Support Services Specialist

Harlem United Community AIDS Center Inc•New York, NY

10d•Onsite

About The Position

The Support Services Specialist is responsible for providing guidance and assistance for clients and volunteers of Harlem United’s Drop-In Program shower services in the Integrated Harm Reduction department. They will oversee the flow of people through the shower area, engage with shower guests, and report on the daily operations to the Program Director, Support Services. The Support Services Specialist works closely with staff of the department to ensure clients are engaged through the lens of harm reduction and with a trauma-informed approach. Currently, this position operates out of our Drop-In Center in Harlem, as well as providing shower services at a community partner location in Ridgewood, Queens one day per week. Locations in the future may adjust with program changes.

Requirements

This position requires a high school diploma and two years’ experience in services for individuals experiencing unstable housing or with people who use drugs. Candidate should be familiar with housing services, substance use services, and social services agencies within New York City.
Excellent interpersonal skills, including clear communication with clients and colleagues
Effectiveness in prioritizing tasks, delegating them where appropriate
Able to provide culturally competent services and demonstrate respect for the community to be served by our program, including people who use drugs, people experiencing unstable housing or homelessness, and LGBTQIA+ individuals
Knowledge of and respect for the harm reduction model and its principals
Must be able to lift up to 40 pounds
Must be able to bend, scrub, mop, etc., for extended periods

Nice To Haves

Valid New York State driver’s license preferred.
Bilingual English/Spanish a plus

Responsibilities

Set up shower area and welcome area at the beginning of service and break down at the end of the day.
Ensure cleanliness of shower area and other areas used by the program prior to program start, throughout the day, and at the close of service delivery.
Ensure shower stalls are prepared and sanitized before each shower guest.
Maintain and track inventory of essential service items, such as cleaning products and equipment.
Work with drop-in staff to ensure clients are signed in according to distribute toiletries and clothing items, etc.
Explain procedures and expectations of shower program to clients, ensuring that they are following established guidelines and using shower area safely.
Engage with clients receiving services, assisting them with referrals to additional services as needed.
Work with other staff in following safety and de-escalation protocols in working with clients.
Track shower services and client engagement using data tracking process created by Program Director, ensure documentation is up to date and accurate.
Enter service delivery details into online client tracking systems and/or funder databases as required by program.
Assist Program Director with overall program reporting to ensure compliance with funder and executive management requirements.
Orient new volunteers, explain procedures, model appropriate interaction with guests.
Oversee assigned peers and volunteers, providing support and direction to ensure that they are guided by program policies and procedures.
Attend data driven and clinical supervision, as well as departmental, divisional and staff meetings.
Participate in internal and external trainings as assigned by manager and clinical director, as well as required by Human Resources.
Other duties as assigned.