Problem Solving Specialist

• Job Title: Problem Solving Specialist
• Reports To: Access Center Program Manager
• Schedule: Monday-Thursday (11:00 AM - 7:30 PM) and Friday (9:30 AM - 6:00 PM)
• Location: Venice, CA
• Status: Full-Time, 40 hrs/wk, Non-Exempt
• Cell Phone: Reimbursement for use
• Driver Position: Yes (if yes, please reference driving policy)
• Salary Range: $24.00-$25.00/hr

• Utilize culturally-relevant active listening and motivational interviewing skills with participants to identify possible supports in their network that can assist them with temporary or permanent housing outside of the Youth Coordinated Entry System (YCES)
• Deliver both field- and place-based supportive services, as appropriate, to participants
• Acquire resources and make successful referrals, including follow-up to ensure the participant successfully accesses and initially retains housing
• Identify safety or health issues that may need to be considered during identification of housing
• Provide mediation between households and property owners/family/friends to assist in resolving housing crisis
• Partner with legal service providers to resolve housing crises
• Negotiate terms of agreements between participants and host as appropriate (e.g. actively seek employment, attend to medical/mental health/substance abuse issues, complete household chores weekly, etc.)
• Ensure services are documented (e.g. face to face, phone and collateral contacts) in all relevant databases in a timely and thorough manner
• Assist in budgeting with participants, and determine what level of minimal assistance is necessary to be successfully housed or have housing crisis resolved
• Facilitate access to YCES for participants, as appropriate, including the completion of the Initial Triage and Initial Assessment phases of system access and assessment
• For participants gaining entry into CES, provide a warm handoff to sustained case management services where possible, or provide initial case management for up to 60 days upon the participant gaining CES access
• Attend trainings and participate in regular technical assistance such as learning collaboratives
• Other duties as assigned to support the mission of the organization

• Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field is preferred, but not required.
• 1-2 years of experience in case management, counseling or related experience is required.
• 2+ years experience providing direct services to high-risk youth including counseling and advocacy is required.
• 1+ years’ experience working in a drop-in center, access center, or access point is preferred.
• Knowledge and experience working with co-occurring populations (chronic health conditions, mental health and substance abuse) is preferred.
• Cultural Humility and Responsiveness.
• Best practice models including:
  Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Critical Time Intervention preferred
• Self-Starter skill set, requiring the ability to develop relationships, build rapport and trust with members, community partners, volunteers, and staff.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including organizational, detail and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to uphold Access Center policy and procedure with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners
• Ability to work effectively with people of diverse races, ethnicities, sexual orientations, and gender identities in a multicultural environment.
• Works cooperatively with individuals, groups and organizations with diverse mission, composition, function, capacity and geographic location.
• Understanding of homeless services including CES and HMIS database.
• Strong understanding of LA County foster care and juvenile justice systems, including foster care placement options, participant rights and eligibility, and discharge planning processes preferred.
• Strong belief in growth mindset, self-determination, and psychological resilience.
• Must have valid CA Driver’s License, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record

• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer.
• Changes in the environment, such as the office or outdoors.
• Physical effort/lifting, such as sedentary- up to 15-20 pounds at times.

Mandated Reporting Requirements: The person holding this position is considered a ‘mandated reporter’ under the California Child Abuse and Neglect Reporting Act and is required to comply with the requirements set forth in CSU Executive Order 1083 Revised July 21, 2017 as a condition of employment.

COVID-19 Vaccination Requirements: Effective August 9, 2021, the State Health Officer has mandated that all workers, paid or unpaid, in homeless services organizations must provide proof of vaccination. If eligible for a booster shot, proof of booster is also required. If not fully vaccinated, weekly COVID-19 testing is necessary depending on the program. Please submit proof of vaccination to…