Interim Housing Facility Support Specialist bei The Whole Child

LOCATION: Santa Fe Springs

WORK SCHEDULE: Thursday-Monday, 2pm-11pm

SALARY RANGE: $20-$21 per hour

JOB STATUS: Non-Exempt

REPORTS TO: Interim Housing Facility Support Manager

JOB OVERVIEW

The Interim Housing Shelter Support Specialist is responsible for helping maintain a clean, safe, and supportive environment for families residing in the Interim Housing Facility. This role supports the daily operations of the Interim Housing, enforces community guidelines with empathy, and provides hands-on assistance to both parents and children. As a frontline team member, the Interim Housing Support Specialist plays a vital role in creating a trauma-informed space that supports dignity, stability, and recovery.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Monitor the facility to ensure safety, cleanliness, and compliance with Interim Housing rules, with sensitivity to the needs of families and children
• Conduct regular walkthroughs of the support service center and family units
• Assist with participant/family check-ins, curfews, and pantry distribution; help with new participant/family settle in and understand Interim Housing procedures
• Maintain accurate documentation and record/file compliance with program and funding needs
• Maintain program inventory such as supplies, donations, and pantry
• Support Shelter Safety Protocols, including conflict resolution and emergency procedures
• Provide participant/family support with checking in/out additional essential needs such as knives and backing pans
• De-escalate conflicts or behavioral issues in a calm, respectful, and Trauma-informed manner
• Respond to participant/family concerns or minor emergencies, and report safety or maintenance issues promptly
• Help with room turnovers, laundry services (linen services), minor cleaning tasks, and stocking supplies like diapers, hygiene kits, bedding, pantry, or other donations
• Complete incident reports, shift notes, and maintenance request clearly and accurately
• Work closely with case managers, intake coordinators, and other support specialists to maintain a positive, family-centered environment
• Collaborate with facility and maintenance staff
• Complete and submit progress notes within 72 hours utilizing HMIS
• Support participant/family with interim Housing compliance
• Other duties as assigned

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Experience working in Homeless services, crisis response, or similar community-based settings
• Strong communication, organization, and advocacy skills
• Ability to work effectively with diverse populations and under stressful conditions

Preferred

• Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services or related field preferred
• Bilingual in Spanish
• Proficiency in case documentation and basic computer skills
• Knowledge of trauma-informed care, child development, or family system

BENEFITS:

• Full benefits package to all positions after 30 days of employment.
• Employer-paid standard HMO Health, Dental, and Vision plans offered to employees.
• 401k plan with 4% employer match.
• 40 hours of paid sick time annually
• Paid vacation time that accrues to 80 hours annually.
• 14 Paid Holidays annually.
• Bilingual Stipend if applicable.
• $20-$23 per hour starting salary dependent on experience.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

This description is intended to identify the duties, responsibilities, and requirements for the position. It is not intended, nor should it be interpreted, to describe each and every duty an employee assigned may be required to perform.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• On-site at an Interim Housing Facility with possible field visits to housing appointments, social services, and schools
• May require evening or weekend availability based on family needs or emergencies
• May involve occasional lifting (up to 30 pounds)

REASONING ABILITY:

• Ability to apply sound judgment in high-stress situations and respond effectively to crises
• Capable of assessing complex family needs and developing appropriate, individualized service plans
• Strong problem-solving skills help clients address obstacles related to housing, employment, childcare, and more
• Culturally competent with the ability to work sensitively with diverse populations and family structures

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

• Must be able to remain in a stationary position (sitting or standing) for extended periods while conducting intakes, meetings, and documentation
• Frequently moves throughout the Interim Housing facility to meet with families and attend staff meetings
• May need to travel locally to attend appointments, conduct home visits, or meet with service providers; a valid driver’s license and reliable transportation may be required.
• The ability to work in a shared office or shelter environment may be emotionally demanding due to the nature of clients’ situations

The Whole Child is an equal employment opportunity employer and no candidate for employment will be rejected on account of race, color, religion, national origin, age, marital status, or sex. Candidates with physical impairments will be considered so long as it can be reasonably demonstrated that the duties and responsibilities can be effectively performed without hazard to the individual, fellow employees, or clientele.