Problem Solving Specialist

Job Location:

123 10th Street
- San Francisco, CA 94103

Position Type:
Full Time

Salary Range: $28.36 - $30.17 Hourly

Job Category:
Nonprofit
- Social Services

At Episcopal Community Services (ECS), employees work with participants who may be experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, substance use challenges, and other difficult life circumstances. While this work is meaningful and mission-driven, it can at times be stressful, demanding, or unpredictable. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, remain aware of their surroundings, follow established safety, communication, and de-escalation procedures, participate in all required trainings, and promptly report incidents, threats, injuries, or unsafe conditions, in accordance with ECS policies and procedures.

This position is a fully onsite, client-facing role that requires in-person interaction and direct service delivery to participants at ECS program locations. Due to the essential nature of the duties and the need for consistent in-person engagement with clients, remote work or work-from-home arrangements are not available for this position.

• To remove barriers to access, the Problem Solving Specialist team will serve single adults experiencing homelessness throughout San Francisco including, for example, streets, county jail, or shelters. Problem Solving Specialists primarily operate out of ECS Access Points, but may also spend a majority of their day in the field providing services for people experiencing homelessness who cannot travel to an Access Point.
• As a result of ECS continuing to collaborate with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and other external stakeholders in launching this project, this job description may change both prior to hire, and after, as we continue to implement the best approach and services.
• Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools, prioritization and referral protocols integrated into the ONE system.
• Using a collaborative, client-centric, trauma-informed approach, services techniques (such as mediation), and short-term assistance, support single adults in avoiding entry to shelter or the experience of street homelessness by identifying creative solutions to exiting homelessness.
• Analyze information, problems, situations, and practices/procedures in order to define any barriers to a Problem Solving resolution.
• Engage participants in problem solving dialogue to assess for additional resources available within the participants own network.
• Recognizing each service seekers unique situation, support individuals to look for creative solutions that can be quickly implemented.
• Provide crisis intervention assistance as needed.
• Based on the information collected during the assessment process and using the ONE System and ECS protocol, make authorized, prioritized referrals into housing programs and ECS Housing Navigation services.
• Conduct immediate and longer-term follow up to ascertain the effectiveness of Problem Solving activities.
• Track and report progress and services for each client receiving Problem Solving assistance and the project as a whole.
• Keep accurate records and charts, enter required data in ONE System.
• Provide professional, accessible and culturally relevant support, advocacy and information to program participants.
• Work within and promote the integrated services team model in an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery and wellness.
• Serve as liaison to community-based and governmental service partners as requested.
• Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
• Engage effectively and constructively with the Manager of Problem Solving Services to make program refinements in the best interests of service users
• Participate in ensuring confidentiality of participant information as legally required.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

• Masters or Bachelors Degree in psychology, counseling social work, or related field a plus OR at least 3 years experience closely related to the job description.
• Substantial or demonstrated knowledge/experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations.
• A strong knowledge of issues confronted by and sensitivity to adults with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring-diagnoses.
• Demonstrated respect for, experience with, and willingness to work with a diverse client population.
• Deep knowledge and understanding of the resources available to homeless and low-income residents of San Francisco.
• Exceptional verbal and written communication.
• Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
• Professional and discreet demeanor with good interpersonal skills. Ability to handle confidential information and use of tact, respect,…