Drop-In Education and Employment Resource Specialist

Duties and Responsibilities:

• Engage with clients who spend time in the drop-in on Monday through Friday, providing support and assistance as needed.

• Promote and provide linkage to internal PPP services, including testing, wound care, and harm reduction supplies, ensuring participants have access to necessary resources.

• Register new participants and update their information in the city’s Homeless Management Information System (HMIS) to ensure accurate and up-to-date records.

• Collaborate with drop-in case managers and refer higher need clients to case management services.

• Keep accurate and comprehensive documentation of all services provided, referrals and submit paperwork in a timely fashion.

• Respond to crises as needed, including the administration of Narcan when necessary.

• Work in a fast-paced environment and assist as needed with additional operational needs, including drop-in center coverage and other Drop-In Programs.

• Actively participate in supervision, team, and staff meetings.

• Perform other duties as assigned by the supervisor.

• Assess the employment history of participants to understand their work experience and skills.

• Evaluate participants' proficiency in Office 365, Excel, and Word, providing necessary guidance and support.

• Review participants' resumes and offer assistance in updating and enhancing them.

• Connect participants to job opportunities through job fairs and external collaborations.

• Assess participants' educational backgrounds and provide guidance on furthering their education if requested.

• Facilitate connections for participants to free training programs for trade skills such as forklift operation, Certified Peer Specialist, Community Health Worker, and Customer Service, and assist participants in obtaining certifications such as HDI Customer Service Representative, Powered Industrial Trucks Certification (Forklift Operator), ServSafe Food Handler, and others.

• Must have a flexible schedule, including shifts from 8am-4pm, 9am-5pm, and Drop-In evening programming from 5pm-8pm.

• Other duties as assigned 

Qualifications:

• Experience and knowledge of working with individuals experiencing homelessness, substance use, and mental health issues.

• Commitment to a harm reduction philosophy and creating a safe, non-judgmental environment for participants.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite.

• Strong written and verbal communication skills.

• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.

• Discretion and capability to handle sensitive information confidentially.

• Adaptability and ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.

• Bilingual proficiency in English and Spanish, with a deep understanding of the culture and colloquial language, strongly encouraged.

• Willingness to work overnight shifts during winter warming centers on weekends and holidays as needed.