Client Support Specialist (JR 1518) Temporary Until 06/30/2020- With Possibility of Extension

JOB ID: 1518
Full Time (Temporary Until 06/30/2020- with possibility of extension)
Starting $19.25/hr (Base pay)
Position is eligible for a Premium Pay Differential (50% Added to base hourly rate)

What is a Client Support Specialist? The Client Support Specialist is an integral component of Los Angeles County’s emergency response to COVID-19. The Client Support Specialist will work alongside a Program Manager, other Client Support Specialists, Department of Public Health clinical staff, LAPD, LAFD, paramedics, and any other first responders that the county can deploy to support this effort. This position will work onsite at a motel or RV park that has been designated by Los Angeles County to support individuals experiencing health symptoms that may be related to COVID-19 and any existing preexisting or attendance health conditions. The Client Support Specialist will provide case management services for guests experiencing homelessness and have a variety of complex health, functional, and social needs. These individuals are referred through the Los Angeles Department of Public Health and will transported to the site via ambulance. This position will be responsible for delivering food and any needed supplies to the clients utilizing the “Drop, Knock and Walk” approach and will support client needs via telephone. This position will also be responsible for working with assigned medical staff on intake and discharge planning to other social service organizations once an individual is deemed asymptomatic.
 
PATH is a $75M+ non-profit provider of shelter and supportive services for the homeless with locations throughout Southern California, Santa Barbara, and San Jose, primarily serving veterans, families, and the chronically homeless.  Funding comes from government agencies, foundations, and individuals, and we currently have over 100 grants from over 30 funders.  PATH Ventures (PV) is a non-profit developer of permanent supportive housing with projects located throughout Southern California.  PV possesses an ownership interest via limited partnerships in over a dozen residential communities plus several projects in active predevelopment. 

Make a Difference through Action

 The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this assignment but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.  Management may assign or reassign duties and responsibilities to this assignment at any time due to reasonable accommodation or other reasons. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential assignment functions.  

• Collaborate with Department of Health Services to process client intakes. Responsibilities may include: assisting with intake, room assignments, and providing a brief orientation to new clients

 
Make a Difference through Action  

• Contact assigned client’s by phone at minimum 2x/daily to check in on client’s needs and provide essential items
• Log all client interactions and supplies provided
• Coordinate and support client through discharge process
• Provide education and information to clients about COVID-19 and how to manage any unpleasant emotions they are experiencing due to being isolated
• Coordinate with Program Manager to assist with ensuring meal delivery is seamless to clients
• Provide meals to clients utilizing the drop, knock and walk method which ensures there is no direct contact with clients
• Support team of staff with utilizing de-escalation skills if a client becomes escalated
• Responsible for supporting the hotline for appropriate intervention (nursing, mental health, supplies, food, etc.)
• Responsible for discharge planning
• May be required to pick up trash outside room/RV and properly dispose, this would require the staff to wear full PPE and follow guidelines for disposal
• May issue phone if client does not have one
• Collaborate with referring organizations to coordinate clients’ care
• Staff will not provide any medical advice or medical services as part of this position

 
Documentation

• Maintain documentation standards as set forth by PATH policies, including maintaining compliance with HIPAA policies and practices and updating the bed management information
• Complete progress notes on every face to face/ telephone contact with client or collateral contact by the end of each shift
• Complete intake in coordination with client and LA County Departments and within the documentation standards set forth by the program

 
What You Bring

• Maintain and execute confidential information according to HIPAA standards
• Demonstrated knowledge and or experience with case management techniques, including critical time intervention, harm reduction strategies, crisis intervention techniques and motivational interviewing
• Flexible work schedule to include some evenings and/or weekends as needed
• HMIS experience preferred
• Possesses a high level of tolerance and understanding for individuals who present for services with urgent multiple case management and health needs
• Ability to work independently and within a team environment and exercise mature judgment
• Ability to provide community and in-home based services on a regular basis
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• Highly motivated self- starter with the ability to coordinate multiple projects/ tasks simultaneously in a high-pressure environment

 
Mandatory Requirements 

• Employment eligibility verification
  • Reliable transportation
  • Tuberculosis test
  • Successful completion of background screening & drug test
  • Ability to work flexible hours which may include alternative shifts, evenings, holidays or weekends
  • 8 or more years of experience in homeless services or related field
  • Driving is an essential function of this position
    • Must have Valid CA Driver's License
    • Must provide proof of insurance coverage
    • Must be able to qualify for PATH insurance coverage

 
Work Environment
The employee may be in contact with individuals and families in crisis who may be ill, using alcohol and drugs, and who may not be attentive to basic personal hygiene, health and safety practices. The employee may experience a number of unpleasant sensory demands associated with the client’s use of alcohol and drugs, and lack of personal hygiene. The employee must be ready to respond quickly and effectively to many types of situations, including crisis situations and potentially hostile situations. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate in an office setting. Sometimes work may become stressful when working under pressure.
 
Physical Demands
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to stand, sit, walk, stoop, talk, hear, reach above and below shoulders; use hand and finger dexterity, keyboarding and making and receiving telephone calls. The employee may be required on occasion to lift and or carry up to 20 lbs.
 
EEO
PATH (People Assisting The Homeless) provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, PATH complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.

How to apply:
Please visit the Path Career Site to apply online. Search for Job #1518 to submit your application. A resume is required.