Drop In Center Specialist (Level 1)
SUMMARY
HIPS Center for Health and Achievement houses our Drop-In Center, which offers groups, showers, laundry, medical services, syringe exchange, HIV Services, and support & referrals services for individuals involved in street economies. The Drop In Center Specialist is
responsible for providing immediate support and basic services to individuals who visit the drop-in center, which includes offering a safe space, basic necessities like food and hygiene items, access to information about community resources, and facilitating connections to further support services, all while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment; duties involve intake assessments, crisis intervention, basic needs distribution, and linking clients to appropriate social service agencies depending on the specific needs of the client. An ideal candidate will have great communication skills and a commitment to helping create an environment at HIPS to help our clients and staff succeed.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Client intake and assessment:
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full time hourly position with benefits. Position is for 12 months, with the opportunity for an extended contract based on available funding. In-person position located in Washington DC. Some minimal lifting, physical activity, walking up stairs and sitting required. Evening and weekend hours required.
Reports to: Drop In Center Manager
Salary: $51,000 + Benefits
HIPS Center for Health and Achievement houses our Drop-In Center, which offers groups, showers, laundry, medical services, syringe exchange, HIV Services, and support & referrals services for individuals involved in street economies. The Drop In Center Specialist is
responsible for providing immediate support and basic services to individuals who visit the drop-in center, which includes offering a safe space, basic necessities like food and hygiene items, access to information about community resources, and facilitating connections to further support services, all while maintaining a welcoming and supportive environment; duties involve intake assessments, crisis intervention, basic needs distribution, and linking clients to appropriate social service agencies depending on the specific needs of the client. An ideal candidate will have great communication skills and a commitment to helping create an environment at HIPS to help our clients and staff succeed.
PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITIES
Client intake and assessment:
- Conducting initial evaluations of individuals coming to the center to identify their needs and eligibility for services.
- Providing basic needs support:
- Distributing food, clothing, hygiene items, and other essential supplies as needed.
- Maintaining a safe and supportive environment:
- Monitoring activities in the center, addressing conflicts, and ensuring the well-being of all visitors.
- Assisting clients in accessing community resources like housing assistance, healthcare, job training, and mental health services by providing referrals and connecting them with appropriate agencies.
- Responding to immediate crisis situations and providing emotional support to individuals in distress.
- Leading group activities and workshops focused on life skills development, coping mechanisms, or other relevant topics.
- Maintaining client records, tracking progress, and following up with individuals after their visit to ensure continued support.
- Engaging with local organizations and community members to promote the drop-in center services and identify potential clients.
- Maintaining accurate records of client interactions and service utilization for program evaluation purposes.
REQUIRED SKILLS AND QUALIFICATIONS
- Strong interpersonal skills and ability to build rapport with diverse individuals from various backgrounds
- Excellent communication and active listening skills
- Understanding of social issues and challenges faced by vulnerable populations
- Knowledge of local community resources and referral networks
- Crisis intervention skills and ability to handle emergency situations effectively
- Ability to work independently and as part of a team
- Commitment to client confidentiality and ethical practices
WORKING CONDITIONS
This is a full time hourly position with benefits. Position is for 12 months, with the opportunity for an extended contract based on available funding. In-person position located in Washington DC. Some minimal lifting, physical activity, walking up stairs and sitting required. Evening and weekend hours required.
Reports to: Drop In Center Manager
Salary: $51,000 + Benefits
HIPS Benefits
Full Time Employees
HIPS comprehensive benefits package includes: 100% employer sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life plans as well as accrued paid time off that begins accruing on your first day at HIPS. Paid bereavement time issued annually. Access to a health flexible spending account, ancillary benefits like hospital, accident, critical illness, and prepaid legal insurance, discounted HIPS swag, and access to HIPS employee assistance program. After one year of service, full time employees may participate in HIPS 401k retirement plan.
HIPS comprehensive benefits package includes: 100% employer sponsored medical, dental, vision, and life plans as well as accrued paid time off that begins accruing on your first day at HIPS. Paid bereavement time issued annually. Access to a health flexible spending account, ancillary benefits like hospital, accident, critical illness, and prepaid legal insurance, discounted HIPS swag, and access to HIPS employee assistance program. After one year of service, full time employees may participate in HIPS 401k retirement plan.
Ready to Apply?
Application Checklist:
- Updated Resume in PDF Format
- Cover Letter in PDF Format
- Email Subject: [Position] Application - [Last Name, First Name]
Equal Employment Opportunity Policy
It is the policy of HIPS to provide equal opportunity of employment for all qualified persons. HIPS complies with all applicable laws governing fair employment practices. Employment decisions are made without regard to race, creed, color, disability, sex, gender, gender identity, age, national origin, religion, sexual orientation or any other factor made unlawful by applicable federal, state or local laws. Employment opportunities shall be open to all qualified applicants, and employment decisions shall be made on the basis of a person’s performance, education, experience, skill, potential and other job related factors. HIPS will take affirmative action to ensure that the EEO Policy is implemented, with particular regard to: advertising, application procedures, compensation, demotion, employment, fringe benefits, job assignment, job classification, layoff, leave, promotion, recruitment, rehire, social activities, training, termination, transfer, upgrade, and working conditions. HIPS will continue to make it understood by the employment entities with which it deals, and in employment opportunity announcements that the foregoing is company policy and all employment decisions are based on individual merit only. All current employees of HIPS are requested to encourage qualified disabled persons, sex workers, drug users and transgender individuals, minorities, special disabled veterans, and Vietnam Era veterans to apply for employment, on the job training or for union accommodations for qualified disabled individuals. It is the policy of HIPS that all company activities, facilities, and job sites are nonsegregated. Separate or single-user toilet and changing facilities are provided to assure privacy. It is the policy of HIPS to ensure and maintain a working environment free of coercion, harassment, and intimidation at all job sites, and in all facilities at which employees are assigned to work.