The Center for Urban Community Services, (CUCS), is proud to announce that it will be opening a co-located Drop-in Center and Safe Haven in lower Manhattan in Fall 2020. The program will provide case management and housing placement services to 70 to 90 people at the Drop-In Center and 24 people at the Safe Haven. For more information about the programs please see attached program announcement. We are currently hiring Overnight Safety Specialists for both the Drop In Center and the Safe Haven. These are 24 hour programs and the Safety Specialist shifts are as follows:
Tuesday through Saturday 12-8 shift
Sunday through Thursday 12-8 shift
Sunday through Thursday 4-12
Responsibilities:
Security:
The Safety Specialist is responsible for ensuring the overall security of the site and access control. Safety Specialists are responsible for viewing camera footage as well as performing foot patrol frequently, throughout the building. During these foot patrols, staff will engage clients and maintain an active, supportive presence. Safety Specialists will be trained to proactively intervene in client conflicts using verbal de-escalation skills and will be trained in responsible physical restraint methods to be used when necessary.
Client engagement:
Safety Specialist staff members are responsible for ongoing engagement and outreach to clients of the Drop In Center and Safe Haven, including initial intake interviews for service recipients who wish to access services from the Drop In Center. Entering contact notes into the client data base for services provided, such as outreach for appointments within the center, provision of supplies, and general support to clients wishing to receive services but not yet on caseload, is required. Written communication with the clinical team via the program log and verbal communication/collaboration regarding pertinent client information is a daily expectation. Training will be provided to ensure that all staff are skilled in working with the chronically street homeless population; many of whom also present with co-occurring substance use and mental health diagnoses. Training specific to best practices in de-escalation and crisis intervention will also be provided. Transporting DIC clients to respite bed sites on a daily basis is an additional responsibility for the evening and overnight shifts.