Social Services Assistant - Crew Leader (Temporary/Part-time)

DEFINITION 
Under general supervision, oversees activities related to UPLIFT Programming; assists our community’s homeless population and exhibits dedication to the mission and vision of the Community Access Project for Eureka (CAPE) and UPLIFT Eureka; performs a variety of administrative functions in support of assigned programs and performs related work as required.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED AND EXERCISED 
Receives direct supervision from assigned supervisory or management CAPE and UPLIFT personnel.

CLASS CHARACTERISTICS 
This is a temporary part-time class in the CAPE & UPLIFT Divisions responsible for assisting in program coordination, administrative, and/or day-to-day operational responsibilities. Specific responsibilities may vary, depending upon the site, programs or projects to which assigned. This classification is distinguished from Social Services Coordinator in that the latter has greater responsibility in either program development and coordination and/or administrative functions.EXAMPLES OF ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS(Illustrative Only) 
Management reserves the right to add, modify, change or rescind the work assignments of different positions and to make reasonable accommodations so that qualified employees can perform the essential functions of the job.

• Assists in providing access to resources for those experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental illness;
• Utilizes a community resource guide to direct those in need to emergency and long-term social service needs;
• Participates in the day-to-day operations of assigned UPLIFT program;
• Organizes daily events and assists with implementation of assigned program activities;
• Fosters positive relationships with program participants, built upon trust, which motivates participants to participate in services in order to improve their quality of life;
• Advocates for those experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental illness;
• Acts as a division representative to local residents, governmental agencies, community groups, private businesses, and others concerning questions, problems, concerns, and activities in the provision of assigned UPLIFT program;
• Assists in maintaining records and files on all participants; updates emergency and other pertinent information on a regular and as needed basis;
• Focuses on identifying appropriate resource needs unique to each homeless individual.
• Promotes safety and renders first aid as required;
• Documents all incidents involving injury, behavioral problems, and/or any unusual events; communicates as appropriate to supervisor and others; maintains all related records;
• Participates in ensuring compliance with relevant health, safety, and licensing laws and guidelines; maintains and updates all records required by state and local regulatory agencies;
• Performs other duties as assigned. 

QUALIFICATIONS

Knowledge of:

• Principles, practices, methods, techniques, procedures, and service delivery needs related to the program area to which assigned. 
• Local resources for mental health, housing, domestic violence, etc., and the processes by which to access these resources.
• Mental health illness, addiction and issues faced by homeless individuals.
• Modern office practices, methods and computer equipment. 
• Computer applications related to the work. 
• English usage, grammar, spelling, vocabulary, and punctuation. 
• Techniques for providing a high level of customer service to public and City staff, in person and over the telephone.

Ability to: 

• Prepare flyers, reports and other related program materials. 
• Work effectively with people of varying racial, ethnic, cultural, educational and socio-economic backgrounds.
• Display appropriate, professional, healthy boundaries and exercise mature judgment and understanding of safety concerns.
• Respond to medical emergencies and injuries in a calm and effective manner, including providing basic first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation. 
• Prepare written narratives, correspondence, notices, newsletters, and reports in a clear and concise format. 
• Maintain and update a variety of files and records including confidential documentation. 
• Adapt well to changing priorities and challenging individuals.
• Understand and carry out both oral and written instructions in an independent and timely manner. 
• Organize own work, set priorities and meet critical time deadlines. 
• Maintain a non-judgmental attitude and a display of unconditional positive regard; is caring and compassionate.
• Operate modern office equipment including computer equipment and specialized software applications programs. 
• Use English effectively to communicate in person, over the telephone and in writing.
• Use tact, initiative, prudence and independent judgment within general policy, procedural and legal guidelines. 
• Establish and maintain effective working relationships with those contacted in the course of the work. 

Education and Experience: 
Any combination of training and experience that would provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain the required qualifications would be: 

• Work experience in social services, varied community outreach or related customer service experience which involves frequent public contact and/or
• Participation in similar programming through school or community programs and/or
• Volunteer service in a related field
• Experience working with those experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental illness is desirable.

License: 

• Valid California class C driver’s license with satisfactory driving record may be required.
• Must obtain First Aid & CPR certification within 12 weeks of hire.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must possess mobility to work in a standard office setting and use standard office equipment, including a computer; vision to read printed materials and a computer screen; and hearing and speech to communicate in person, and over the telephone. This job involves fieldwork requiring frequent walking, sometimes on uneven terrain. Finger dexterity is needed to access, enter and retrieve data using a telephone, computer keyboard, typewriter keyboard or calculator and to operate standard office equipment. Positions in this classification occasionally bend, stoop, kneel, and reach. Employees must possess the ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and objects necessary to perform job functions.

ENVIRONMENTAL ELEMENTS 
Employees work indoors and outdoors, and will be exposed to moderate to loud noise levels, cold and hot temperatures, and inclement weather conditions. Additionally, employees will be required to work in areas inhabited by homeless persons, which include exposures to unclean environments with potentially hazardous physical substances and fumes, and which may require interaction with challenging or upset individuals.

WORKING CONDITIONS 
May be required to work evenings, weekends and holidays.