Intake and Assessment Specialist

JOB ANNOUNCEMENT

Sacred Heart Community Service, located in San José, CA, is looking for a Full-Time, Non-Exempt, Intake  and Assessment Specialist in the Family Assistance Department to support families at-risk of  homelessness through financial assistance, connections to resources, and support in the community.  This individual must be highly organized, possess an ability to work flexibly and creatively, and have a  passion for our mission – to change lives and impact poverty. For more than 58 years, SHCS has been  one of the leading institutions addressing poverty in Santa Clara County through a strategy that  combines addressing the consequences of poverty through impactful programs while building power  with people t push for systemic change.

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Intake and Assessment Specialist conducts eligibility screenings and assessments with families at-risk of homelessness. SHCS’s Family Assistance department provides direct financial assistance and supportive services to stabilize households under financial distress and prevent homelessness. The Intake and Assessment Specialist is the first point of contact for families seeking assistance. In a busy environment, the Specialist meets with families to collect information, fill out the required paperwork, and conduct assessments to assess the household’s risk of becoming homeless. The Specialist evaluates the household’s eligibility for assistance and provides information and referral to other resources in the community. The Intake and Assessment Specialist is a member of the Family Assistance team and reports to the Family Assistance Manager.

RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

Intake and Assessment (75-85%)

• Meets with at-risk families to conduct assessments, screen for eligibility, and provide information and referrals
• Conducts assessments and accompanying releases of information and HMIS intake paperwork
• Reviews and requests eligibility documentation based on funding source
• Reviews household budgets, including all sources of income and expenses, to assess the family’s financial situation
• Assists members on-site with obtaining eligibility documentation and answering questions pertaining to services
• Connects families to other opportunities and resources at SHCS, including essential services, self-sufficiency programs, and opportunities to volunteer and participate in organizing committees
• Provides information and referrals to internal and external resources

Administrative (10-15%)

• Completes all required assessment and intake paperwork with families.
• Enters releases of information, intakes, and assessments into the Clarity HMIS software.
• Enters client and housing assistance data into spreadsheets and Salesforce database.

Team Support and Leadership (5-10%)

• Engages and develops program volunteers, including training, supervising, and supporting volunteers and interns.
• Works collaboratively with the Family Assistance Team to ensure appropriate coverage of all team responsibilities, including providing backup support for other program activities.
• Supports the planning and implementation of agency-wide programs, events, and outreach efforts.
• Attends staff meetings, retreats, and other team and agency events.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

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REQUIRED:**

Proof of full vaccination against COVID-19.

REQUIRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Strong commitment to our vision of a community united to ensure that every child and adult is free from poverty.
• Bilingual and biliterate in English and Spanish required. Proficiently speak and write in another language, preferably Spanish or Vietnamese.
• Bachelor’s degree in social work, public health, or related field or equivalent experience.
• One or more years of demonstrated success working with volunteers or interns.
• Communication: Outstanding customer service skills. Excellent public speaking, writing, and communication skills. Strong communication skills, including delivering difficult messages with compassion and communicating respectfully with families in stressful situations.
• Attitude: Flexible, compassionate, and supportive attitude. Ability to thrive in a flexible, fast-paced environment while maintaining a positive, solution-oriented approach.
• Cultural competency: Experience with providing culturally competent support, linkages to community resources, and leadership development. Treat all students, volunteers, and staff with dignity, compassion, and respect while adhering to program rules and procedures. Sensitivity to issues surrounding households experiencing homelessness, substance use, mental illness, or disabilities.
• Supervision: Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment and to work independently with limited supervision when necessary. Ability to work in a team and follow directions.
• Technical skills: Computer skills including proficiency in MS Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Google Suite and ability to quickly learn and develop proficiency with tracking database systems. Computer literacy with proficiency in MS Word, Excel, and PowerPoint required.
• Ability to work one weekend day during the Holiday months of November or December.
• Available to maintain a regular schedule of Monday – Friday, 8 am – 5
• The position requires computer use for 6-8 hours per day. Reasonable accommodations can be made to enable individuals with differing abilities to perform the essential functions.
• Must complete a DMV and a background check and qualify to be insured under SHCS driving policy.
• Proof of full Covid-19 vaccination

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

• Two years of experience working in outreach, shelter, or supportive housing programs for homeless or at-risk households.
• Experience working with landlords, local rental markets, or Housing First focused non-profits.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIP:

The Intake and Assessment Specialist reports to the Family Assistance Manager.

COMPENSATION:

This is a non-exempt, hourly position at $25/hour. Excellent benefits include fully paid medical insurance  for employees and majority paid medical insurance for qualified dependents, dental insurance, vision  insurance, 12 paid holidays, 10 paid sick days per year, paid vacation starting at 10 days per year, additional wellness benefits, basic life and long-term disability insurance, professional development and more.

Sacred Heart Community Service is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Workplace and an Affirmative  Action Employer. SHCS is committed to building a team of people of diverse ethnic, cultural, and  experiential backgrounds. We especially encourage members of historically underrepresented and  marginalized communities, people of color, women, people living with disabilities, veterans, and  LGBTQ+ people to apply. It is the policy of Sacred Heart Community Service to prohibit discrimination  and harassment of any type and to afford equal employment opportunities to employees and  applicants, without regard to race, color, ethnicity, ancestry, religion, age, sex, gender, sexual  orientation, gender identity/expression, pregnancy, medical condition or genetic information, veteran  status, national origin, disability, marital or other protected status. SHCS will conform to the spirit, as  well as the letter of all applicable laws and regulations.

This position is represented by Service Employees International Union (SEIU), Local 521.