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.
