Care Specialist; Drop-In

Position: Care Specialist (Drop-In)
Position Summary The Care Specialist in the Drop-In plays an essential role in supporting youth and young adults (YYAs) experiencing homelessness by fostering a safe, stable, and supportive environment. This position focuses on supporting the physical and emotional safety of clients by building positive relationships, promoting life skills development, and ensuring adherence to program guidelines. The Care Specialist in drop in provides emotional support to promote stability and well-being.

This position ensures the safety of clients as the first point of contact, assisting with crisis intervention and triage.

This position is for First Shift - 8:30am - 4:30pmDuties and Responsibilities Client Support Assist in day-to-day operations of the Drop-In Center, Outreach department and walk ins.

Foster a welcoming, inclusive, and trauma-informed environment that respects the autonomy and dignity of all YYAs.Provide daily face-to-face crisis intervention and stabilization services; conflict resolution, coping strategies, and emotional regulation according to agency intervention training and the needs of the client.

Offer empathetic listening and guidance to help clients manage stress, anxiety, and behavioral challenges.

Links, promotes, and engages youth to enhance well-being, social connectivity and community connections by supporting daily living activities that affect the youth’s ability to manage their basic needs and adult life demands. Link client to other providers as needed.

Operations and Program Support Maintains order, cleanliness, and daily flow of the Outreach Programs. Monitors use of the general use areas, meeting spaces, gathering spaces, food prep areas, communal computers, and storage areas.

Monitor and maintain communal spaces, including lab, meeting rooms, shower, lockers, and laundry facilities ensuring they remain clean, organized, and conducive to a positive living experience.

Serves as a backup for the Outreach Specialist street team.

Collaboration and Team Coordination Notifies supervisors of potential or real emergencies including criminal activities, high risk behavior, mental health emergencies, health emergencies or other activities that impact safety, security, and public relations, where applicable.

Contribute insights and observations to support case planning and service improvement.

Collaborate with the security guards to ensure that all youth waiting in the lobby for appointments or walk-ins are properly served according to program guidelines.

Safety & Security Functions Monitor facility entry points, common areas, and client spaces to maintain a secure and welcoming environment. Conduct regular walkthroughs and safety checks in accordance with agency policies.

Monitor live security camera footage and respond to observed incidents or safety concerns in real time.

Provide immediate support during emotional or behavioral crises using approved de-escalation techniques and report incidents promptly.

Documentation and Compliance Document shift events in daily log, prepare and maintain accurate records, complete UIR (Unusual Incident report) and other forms that may be required in Care Logic or for PQI as assigned and as required.

Maintain accurate client records in compliance with agency procedures and funder requirements, ensuring all documentation is completed within 72 hours as per agency standards.

Minimum of High School diploma or GED AND five (5) years’ working experience in a social services, education, behavioral health, or similar setting required.

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 required.

A minimum of two (2) years of experience working directly with youth and young adults is required, those experiencing homelessness or housing instability preferred.
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