Support Specialist - The Layover (Saturday-Tuesday, 4pm-11:30pm)

The People Concern • Los Angeles, CA

22h • $20 - $25 • Onsite

About The Position

The Support Specialist is the first point of contact for clients’ immediate needs and requests at The Layover, an interim housing program. The role responds to client needs using a trauma-informed, client-centered approach and supports the shelter and its staff. The Support Specialist helps maintain a safe, welcoming, and well-kept facility, encourages client progress toward stability, and works with a team serving people experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.

This is a part-time, non-exempt, hourly, non-management position scheduled Saturday through Tuesday, 4:00 p.m. to 11:30 p.m. The position is based at The Layover in Los Angeles, California, and reports to the Program Manager.

Requirements

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
• 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 and 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.

Nice To Haves

• At least one year of experience in related work.

Responsibilities

• Act as the first point of contact for clients’ immediate needs and requests, such as phone use, linens, and water.
• Monitor communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms, and showers; uphold program guidelines; and help keep the site safe and well-maintained, including general cleaning.
• Remain visible on the floor, engage with and welcome clients, and conduct regular, thorough facility walk-throughs.
• Create a supportive environment that promotes clients’ 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.
• Participate in shift exchanges before and after shifts, including posting a shift report to the team at the end of each shift.
• Develop trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care.
• Intervene during crises to de-escalate situations while considering client and staff safety and using non-violent communication skills.
• Work as part of a team to provide integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.
• Communicate effectively and promptly with management, peers, and clients; check and respond to email and Teams correspondence in a timely manner.
• Maintain client confidentiality in accordance with agency, state, and HIPAA requirements.
• Organize the program refrigerator, store delivered food and snacks appropriately, serve meals and snacks, sort and organize donations, and track and report inventory needs.
• Perform general cleaning, including wiping tables and desk areas, cleaning staff and client refrigerators, and restocking items.
• Perform other duties as assigned.
• Demonstrate expected staff behaviors: act as a role model, take responsibility, continue learning and improving, acknowledge areas for improvement, give and receive honest and specific feedback, foster a welcoming and respectful environment, and collaborate.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision benefits.
• Retirement planning (403(b)) and matching.
• Paid holidays.
• Paid vacation days.
• Paid sick days.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Voluntary pet insurance.
• Corporate discounts on hotels, theme parks, concerts, movies, restaurants, and more.
• Access to The People Concern University and certificates.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED