Job Description

** _ Program Summary_**

** In partnership with the Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health through the Behavioral Health Bridge Housing (BHBH) Program, St. Joseph Center (SJC) will provide interim housing opportunities designed to meet the immediate needs of individuals experiencing homelessness who are living with behavioral health conditions and/or substance use disorders. The BHBH Program offers a safe, private, and secure environment where participants are empowered to stabilize, build self-sufficiency, and transition from homelessness to permanent housing.**

Under the supervision of the Operations Manager , the Safety Ambassador plays a vital role in maintaining a safe, respectful, and supportive environment for all residents, staff, and visitors at the BHBH shelter. This position focuses on de-escalation, engagement, and proactive safety monitoring, with a trauma-informed, client-centered approach. The Safety Ambassador is not a security guard, but a visible, approachable presence trained in conflict resolution.

** ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES**

Key Areas of Responsibility

Ensure Safety and Security:

• In partnership with care team, responsible for the care, welfare, safety, and security of participants during their stay.
• Monitor shelter grounds, entrances, communal areas, perimeter, and designated zones to ensure a calm and secure environment.
• Conduct regular walkthroughs and report hazards, maintenance needs, or safety concerns

Engagement and De-Escalation:

• Build a rapport with residents while maintaining appropriate professional boundaries.
• Use trauma-informed techniques to de-escalate conflicts or behavioral episodes.
• Intervene early and appropriately when behaviors pose a risk to self or others.

Support Shelter Operations:

• Monitor access control, greet and guide residents and guests, and ensure adherence to shelter rules.
• Work closely with clinical staff and case managers to support residents in crisis.
• Assist in emergency responses including evacuations, medical emergencies, or behavioral health incidents.
• Distribute clothing, linens, toiletries, and any other items supplied by the program as needed.
• Report any maintenance or janitorial needs to Operations team or Program Manager in a timely manner.
• Assist with Wellness checks as needed.

Documentation and Communication:

• • Complete incident reports and daily activity logs accurately and timely.
• Communicate safety concerns and resident issues to supervisors and other relevant team members.
• Document all client safety and health incidents according to agency protocols and with detailed and thorough understanding of the situation.
• Partner with Program staff by consistently implementing and following all program policies, procedures, and protocols.
• Must be able to handle confidential information and maintain client privacy, including protecting the confidentiality, safeguarding the integrity and availability, and limiting the use and disclosure of Protected Health Information (PHI) to authorized individuals and entities.

Crisis Intervention and Coordination:

• Assist in coordinating emergency services (e.g., 911, mobile crisis teams) as needed.
• Maintain professional and compassionate demeanor during stressful or volatile situations.Participate in shift change and debrief meetings with shelter staff

General:

• ** Assist with office-related tasks as needed**

• ** Attend all mandatory meetings, workshops, and trainings**

• ** Perform other general duties as needed** *

• Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned. The duties and responsibilities listed are designed to provide typical examples of the work performed; not all duties and responsibilities assigned are included here, nor is it expected that all similar positions will be assigned to every duty and responsibilities.

Qualifications

Qualifications:

Required:

• High school diploma or GED.
• Must have access to reliable transportation and maintain current automobile liability insurance
• 1–2 years’ experience in a related field (e.g., social services, behavioral health, security, peer support).
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to remain calm and compassionate under pressure.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and respond quickly across the facility.
• Must pass background check and any required clearances.
• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs., bend, stoop, and perform physical labor for extended periods.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.
• Ability to communicate effectively with English-speaking residents, read safety instructions, and complete incident reports.

Preferred:

• Training in de-escalation (e.g., CPI, MOAB, or similar).Experience working with individuals with mental illness, substance use, or trauma histories.Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, or other languages).
• Familiarity with harm reduction and Housing First models.

Computer Skills:

• Basic computer skills required, including the ability to check email, complete electronic logs, and use inventory or maintenance tracking systems.
• Ability to use widely supported internet browsers.
• Comfortable using desktops or laptop computers or tablets.

Certificates, Licenses and Registrations:

• None required

Travel Requirements:

• May require some travel between SJC sites

Working Conditions: **** The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate. In addition:

• Shelter environment that may include exposure to emotionally charged or unpredictable behavior.
• Overnight and weekend shifts required.
• Must be able to work both indoors and outdoors, in all weather conditions.

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 accommodation 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 carry up to 20 lbs.

Additional Information

Status: Full time/Exempt

Salary: DOE

Employment with St. Joseph Center is contingent on completion of satisfactory background check.

For consideration, please submit cover letter and resume. St. Joseph Center is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran. All applicants for employment are invited to voluntarily self-identify their gender, race, ethnicity, and veteran status, by completing the EEO Information. Providing your EEO Information is voluntary and refusal to self-identify will not subject applicants to any adverse treatment. Similarly, applicants who do self-identify will not be subject to any adverse treatment based on the information they provide.

St. Joseph center invites you to review the current "EEO is The Law" poster as part of the application process. A link to the current poster is located here.

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf