Support Specialist - The Layover (Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Role: Support Specialist

Reports to: Program Manager

Program: 2301-Project Home Key

Department: Interim Housing

Location: The Layover (Formerly Super 8/LAX) - 9250 Airport Boulevard, Los Angeles, CA 90045

Setting: 100% Onsite

Schedule: Tuesday-Saturday, 7:00am-3:30pm

Status: Full-time/Non-Exempt/Non-Management

Openings: 1

A support specialist will act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, laundry schedule, etc. They will respond to clients’ needs (in a trauma informed care scope) and assist with other tasks given to support the shelter and other staff members. A support specialist’s role is vital to the success and support of the client’s and the shelter itself.

• Act as the first point-of-contact for all immediate client needs and requests such as phone use, linens, water, etc.
• Monitor and oversee the floor including communal areas, patios, bathrooms, dorms and showers, ensuring program guidelines are upheld and that the physical site is well-maintained and safe, including general cleaning duties
• Be visible on the floor at all times and actively engage and welcome clients
• Conduct regular, thorough walk-throughs of the facility
• Create a supportive environment to ensure client progress towards stability
• Attend relevant staff meetings, trainings and retreats as scheduled
• Oversee client cubicle/bed area maintenance in a trauma-informed manner
• Facilitate a client engagement activities, such as groups or other activities
• Complete incident reports, update shift logs, and document in HMIS, as needed and email relevant documents/updates before the end of each shift
• Participate in shift exchange before and after each shift, includes posting a shift report to the team at the end of each shift.
• Develop effective, trusting relationships with clients and use a client-centered approach that includes motivational interviewing, harm reduction, and trauma-informed care
• Intervene during crises to actively de-escalate situations, with client and staff safety in mind, using non-violent communications skills
• Work as part of a team to provide comprehensive, integrated care to individuals experiencing homelessness, mental illness, and substance addiction
• Communicate effectively, and in a timely manner, with management, peers, and clients
• Check and respond to email and Teams correspondence in a timely manner.
• Maintain client confidentiality at all times, while following agency, state, and HIPAA laws
• Keep program refrigerator organized, store food and snacks appropriately upon delivery, serve meals and snacks, sort and organize donations, keep track of and report inventory needs.
• General Cleaning Duties including wiping tables and desk areas, cleaning out staff and client refrigerator, restocking items.
• Other duties as assigned

• High School Diploma or GED or Equivalent
• Possess effective customer service skills and the ability to handle difficult situations
• Ability to work independently and think critically
• Ability to act in a professional manner regardless of circumstances
• Commitment to improving the community through empowerment and dignity
• Familiarity with non-violent crisis intervention
• Familiarity with issues faced by population served
• Ability to self-motivate and to appropriately organize and motivate others
• Computer literate; able to use computerized database system for information management
• Ability to work as a team member
• Able to obtain and maintain Food Handlers, CPR and First Aid certification
• Demonstrate an ability to take initiative towards continued professional development

• Minimum one (1) year experience in related work
• Ability to communicate in a language other than English strongly preferred but not required

• Office environment with occasional field activities with participants and staff.
• Regularly required to sit, stand, bend, and occasionally lift or carry up to 35 pounds.
• May be exposed to elements like cold, heat, dust, noise, and odor
• May need to bend, stoop, twist and sit throughout the day

• Act as a role model
• Demonstrate a sense of…