Safety and Engagement Specialist

Title: Safety and Engagement Specialist
Department: Interim Housing
Project: Samoshel
Reports to: Senior Program Manager/Program Manager
Supervises: N/A
Schedule: Thursday-Monday (11:00pm-7:30am)
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt
Benefits: Medical, Vision, Dental, Life Insurance, 403(b) Retirement plan

SUMMARY:

The Safety and Engagement Officers role is to aid in de-escalation:

* Search client belonging entering the shelter.

* Work in collaboration with other interim housing staff to maintain smooth operation of the sites, which may include assisting with linen exchange, basic administrative duties or other duties as assigned.

* Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

* Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to provide support to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction.

* Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients using a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction and Trauma Informed care.

* Proactively create a supportive environment to ensure clients' progress towards permanent supportive housing and psycho-social rehabilitation.

* Facilitate client group(s) in order to contribute to the creation of a therapeutic and supportive environment.

* Oversee clients' dorms and enforce guidelines in a trauma-informed manner.

* Work in collaboration with other interim housing staff to maintain smooth operation of the sites, which may include assisting with linen exchange, basic administrative duties or other duties as assigned.

* Provide meals to clients.

* Search client belonging entering the shelter.

* Provide orientation to the facilities to new clients as needed.

* Must be pro-active and think critically to address various matters related to client care and to the maintenance of a clean and therapeutic atmosphere.

* Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, collaborators, and clients.

* Always maintain client confidentiality, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws.

Staff Development:

* Attend necessary trainings to ensure contract compliance, agency standards and professional development.

* Participate in the Bi-monthly team meeting.

* Participate in a monthly performance evaluation.

* Participate in ongoing self-evaluation.

Facility and Safety:

* Ensure a clean and safe facility by doing facility walk-throughs and report repair needs.

* Participate in periodic safety drills for staff and clients (fire, earthquake etc).

* Deescalate crisis situations in a trauma-informed manner.

Compliance, Policies and Contracts:

* Must create Incident Reports, update shift logs, complete required records, and email relevant documents before the end of each shift.

* Enter case notes for relevant interactions, using the Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) as needed

* Communicate all important incidents and draft incident reports when necessary.

* Follow agency policies, program guidelines and procedures.

* Other duties as assigned.


QUALIFICATIONS:

* Able to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
* Able to multi task: handling multiple tasks and high volume client request
* 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

* High school diploma or GED strongly preferred.

* Minimum of 1 year in social services preferred.

* Familiarity with Interim Housing or congregate living facilities strongly preferred.

* Familiarity with Clarity Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) strongly preferred.

* Punctuality required.

* Possess effective customer service skills even during complex situations.

* Knowledge of issues related to homelessness, mental illness, chronic health issues, and substance use required.

* Able to cultivate respectful and appropriate relationships with clients of diverse backgrounds.

* Non-violent crisis-intervention and/or de-escalation skills, strongly preferred.

* A strong understanding of Trauma Informed Care, Harm Reduction and Housing First principles.

* Ability to exercise and model good judgment, especially in crisis situations.

* Ability to work independently and think critically.

* Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances.

* Ability to work as a team member.

* Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity.

* Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others.

* Strong written and oral communication skills required.

* Strong multi-tasking skills

* Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, Outlook) required


WORK ENVIRONMENT:

* Primarily indoor office environment
* On occasion walk or drive to different local sites
* Regularly required to sit, stand, bend and occasionally lift or carry up to 50 pounds
* May Necessitate working in busy and loud environment
* May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise and odor
* May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day