11-145 - Peer Intake Coordinator - SC/ OC Placentia Shelter

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

Position Summary

The Peer Intake Coordinator (PIN) is responsible for providing intake services and being the main point of contact for the first 30-45 days for each new guest. The PIN will facilitate a warm welcome to the shelter, will verify referral information from referring agency, provide a tour to new guest, conduct an intake assessment, review site guidelines and expectations for living at the shelter and will provide an on-site services overview. They ensure data accuracy and enter intake information and documentation into internal guest database and HMIS (Homeless Management Information System). They will be supervised and work closely with the shelter Supervisor to ensure the move in of new guests is a seamless transition from homelessness to the shelter.

The Peer Intake Navigator must fully embrace the ministry and mission of The Salvation Army, accept its Christian principles and values, and protect and enhance the image of The Salvation Army to the public.

Essential Functions

• Serve as the first point of contact for new guest referrals or inquiries about referrals.
• Conduct phone screenings with referring agencies.
• Cross-reference the indefinite exit list.
• Schedule intake times and days.
• Review referral information.
• Greet new guests upon arrival on-site and place their items in the bug zapper.
• Provide a warm welcome and tour of the facility.
• Create a safe and inviting space for the guest to engage in the intake process. This includes:
• Reviewing program guidelines and expectations.
• Obtaining Release of Information (ROI) for agencies the guest is linked to.
• Conducting a homelessness assessment.
• Reviewing shelter information for living in a communal space, including details about showers, bathrooms, laundry, meals, shuttle times, mail, bikes, pets, vehicles, couples spaces, and programming services.
• Provide move-in kits, including hygiene and linen items.
• Assign and show bed space.
• Conduct New Guest Orientations.

Guest specific services

• Assist with acquiring an ID, social and birth certificate
• Meet with each guest at least once weekly for first 30-45 days to provide light tough case management
• Assist guest with referral and resources for individual needs
• Serve as the main point of contact until assigned a housing case manager

Data Entry

• Input guest data in HMIS/CES, Wellsky and CalOptima database
• Maintain outreach grid database
• Add guest info to bed roster, case management logs and other internal logs
• After 30-45 days, assign guest to housing case manager
• Weekly/Monthly reporting

Miscellaneous Duties

• Participate in all staff meetings.
• Attend guest meetings and huddles as needed.
• Engage in professional development trainings.
• Join Homeless Service staff meetings and trainings.
• Attend Social Service and Community meetings, such as CES weekly match meetings.
• Maintain a positive working relationship with all TSA staff and external community partners.
• Perform other duties as directed.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend, squat, climb, kneel and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as files, file cabinet drawers, and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer, fax, and telephone. Ability to lift up to 40 lbs.

Minimum Qualifications

• By virtue of its direct contact with, and representation to people who engage in Salvation Army programs, people who demonstrate an understanding of The Salvation Army's Christian mission are required for this position.
• AA, BA, or equivalent degree (preferred).
• 1 year working with homeless, addictions, or mental illness populations.
• 2 years of HMIS experience (preferred).
• Excellent interpersonal and professional communication skills to deal with guests, co-workers/volunteers, management, and community members.
• Must be in good physical health and mental health, capable of meeting position demands.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Driving Test and clean MVR check.
• Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively and remain positively engaged with co-workers, community members, and guests.
• Able to function in a fast-paced, frequently changing environment and be adaptable.
• Ability to work under pressure and handle multiple tasks with minimal supervision.
• The ability to relate positively and effectively with individuals in crisis.
• Must have flexible availability.
• Must possess effective time management skills.
• Must be able to prioritize intakes and meet expectations.
• Must model professionalism and time management skills.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Computer literate; effectively use computerized database for guest file management, with basic skills in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email.
• Ability to type 45 WPM.

Associates (preferred)

Computer literate; effectively use computerized database for guest file management, with basic skills in Microsoft Office: Microsoft Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook email. (preferred)
Bilingual/Bi-literate English/Spanish preferred. (preferred)
2 years of HMIS experience (preferred). (preferred)
1 year working with homeless, addictions, or mental illness populations. (required)

Driver's License (required)