Client Support Specialist - Homeless Program Services

We are seeking a highly organized and detail-oriented Client Support Specialist (CSS) – Access to Care to play an integral role in supporting the Access to Care program’s mission to provide services to individuals experiencing homelessness while supporting the daily operations of our local interim housing site. The position centers on ensuring the safety, engagement, and well-being of program participants as they transition toward permanent housing. This role requires a trauma-informed and person-centered approach to service delivery, collaboration with case management, and coordination with community resources to provide tailored support to participants.

Safety and Security

• Monitor site premises to ensure a safe and secure environment for participants, staff, and visitors, particularly those with medical or behavioral health needs.

• Enforce program policies, including curfew, visitor policies, and participant conduct guidelines, in accordance with Department of Health Services (DHS) and Health, Faith, and Housing (HFH) standards.

• Respond promptly to emergencies and disturbances, following established safety protocols and documenting incidents appropriately.

• Administer basic first aid and respond to health, safety, or behavioral emergencies as needed.

Participant Support and Engagement

• Assist participants with intake, orientation, and transition into the program, ensuring access to medical, mental health, social services, and housing supports.

• Build rapport and provide ongoing support, addressing immediate needs such as housing, food, clothing, hygiene products, and personal goal attainment.

• Apply trauma-informed practices to all participant interactions to foster trust, respect, and dignity.

• Facilitate referrals to community resources and track participant progress using case management software.

• Respond to referrals received via phone, email, or referral forms, conducting screenings, verifying eligibility, and assisting with move-in or service enrollment processes.

Coordination and Communication

• Collaborate with case managers, social workers, medical personnel, landlords, and community partners to ensure seamless delivery of services and participant transitions.

• Participate in regular team meetings to discuss participant progress, program challenges, workflow improvements, and operational efficiency.

• Serve as a liaison between participants and community service providers to promote continuity of care.

• Conduct outreach to community organizations, shelters, and partner agencies to strengthen referral partnerships and expand program visibility.

Program Operations and Administrative Support

• Maintain accurate records of participant interactions, services provided, and behavioral reports using program approved documentation systems (e.g., HMIS, CHAMP).

• Assist with program data management, including referral logs, client tracking systems, and service outcomes for accurate reporting and compliance with funding requirements.

• Support program logistics, including scheduling client appointments, preparing and scanning documents, coordinating events, orientations, and workshops, and distributing informational materials.

• Support ongoing housing stability efforts by assisting participants with obtaining documentation and completing housing applications.

• Perform other duties as assigned while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism in handling sensitive client and program information.

E-Verify Notice

Whittier Area First Day Coalition participates in E-Verify to confirm employment eligibility. For more information about E-Verify, please see the following resources:

• E-Verify Participation Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.everify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/EVerifyParticipationPoster.pdf)
• E-Verify Right to Work Poster: English & Spanish (https://www.everify.gov/sites/default/files/everify/posters/IER_RightToWorkPoster%20Eng_Es.pdf)

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $24.00 - $25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Do you have friends and/or relatives working for this company? If yes, please list the name(s).

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Preferred)
• Night Shift (Preferred)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person