Safe Place for Youth · 5 months ago
Problem Solving Specialist
Los Angeles, CA, US
Full-time
Onsite
Entry, Mid Level
$24/hr - $24/hr
2+ years expSafe Place for Youth (SPY) is the leading service provider for youth experiencing or at-risk of homelessness in West Los Angeles. The Problem Solving Specialist will provide crisis response services to support youth in identifying and accessing alternative housing resources, utilizing active listening and motivational interviewing skills to facilitate successful outcomes.
AssociationHealth Care
Responsibilities
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
Qualification
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
Cultural Humility and Responsiveness
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
Must have valid CA Driver's License, proof of insurance, and a clean driving record
Preferred
Bachelor's Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Sociology or related field is preferred, but not 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
Best practice models including: Housing First, Positive Youth Development, Authentic Youth Engagement, Motivational Interviewing, Harm Reduction, Trauma-Informed Care, Critical Time Intervention preferred
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
Benefits
Comprehensive health coverage
403b with agency contribution
Vacation/sick time
Weekly meditation/mindfulness
Professional development opportunities that are tailored to your individual career growth
Company
Safe Place for Youth
SPY's mission is to empower young people experiencing homelessness to thrive by providing lasting, community-driven solutions
51-200 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Growth StageLeadership Team
Erika Hartman
Chief Executive Officer
Company data provided by crunchbase