At Episcopal Community Services (ECS), employees work with participants who may be experiencing homelessness, behavioral health conditions, substance use challenges, and other difficult life circumstances. While this work is meaningful and mission-driven, it can at times be stressful, demanding, or unpredictable. Employees are expected to exercise sound judgment, remain aware of their surroundings, follow established safety, communication, and de-escalation procedures, participate in all required trainings, and promptly report incidents, threats, injuries, or unsafe conditions, in accordance with ECS policies and procedures.
This position is a fully onsite, client-facing role that requires in-person interaction and direct service delivery to participants at ECS program locations. Due to the essential nature of the duties and the need for consistent in-person engagement with clients, remote work or work-from-home arrangements are not available for this position.
PRIMARY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES OF PROBLEM SOLVING SPECIALISTS:
To remove barriers to access, the Problem Solving Specialist team will serve single adults experiencing homelessness throughout San Francisco including, for example, streets, county jail, or shelters. Problem Solving Specialists primarily operate out of ECS Access Points, but may also spend a majority of their day in the field providing services for people experiencing homelessness who cannot travel to an Access Point.
As a result of ECS continuing to collaborate with the Department of Homelessness and Supportive Housing and other external stakeholders in launching this project, this job description may change both prior to hire, and after, as we continue to implement the best approach and services.
Screen and assess single adults experiencing homelessness using standardized tools, prioritization and referral protocols integrated into the ONE system.
Using a collaborative, client-centric, trauma-informed approach, services techniques (such as mediation), and short-term assistance, support single adults in avoiding entry to shelter or the experience of street homelessness by identifying creative solutions to exiting homelessness.
Analyze information, problems, situations, and practices/procedures in order to define any barriers to a Problem Solving resolution.
Engage participants in problem solving dialogue to assess for additional resources available within the participants own network.
Recognizing each service seekers unique situation, support individuals to look for creative solutions that can be quickly implemented.
Provide crisis intervention assistance as needed.
Based on the information collected during the assessment process and using the ONE System and ECS protocol, make authorized, prioritized referrals into housing programs and ECS Housing Navigation services.
Conduct immediate and longer-term follow up to ascertain the effectiveness of Problem Solving activities.
Track and report progress and services for each client receiving Problem Solving assistance and the project as a whole.
Keep accurate records and charts, enter required data in ONE System.
Provide professional, accessible and culturally relevant support, advocacy and information to program participants.
Work within and promote the integrated services team model in an environment dedicated to harm reduction, recovery and wellness.
Serve as liaison to community-based and governmental service partners as requested.
Participate in staff training, staff meetings, and development activities as directed.
Engage effectively and constructively with the Manager of Problem Solving Services to make program refinements in the best interests of service users
Participate in ensuring confidentiality of participant information as legally required.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
REQUIREMENTS:
Masters or Bachelors Degree in psychology, counseling social work, or related field a plus OR at least 3 years experience closely related to the job description.
Substantial or demonstrated knowledge/experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations.
A strong knowledge of issues confronted by and sensitivity to adults with substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health issues, history of trauma and co-occurring-diagnoses.
Demonstrated respect for, experience with, and willingness to work with a diverse client population.
Deep knowledge and understanding of the resources available to homeless and low-income residents of San Francisco.
Exceptional verbal and written communication.
Demonstrates the necessary attitudes, knowledge, and skills to deliver culturally competent services and work effectively in cross-cultural situations.
Professional and discreet demeanor with good interpersonal skills. Ability to handle confidential information and use of tact, respect, discretion and judgement.
Organize material, information, and/or clients needs in a systematic way to optimize efficiency and minimize harm or duplication of efforts.
Collaborative work style, demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively as an individual and part of a team for successful outcomes.
Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office software is required. Knowledge of the ONE System preferred.
Commitment to ECSs mission and to its organizational values.
Ability to be flexible and adapt to changes as our Coordinated Entry activities respond to lessons learned and emerging needs.
OTHER:
Must secure finger image screening and annual TB screening. Must be able to meet physical requirements of the position which may include long periods at a desk and/or computer workstation, daily travel to various sites, and lifting of up to 25 lbs.
Mission Essential
- Demonstrate behavior that supports the organization’s mission, vision, and values.
- Adhere to all program, funder, and organizational policies, and procedures.
- Communicate effectively and model integrity, fairness, and ethical business practices.
ECS offers industry leading healthcare benefits to support your
physical and mental well-being.
ECS will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records as consistent with San Francisco's Fair Chance Ordinance.
ECS values a workplace where every individual is respected, supported, and given equal opportunity to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer dedicated to creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for all.
Skills Required
- Master's or Bachelor's degree in psychology, counseling, social work, or related field OR at least 3 years closely related experience
- Demonstrated experience working with individuals in crisis or unstable housing situations
- Knowledge of issues including substance abuse, domestic violence, HIV/AIDS, mental health, trauma, and co-occurring diagnoses
- Experience working respectfully with diverse client populations and delivering culturally competent services
- Deep knowledge of resources available to homeless and low-income residents of San Francisco
- Exceptional verbal and written communication skills
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional discretion
- Organizational skills to manage client information and referrals systematically
- Collaborative work style and ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office
- Knowledge of the ONE System
- Must secure finger image screening and annual TB screening; meet physical requirements including travel and lifting up to 25 lbs
What We Do
Episcopal Community Services provides approximately $45 million in health and human services in the areas of homelessness, mental health, poverty, addiction, and early childhood education, impacting more than 10,500 individuals and families annually. Operating under its mission to break barriers and transform communities, ECS inspires children and empowers adults by providing vital, high-quality social services that encourage healthy interdependence.
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