PT - Care Support Specialist; Shelter 2nd shift - weekends

Job Summary

The Care Support Specialist is responsible for providing day‑to‑day support to youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness in a residential setting. Duties include fostering a trauma‑informed environment, facilitating life‑skills development, group sessions, offering crisis intervention, and maintaining documentation and safety protocols.

• Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma‑informed residential environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs.
• Support YYAs in navigating daily living activities, reinforcing positive habits in hygiene, housekeeping, time management, and meal preparation.
• Assist in life‑skills development and positive connections by facilitating and encouraging engagement in enrichment activities, social skill building, and problem solving.
• Provide daily face‑to‑face crisis intervention and stabilization services, including conflict resolution, coping strategies, and emotional regulation according to agency training and client needs.
• Offer empathetic listening and guidance to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.

• Lead structured groups focused on coping skills, emotional regulation, and life skills.
• Coordinate with the team and participate in client engagement and resident activities (e.g., groups, chores); assist clients with daily living activities while maintaining a therapeutic environment.
• Monitor and maintain communal spaces, ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience.
• Assist in preparing units for move‑ins and move‑outs, ensuring units are safe, clean, and welcoming.
• Support YYAs in tracking their weekly schedules, reinforcing accountability for work, school, and program participation.
• Conduct rounds and unit inspections, reinforcing program guidelines while maintaining a supportive and non‑punitive environment.

• Work closely with case managers and other team members to coordinate services and align each client’s individualized goals.
• Collaborate with clinical team members to ensure continuity of care and adherence to treatment goals.
• Participate in shift handovers, providing insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement.
• Communicate with the security team and follow safety protocols to maintain a secure residential environment for all YYAs.

• Monitor facility entry points, common areas, and client spaces to maintain a secure environment.
• Monitor live security camera footage and respond to incidents or safety concerns in real time.
• Perform bag checks and personal item searches upon client and visitor entry, ensuring adherence to prohibited item policies.
• Provide immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises using approved de‑escalation techniques and report incidents promptly.

• Assist in processing intakes and terminations for youth entering and exiting the shelter.
• Document shift events in daily logs, prepare and maintain accurate records, and complete UIR (Unusual Incident Report) and other required forms.
• Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours.
• Ensure proper communication between shifts, other staff, and on‑call personnel by phone or email when necessary.

• Minimum of a high school diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting.
• OR associate’s degree in social work, psychology, criminal justice, or related field AND two (2) years of experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting.
• A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults, especially those experiencing homelessness or housing instability.