Support Specialist, Safety & Engagement

The People Concern • Santa Monica, CA

108d

About The Position

As a Safety and Engagement Specialist, you will play a key role in our mission to provide compassionate, restorative care to individuals facing homelessness, mental health challenges, and substance addiction. You will be the first point of contact for clients, fostering a welcoming environment that supports their progress. Using evidence-based approaches like harm reduction, housing-first, and trauma-informed care, you'll engage with clients, ensure adherence to program guidelines, and maintain a safe, well-kept facility. Your responsibilities will include conducting regular site walk-throughs, implementing crisis interventions when needed, keeping accurate documentation, and collaborating with our team to deliver holistic care.

Requirements

• Minimum high school diploma/GED.
• Comfortable, able, and willing to drive the agency van.
• Current, valid California Driver’s License with an acceptable driving record, necessary to drive agency van.
• Demonstrate effective customer service skills by being able to handle difficult situations and act professionally regardless of circumstances.
• Minimum of one (1) year experience in a responsible security/customer service position.
• Able to lift to 50 lbs. to move items as needed.
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention.
• Familiarity with Harm Reduction and Trauma Informed Care Practices.
• Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others.
• Able to multitask, handling multiple tasks and a high-volume of client requests.
• Demonstrated knowledge of issues faced by population served (homelessness, mental illness, substance abuse, medical issues, domestic violence, etc.).
• Able to work in a high tolerance Harm Reduction model with members who have multiple barriers.
• Experience working in a community-based setting and as part of a team.
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management.
• Ability to work as a team member.

Nice To Haves

• Bilingual (Spanish)

Responsibilities

• Provide excellent customer service by engaging and welcoming all participants.
• Provide accurate information regarding available Access Center and SHWASHLOCK (shower, washers & lockers) services and hours of operation.
• Collaborate with management, staff and security in maintaining order and smooth flow of services throughout the day.
• Provide Crisis Intervention using Non-violent Crisis Intervention techniques to disruptive participants.
• Monitor and oversee the Access Center Lobby, courtyard, west side patio, bathrooms and showers to ensure compliance with program policies and procedures.
• Conduct perimeter walkthroughs.
• Provide and promote resources to participants that are available in the community and surrounding areas as well as directions and transportation assistance as needed.
• Document all incidents including those involving SMPD, fire department and paramedics and submit incident reports.
• Monitor and oversee the delivery of donations of food and clothing for the Access Center; and provide donation receipts to donors.
• Perform the weekly pickup of food items from the food bank Tuesday’s at 7am, when needed.
• Assist with the daily operation of the facility as needed, including general cleaning duties; cleaning and sweeping front of Access Center and perimeter.
• Communicate with the supervisor daily to report all issues, concerns, suggestions, and successes.
• Attend all staff meetings, safety team meetings, agency meetings, training and retreats as scheduled.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• Medical Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Retirement Planning (403b) & Matching
• Paid Holidays
• Paid Vacation Days
• Paid Sick Days
• Employee Assistance Plans (EAP)
• TELUS Health
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Basic Life / Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D)
• Voluntary Short- and Long-Term Disability
• Voluntary Pet Insurance
• Discounts on Hotels, Theme Parks, Concerts, Movies, Restaurants & More
• The People Concern University & Certificates
• Corporate Discounts

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED
• Number of Employees: 251-500 employees