily operations at the Visalia Navigation Center (VNC), a low-barrier, 24/7 shelter serving individuals experiencing homelessness. This position supports a trauma-informed, person-centered, and Housing First approach, ensuring the shelter environment remains safe, respectful, and supportive. Under the guidance of the Senior Program Coordinator, the Senior Program Specialist provides on-the-floor support to shelter staff and participants, promotes consistent service delivery, and assists with coordination tasks to help ensure smooth daily operations. This is a non-supervisory role, focused on direct participant and program support.

Requirements

Strong understanding of low-barrier shelter models, Housing First, and trauma-informed care
Experience working with individuals experiencing homelessness or similar marginalized populations
Ability to remain calm, empathetic, and solution-focused in high-pressure situations
Comfort with engaging individuals with mental health, substance use, or behavioral health needs
Basic knowledge of shelter protocols, safety procedures, and incident response
Effective communication skills (written and verbal)
Competency using Microsoft Office and participant data systems (e.g., HMIS)
Ability to support staff and participants while maintaining appropriate boundaries
Flexible, reliable, and team-oriented

Responsibilities

Help maintain a welcoming, respectful, and safe environment for all participants
Promote trauma-informed, Housing First, and harm reduction principles in all interactions
Respond to participant needs, questions, or concerns with empathy and professionalism
Assist with crisis prevention and de-escalation as needed
Conduct walkthroughs to monitor safety, cleanliness, and policy adherence
Help ensure the shelter remains low-barrier and accessible to individuals with complex needs
Provide on-the-floor support to shelter staff (e.g., intake staff, case managers, monitors)
Participate in shift check-ins and debriefs to support communication and consistency
Offer informal coaching and modeling of best practices during routine interactions
Collaborate with the Senior Program Coordinator to identify participant or operational needs
Support communication between shifts by entering clear and timely shift notes
Review entries in HMIS or participant logs for completeness and accuracy
Help ensure proper documentation of incidents, service delivery, and participant progress
Assist in coordinating participant-related activities and services (e.g., meal delivery, appointments)
Complete basic administrative tasks such as tracking services and preparing reports
Participate in training, meetings, or community events as requested
Provide occasional shift coverage during staff shortages, as assigned
Maintain ethical boundaries and uphold participant confidentiality at all times
Perform other duties as assigned by the Senior Program Coordinator