Overnight Community Support Specialist - Oakland Shelter

Community Support Specialist

Overnight Shelters

Job Classification: Shift: 10p-6a OR 11p-7a $19.00 p/hr

Non-Exempt

Position Overview

The CSS works under the direction of the Program Manager to provide case management and supportive services to the participants of the shelter location. The goal of the program is to assist participants in obtaining stable housing outside of the shelter. CSS also provides case management and assistance gaining needed services, such as referrals to programs, assisting in applying for benefits/income, and accessing other resources which assist them in living in permanent housing and ending their episode of homelessness. The case manager works independently towards these goals; however, they are expected to consult with the Program Manager as needed. Other duties include, but are not limited to: community building, consistent case noting, continued file upkeep, attendance and participation at staff meetings, assistance to the larger shelter programs of CHS, and performance of other administrative, financial, and programmatic duties pursuant to program guidelines and regulations. CHS uses the Housing First and Harm Reduction service delivery models, assisting clients with housing as the immediate need without abstaining from any harmful behavior prior to being housed.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct routine check-ins at shelter sites throughout the night to ensure safety and security of program participants.

• Sign in at each site upon arrival to document presence and confirm that all required checks and safety protocols have been completed.

• Support the programming in CHS Shelters by working directly with participants enrolled in shelter.

• Empower individuals served in shelter by developing a non-judgmental, empathetic relationship focused on obtaining housing and reaching participant goals.

• Develop a professional and supportive relationship with participants of the program while maintaining and modeling appropriate boundaries.

• Support harm reduction, trauma-informed care, person-centered, and housing first principles.

• Follow communication protocol and address complaints, behavioral problems, etc. promptly.

• Address medical and psychiatric emergencies, including but not limited to 302 procedures, crisis management, de-escalation strategies, and other emergencies with clients as needed in a calm and respectful manner.

• Complete required written documentation in a timely manner. This includes incident reports, progress notes, and other case record forms .

• Understand and be responsible for performing all duties in accordance with the agency and program policies and procedures. Identify appropriate procedures for various situations.

• Maintain the physical site by assisting consumers or performing household duties and report any needed house-related repairs. Assist in cleaning the staff office and common spaces as needed. Ensure health and safety standards are met and maintained.

• Assist with organization and distribution of shelter supplies to program participants.

• Attend necessary trainings and professional development sessions to enhance agency-wide knowledge. Attend a minimum of 15 hours per calendar year of training.

• Complete all job duties in accordance with the mission and values of CHS.

  Knowledge Skills and Abilities

  Through a combination of experience and education, the Community Support Specialist for Shelters will have:

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

• Exceptional customer service communication.

• Cultural competence, being able to work effectively with all backgrounds.

• Experience and ability to de-escalate mental and behavioral health crisis situations

• Strong organizational, phone and computer skills.

• A working knowledge of the social service system through life or job-related experience.

• A willingness to work both independently and collaboratively.

• Strong ability to navigate the Internet to familiarize and access various resources.

• Ability to work and travel independently.

• A high school diploma or equivalent, along with a combination of work, education, and life experiences as approved by the agency and funder. Act 34 Criminal, Act 33 Child Abuse, and FBI Criminal clearances are required.

  Position Physical Demands

  The Community Support Specialist will be called upon to engage in physical activity related to general office work, including the capacity to lift up to 15lbs and stand or sit for extended periods. Also, the ability to walk up and down steps and physical activity related to cooking, cleaning, and general household maintenance.

  *This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. It is not an employment contract. Our company reserves the right to modify job duties or job descriptions at any time.

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